ACE SW - Restoration Project Manager

American Conservation Experience (ACE) is seeking a Restoration Project Manager with extensive background working with Conservation Corps or leading and accomplishing field restoration projects. Qualified candidates will have the ability to handle concurrent operations in a fast-paced environment, the determination to encourage and enforce compliance with all elements of ACE's safety policies, and the skills to train and develop ACE's crew leaders and corps members.

The Restoration Project Manager will insure that restoration field work is being conducted in a safe, professional and efficient manner. The position will work throughout the southwest (AZ, NM, TX) where ACE restoration projects are being implemented. This position is a field based position that will spend 70% of work time working and supporting restoration crews in the field and 30% of work time working with the ACE staff in preparing for restoration projects. The Restoration Program Manager will report directly to the Southwest Director and work directly with branch staff and the National Restoration Program Manager.

ACE is a national, non-profit conservation organization dedicated to providing professionally supervised restoration youth crews to undertake critical natural resource management projects for federal, state, and local land management agencies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Directly work with and mentor ACE crew leaders and crew members in the field and during trainings.
• Conduct pre-project site visits on restoration projects
• Work directly with Southwest team to prepare crews for restoration projects.
• Assist National Restoration Program Manager in training ACE field staff, corps members, and interns in the use of chainsaws, herbicide handling, crosscuts, brushcutters, chippers, axes, and any other equipment related to restoration projects.
• Acquire a Pesticide Applicator License in Southwest states.
• Perform field visits and provide support on restoration projects to ensure safety and quality control while holding ACE field staff and corps members to ACE's high standards at all times.
• Train Crew Leaders and members in the maintenance and upkeep of all chainsaws, crosscuts, brushcutters, and other equipment relevant to restoration projects while keeping ACE shops tidy and above OSHA standards.
• Guide Crew Leaders in reporting tool logs, herbicide, and GPS data to National Restoration
• Work with crews during de-rig and de-brief crew leaders after each hitch.
• Write Project Reports within the deadline.

Additional Responsibilities:

• May be required to act as a spot filler for sick or injured crew members.
• May be required to act as a crew leader and lead crews in the absence of a crew leader.
• As project /time permits, assists in the following responsibilities:
  • Assist in crew orientation and maintenance and field-related equipment.
  • Assist with restoration trainings at other branches.

Qualifications:

• Ability to travel frequently and as often as needed.
• Must have the ability to acquire and maintain a WFA certification.
• Must have the ability to acquire and maintain Pesticide Applicator License in Southwest States.
• Must have the ability to acquire and maintain a "Herbicide Handlers Train-the-Trainer" certification.
• Over 1 year of teaching and training experience, proving the ability to lead a conservation crew in a safe and professional manner.
• Must have the ability to acquire and maintain at least a B-faller equivalent of chainsaw and crosscut operating experience.
• Basic skills in the maintenance and repair of chainsaws, brushcutters, pole saws, pesticide sprayers, and any other equipment relevant to restoration projects.
• Considerable knowledge of safety procedures as applied to field operations.
• Ability to analyze and resolve complex safety issues.
• Applicable working knowledge of young adult development, team-building and motivational techniques.
• Ability to adapt to surrounding work environment and conditions that can change frequently.
• Able to perform a wide variety of heavy manual labor for extended periods of time, and often under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with ACE staff, corps members, partner agency staff, and the general public.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Willingness to learn and develop personally.
• Strong leadership, management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate tactfully and professionally.

Other Requirements:

• This position is available to US Citizens and Green Card holders only.
• Upon hire, all Members must consent to a heightened Criminal History Check. Their service with ACE will be considered probationary until all results are returned and have been reviewed.
• ACE maintains a zero-tolerance policy for drugs. Alcohol use is strictly prohibited on ACE projects and on ACE property. Any evidence of drug use or violating ACE's alcohol policy will result in immediate release from the program.

Start Date: June 1, 2017

Length of Term: We are seeking a dedicated, career-oriented candidate to help ACE develop and manage the restoration program. 2-year commitment following an initial 6-month probationary period.

Compensation: Salaried position - $36,400.00 annual. Benefit package to start after six months, including health insurance, dental insurance, vacation and sick leave accrual.

To Apply: Please send your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to ACE's National Restoration Program Manager, Afton McKusick (amckusick@usaconservation.org). Qualified individuals with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals and conduct all activities in fully accessible settings.

Current Openings for ACE SW Restoration Project Manager Jobs at American Conservation Experience - Staff