Description

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, is seeking Two Natural Resource Members to contribute to Natural Resources Team (Noxious Weed/Botany/Threatened&Endangered Species) Programs alongside Bureau of Land Management Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: 4/6/2026 (contingent upon passing a government background check)

Estimated End Date: 10/02/2026

*a 26-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Coos Bay District, OR 

The BLM office is located in North Bend, Oregon. The Coos Bay District includes a wide variety of habitats such as, shady old growth forests, sand dunes, and coastal meadows. Recreation sites are scattered throughout the district and include the Coos Bay North Spit, Bastendorff Beach, New River, Loon Lake, Sixes, Edson and other campgrounds that lie between the Pacific Ocean and crest of the Coast Range from approximately Reedsport to the Oregon-California border.

For more information about Coos Bay District, please visit the BLM website.

Position Overview:

The Plover Outreach Member will interact with and educate the public about the rules and regulations on the North Spit. In addition to the aforementioned duties, workload consists of recording recreation violations, and conducting public education and outreach about the Western Snowy Plover and the North Spit. The Outreach Member will collaborate and communicate with wildlife biologists and law enforcement staff about activities recorded on the North Spit. Additional opportunities to plan interpretive, environmental education programs and presentations about the Western Snowy Plover are possible with a motivated Member.

Weed Management Duties (~50%):

The Member will conduct surveys, collect data, control invasive plants, and manage survey data. 
The Member will have the opportunity to assist the Northwest Youth Crew in manual control projects in a variety of habitats with an emphasis on recreation areas where visitors inadvertently introduce or spread invasive plants. 
While assisting with weed management, the Member will be required to walk long distances, while carrying up to 45 pounds. 

Botany Duties (~5%): 

Members will assist District Botanists with rare plant monitoring, rare plant vegetation management and seed collections in a variety of coastal habitats. 

Hinsdale Garden Duties (~10%): 

Primary duties at the garden will include learning about various pruning techniques, learning how to install and maintain water systems and weeding. 
The Member will take photographs of the garden plants and add information to the database. 
In addition, the Member will help create and promote public information materials for the garden, work on existing trails, and help the Friends Group with public tours of the garden. 

Snowy Plover Wildlife Duties (~35%):

The Member will monitor the North Spit sand roads by vehicle, UTV, and on foot, and monitor recreation activities while informing the public about the Western Snowy Plover seasonal restrictions.
The Member will also assist in placing boundary ropes and signs around the seasonally closed nesting habitat in the spring, and maintaining them throughout the season.
In addition, the Member will interact with and educate the public about the rules and regulations on the North Spit.
The Member will collaborate and communicate with wildlife biologists and law enforcement staff about activities recorded on the North Spit. 
Additional opportunities to plan interpretive, environmental education programs and presentations about the Western Snowy Plover are possible with a motivated Member.

The Member will wear appropriate personal protection equipment while in work status. This position may be exposed to a variety of seasonal weather conditions while working outdoors and requires frequent interactions with the public.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: The member will generally serve Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend service as needed. Typical service days will range from 8 to 10 hours, averaging about 40 hours per week. During a standard week, the member can expect to spend one day at Hinsdale Gardens, two days conducting plover monitoring, and one day working in rare plant habitats. Specific days and hours may vary throughout the position, so flexibility is essential.

Requirements

Required:

Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas. 
Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. 
Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.
Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation. 
Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.
BLM Requirements: 

Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals. The member must also demonstrate effective communication skills with the public of all ages and backgrounds in varying social situations.
Interest in a career in Natural Resources and Natural Resources Management.
Experience with outdoor work in all types of weather.
Pass a federal background check.
Preferred: 

Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a botany, environmental science, aquatics, horticulture, or biology degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as plant pathology or related natural resources fields.
All candidates are encouraged to apply, though local candidates will be strongly considered. 
Knowledge and ability utilizing GPS equipment in the field.
Knowledge of plant ID keys, highly desirable to have some invasive plants knowledge or willingness to learn.
It is highly desirable to have a personal vehicle, as it is difficult to secure reliable rides for groceries, travel, or partake in other activities during off hours/days.