The ACE Texas Conservation Crew Program, based out of Corpus Christi, Texas, is seeking emerging conservation professionals (ages 18-25) from all backgrounds to perform habitat restoration and invasive species removal activities in designated project areas throughout the Texas Gulf Coast. ACE restoration crews will be operating chainsaws and applying herbicide to eradicate and control harmful invasive species populations in order to restore native habitats throughout the Gulf Coast region.
This 25-week professional development position will serve as an excellent opportunity for emerging land managers and conservation professionals seeking hands-on experience with habitat restoration and invasive species removal activities. Successful candidates will be provided job skills training, hands-on experience and network opportunities throughout their commitment.
Service Activities
Successful candidates will not only serve to protect and restore natural landscapes and wildness areas across Texas, but will also help organize and implement volunteer service projects in the Corpus Christi community. The Volunteer Service Projects will focus on getting community members in the outdoors and engage participants on project related to environmental stewardship and restoration.
Community Need Addressed
This position will address the community and environmental need to protect, restore and enhance our local ecosystems and natural landscapes across the Gulf Coast of Texas. Successful candidates will be trained and deployed to perform meaningful habitat restoration work that will in turn allow for future generations to experience, enjoy and appreciate wilderness areas and beautiful landscapes. This position will train and inspire the next generations of conservationists and environmental stewards. Members will quickly obtain the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to advance into careers related to land management, restoration and conservation. Restoring and protecting coastlines can also help protect coastal communities from dangerous storm surges produced by powerful hurricanes.
Position Outcomes
Public lands located in the state of Texas, specifically National Wildlife Refuges will be restored, protected and enhanced due to the efforts of these Corps Members. Local ecosystems will be restored and therefore thrive in their natural environment once Crew Members remove, eradicate and control hundreds of acres of invasive species found in National Wildlife Refuges.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
All food during project days (16 days of the month) are provided by ACE. Tents, project transportation, cook sets, tools, and Personal Protection Equipment are all provided by ACE.
Skills you will gain
CPR, Wilderness First Aid, Backcountry health, herbicide application, chainsaw operation, habitat restoration skills
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others
Creativity & Problem Solving
Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Stay positive and outcome oriented
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them
Tools
Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Drive decision making, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment