Conservation Division Director, Eastern Crew Program

American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a dynamic non-profit organization dedicated to providing rewarding environmental service opportunities to over 1,500 members (youth and young adults) each year, and does so with a skilled staff of approximately 150 employees across the U.S. ACE's Conservation Crew program has a national reputation for providing young adults (ages 18-35) with hands-on, field-based professional development opportunities serving on professionally supervised teams as they explore future outdoor careers, learn practical field skills, and develop confidence as emerging leaders in the field of conservation. Working alongside staff from the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and many other public land agencies, ACE crew members gain invaluable career perspectives and mentorship in a variety of areas and accomplish diverse conservation projects ranging from trails, fuels management, forestry, habitat restoration, historic preservation and beyond.

Job Title: Division Director, Eastern Region

Location: Fletcher, North Carolina (Asheville Area)

Department/Division: CREW, Eastern Division

Status: Regular Full-Time, Salaried (Exempt)

Schedule/Hours: ​​Full-time, 40 hours/weeks with additional hours as needed. Typical work hours of 8:30am-5:00pm (Monday- Friday) local time with some adjustment expected to accommodate specific projects and program needs. Some evening and weekend hours may be occasionally required.

Reports To: National Director of Crew Programs

Travel: Yes, significant regional travel required

Desired Start Date: May 2022

Position Summary:

ACE's Eastern Crew Region program operates year-round with young adult volunteer AmeriCorps crews completing trail, ecological restoration, historic preservation and conservation field projects throughout the Eastern Region of the US, from the ancient forests of the Appalachian Mountains to the barrier islands on Atlantic Coast and all other aspiring landscapes of the Eastern United States!

As the Eastern Crew Program Division Director, you will oversee the overall management and leadership of the regional crew program and are responsible for soliciting, planning, and coordinating conservation and environmental restoration projects, developing and managing program budgets, overseeing the recruitment of division's members, and hiring and supervising program staff members over a large geographic area of the Eastern United States. The project range includes Puerto Rico and the ability to speak Spanish is preferred but not required. As the Division Director you will demonstrate a deep commitment to ACE's unique mission that leverages public service for youth career development and volunteerism.

Key Attributes:

• A love of learning and leadership development.
• A belief that leadership begins with listening.
• An inclusive, collaborative and inspiring leader.
• A passion for building and leading creative teams, both direct reports and non-direct reports.
• Experience in strategic planning and managing multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated commitment to building a diverse and inclusive staff and culture at all levels.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage and hold accountable the ACE Division team, consistent with the ACE vision, strategy, goals and standards.
• Develops program strategy, plans, goals and targets in collaboration with ACE Senior and Executive Leadership.
• Administer and ensure compliance with grants and partner agreements.
• Solicits, plans, schedules, develops, coordinates and tracks conservation/environmental restoration projects; maintains professional communications and relations with agency project partners.
• Negotiates contracts for work projects and assures compliance.
• Oversees the recruitment of program staff and members.
• Develops and monitors program budget.
• Oversees purchase and maintenance of tools, transportation, food, and lodging required to perform field operations within contract parameters.
• Oversees management of tools, vehicle and equipment inventories.
• Oversees preparation and maintenance of records and reports.
• Supports the National Director For Facilities to ensure the Division has the necessary facilities and required maintenance.
• Assists in the development and implementation of policies and procedures for staff.
• Assists in the development and implementation of safety and field skills programs.
• Oversees timely invoicing of projects.
• Oversees preparation of payroll.
• Oversees OSHA compliance, including appropriate record keeping
• Adhere to ACE safety policies and procedures; Reports any unsafe or harmful conditions, incidents and/or accidents immediately.
• Foster a culture and environment that positions ACE for success and ensures that ACE is the program of choice for partners, members and staff.
• Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by ACE.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in resource management, forestry, environmental sciences, geo sciences or related field, and five years of experience working in conservation and/or environmental restoration projects, including three years of direct supervisory experience; OR any combination of education, training, and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position at the discretion of the National Director.
• Ability to work remotely and independently with minimal supervision
• Experience learning new systems quickly, with the ability to train others on their use.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Knowledge of the methods, materials, tools, and techniques used in conservation/environmental restoration operations
• Understanding of the laws, regulations, rules, and policies governing field operations and program management
• Knowledge of Federal Uniform Guidance for grants and agreements
• Understand the principles of young adult development
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of effective supervision and leadership
• Ability to plan, supervise, schedule, oversee, and evaluate multiple, concurrent field operations
• Ability to analyze and resolve complex customer service and safety issues
• Ability to prepare and maintain records and reports
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Ability to understand and follow ACE systems and processes including supervisor key responsibilities
• Proven ability to professionally manage confidential material
• Proven ability to track details and organize
• Ability and motivation to perform multiple and variable tasks concurrently
• Professional verbal and written communication skills
• Strong time management skills
• Proven ability to work independently and be a positive, contributing member of a group
• Computer competency with experience using a variety of software and database systems, preferably Microsoft Office Suite and the entire Google platform
• Ability to work varying shifts, outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions;
• Ability to plan, supervise, schedule, oversee, and evaluate multiple, concurrent field operations
• Ability to adapt to surrounding work environment with conditions that can change frequently
• Willingness to travel locally/regionally, work occasional weekends and attend community events.
• Strong skills in leadership, interpersonal communication, organization, management, conflict resolution and motivating others.

Other Requirements:

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Valid driver's license and an insurable driving record
• Proficient in English
• Ability to pass a federal criminal background check
• Willing to abide by ACE Policy and Federal Drug Free workplace policies and laws. ACE reserves the right to drug test at any time
• All ACE members and staff must verify that they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by the time they start their term/position or request a medical or religious exemption.

Individuals who identify with groups typically under-represented in the conservation industry, including women, non-binary individuals, LGBTQ individuals, and people of color are particularly encouraged to apply.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• ●Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talks and hears. Manual dexterity required for use of hand and power tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 25 lbs., ability to move up to 60 lbs.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise.
• Travel: This position requires domestic travel up to 50%.

Compensation: Starting annualized salary range of $64,000 - $76,000 (40 hours/week for 52-weeks).

Medical/Health Benefits: ACE offers competitive medical and ancillary plans (health, mental health, dental, vision and other supplemental benefits). ACE Staff members are also eligible to participate in ACE's 403b retirement plan with a 1% employer contribution.

Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time: As an ACE staff member, you will be eligible to accrue up to 80 hours of paid vacation time annually during your first two years of continuous employment, then it increases to 120 hours annually. ACE observes 13 paid annual holidays (floating holiday flexibility). Additionally, ACE full-time regular employees also receive paid additional holiday time for any normal work days that fall between the observed Christmas Day and New Years Day holidays. ACE provides 10 days (or 80 hours) of paid sick time annually.

Additional Benefits: Outdoor Perks - As an ACE staff member, you will be eligible to receive pro deals which include deep discounts on outdoor gear providing 30 - 50% off retail prices on 100s of established outdoor gear brands.

To Apply: Please submit a resume, one-page cover letter and contact for three professional/academic references to the application link. Qualified applicants may be contacted by email to arrange an interview. Applicants must follow all application instructions in order to be considered for this opportunity. This position may close at any time.

American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Learn More About American Conservation Experience (ACE)!

Current Openings for Conservation Division Director, Eastern Crew Program Jobs at American Conservation Experience - Staff