Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking one member to contribute to realty projects alongside NPS Staff.
About Build Up Technical Internship Program: This position is part of the Build Up Technical Internship Program facilitated by the Historic Preservation Training Center. The Build Up Technical Internship Program is working to expand and diversify the National Park Service workforce while addressing critical maintenance needs by providing professional experiences in technical fields to students and recent graduates.
For more information about the Build Up Technical Internship Program, please visit the NPS website.
For more information about ACE, please visit our website.
Start Date: May 16, 2025
Estimated End Date: August 15, 2025
*a 12-week minimum commitment is required *
Location Details/Description: The Land Resources Division guides and supports the land acquisition program for the National Park Service (NPS). Since its inception in 1916, the NPS has served as the ultimate caretaker of America’s most valuable natural and cultural resources, while providing for public use and enjoyment of those resources. Today, the National Park System totals more than 84 million acres, yet more than 2.6 million acres of privately owned lands remain within NPS boundaries. Acquisition of all privately owned land within a given park boundary is not always necessary and, in some cases, not feasible. However, many of these lands are important for visitor use and preservation of resources and have therefore been identified to be protected in fee or by scenic/conservation easement interest.
This member selected for this position can work from the Fort Collins Technical Center in Fort Collins, CO, or be eligible to work remotely.
For more information about the Land Resources Division, please visit the NPS website.
Position Overview: The Realty Member will conduct legal research in support of the NPS mission, specifically NPS’ commitment to the preservation of natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. This project is crucial for determining the ownership and locations of water rights on acquired property and property to be acquired in the future in support of the Land Resources Division Realty Management program. This project will result in products that will ultimately assist Parks and other stakeholders with the management of NPS water rights within the National Park System.
This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promote exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm; may be flexible
Position Benefits
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $840/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.
Direct Hire Authority: This position is classified as a DHA (Direct Hiring Authority) Internship. DHA positions target exceptional, current upper-level undergraduate or graduate students that are interested in pursuing careers with the NPS. DHA positions will be rigorous internships that develop the participant’s technical and creative thinking abilities, leadership skills, and problem-solving capabilities.
DHA applicants will be involved in landscape architecture and accessibility projects and be required to deliver a presentation to park leadership. After successful completion of the internship and all DHA program requirements, and after graduation from the member’s degree program, the member will be eligible to receive DHA non-competitive hiring eligibility.
Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or the NPS.
Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position-specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training may include federal resume-building or other federal career-building opportunities.
Qualifications
Required:
Preferred:
Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:
Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.
Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the NPS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the NPS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the NPS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.
To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE’s online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC NPS Historic Preservation Project Manager, Kyle Ellison.
ACE values an inclusive workforce – if you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!