Navigating American Conservation Experience (ACE) Internships: A Comprehensive Guide
American Conservation Experience (ACE) offers a variety of internships aimed at providing practical experience and professional development in the field of conservation. These internships, often in partnership with organizations like the National Park Service (NPS) and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), are designed to expose individuals to land management agencies and facilitate networking with professionals. This article provides a detailed overview of ACE internships, covering requirements, opportunities, and career pathways.
Introduction to American Conservation Experience
American Conservation Experience is a non-profit Conservation Corps that partners with various agencies to provide opportunities for individuals to contribute to resource management projects. ACE internships are a valuable stepping stone for those interested in pursuing careers in conservation, environmental science, and related fields. These internships offer hands-on experience, training, and networking opportunities, all while contributing to the preservation of our nation’s natural and cultural resources.
General Internship Overview
ACE internships provide invaluable experiences for those seeking to immerse themselves in conservation efforts. These opportunities often involve working closely with organizations such as the National Park Service (NPS) and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), allowing interns to contribute to meaningful resource management projects.
Partnering with National Park Service
One example of an ACE internship involves collaborating with NPS staff at locations like Lake Mead National Recreation Area. In such roles, the ACE Fellow assists in planning work activities, primarily focusing on native plant propagation at the Lake Mead NRA native plant nursery, as well as out-planting native plants, salvage, and seed collection.
Working with Fish and Wildlife Service
Another internship opportunity involves working with the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) along the Rio Grande river at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. This position focuses on invasive plant management duties, contributing to the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats.
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Key Responsibilities and Opportunities
ACE internships encompass a wide range of responsibilities and opportunities, tailored to provide a comprehensive learning experience.
Visitor Engagement and Interpretation
Many ACE internships involve direct interaction with the public. For instance, members may participate closely with National Park rangers to provide a quality visitor experience. This includes staffing park visitor centers, answering questions, and providing information about park resources. Interns also have opportunities to design, deliver, and evaluate programs within the park, enhancing their communication and presentation skills. The Member will conduct basic research of topics for the purpose of developing and presenting interpretative programs, both orally and/or in writing.
Resource Management and Conservation
A significant aspect of ACE internships is the hands-on involvement in resource management projects. This can include native plant propagation and out-planting, as seen in the Lake Mead NRA internship. Interns may also participate in invasive plant management, contributing to the restoration of natural habitats. These experiences provide practical skills in conservation techniques and ecological restoration.
Research and Documentation
ACE members often conduct basic research to support interpretative programs. This involves reviewing published maps, park research materials, and other documents prepared by park rangers and professionals. They also learn about park resources by talking with park staff, gaining a deeper understanding of the ecological and historical significance of the area. This research experience is valuable for developing analytical and critical thinking skills. Volunteers work in conservation labs and provide assistance with various tasks. These tasks may include documentation and condition reporting, conducting surveys, conservation treatments, and housing of objects.
Training and Professional Development
ACE is committed to providing comprehensive training and professional development opportunities. ACE members receive position-specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. This training ensures that members are well-prepared for their roles and understand the expectations and safety protocols. This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals.
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Specific Internship Examples and Details
To illustrate the diversity of ACE internships, let's examine a few specific examples in more detail.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area Internship
- Location: Boulder City, Nevada, within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
- Focus: Native plant propagation and out-planting.
- Responsibilities: Collaborating with NPS staff in planning work activities at the native plant nursery, salvage, and seed collection.
- Benefits: Exposure to land management agencies, networking with professionals, and potential eligibility for a federal hiring authority upon completion of the term of service.
- Additional Information: Housing is the responsibility of the member. A valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record are required. The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, rain, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife.
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge Internship
- Location: Along the Rio Grande river, within the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in central New Mexico.
- Focus: Invasive plant management.
- Responsibilities: Contributing to invasive plant management duties.
- Benefits: Exposure to land management agencies, networking with professionals, potential eligibility for a federal hiring authority, travel reimbursement (up to $600), and gear reimbursement (up to $200).
- Additional Information: A flexible work schedule may be required, including work outside of normal hours. 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.
Compensation and Benefits
ACE internships offer various forms of compensation and benefits, making them accessible and attractive to a wide range of applicants.
Salary and Stipends
Many ACE internships are paid positions. For example, some internships offer a salary of $500 per week, in addition to an AmeriCorps Education Award. The salary details vary depending on the specific position and location.
AmeriCorps Education Award
Many ACE internships are associated with AmeriCorps, providing members with an Education Award upon successful completion of their service term. This award can be used to pay for educational expenses, such as tuition or student loans.
Loan Forbearance and Child Care Coverage
AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance, allowing them to postpone loan payments during their service term. Additionally, qualifying members may be eligible for child care coverage, further supporting their participation in the program.
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Travel and Gear Reimbursement
Some ACE internships offer travel reimbursement to cover eligible travel expenses. Gear reimbursement may also be available to assist with the purchase of necessary equipment for the internship. ACE members will have access to up to $600 to be used for eligible travel expenses and ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
To be eligible for an ACE internship, applicants typically need to meet certain requirements. Find your passion! If you are between 15 to 30 years old, or a military veteran who is 35 years old or younger, apply for a job or paid internship to help you figure out your career path.
Age and Background
Many ACE internships are open to individuals between the ages of 15 and 30. Military veterans who are 35 years old or younger may also be eligible. Specific age requirements may vary depending on the position.
Driver's License and Driving Record
For some positions, particularly those involving vehicle use, a valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record are required.
Physical Fitness
ACE internships often involve physical labor and outdoor activities. Applicants should be prepared for physical exertion such as walking/hiking in long distances in hot conditions over rough, uneven, and potentially wet surfaces while carrying up to 40 lbs.; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching.
Application Process
The application process for ACE internships typically involves submitting a resume and cover letter. Applications are often reviewed in the order they are received, so early application is encouraged. This position may close at any time.
The Role of Undergraduate Coursework
While not always a strict requirement for ACE internships, undergraduate coursework can significantly enhance an applicant's qualifications, particularly for those aspiring to graduate programs in conservation.
Sciences
A strong foundation in the sciences is beneficial, especially for internships involving ecological restoration or resource management. One full year each of general and organic chemistry with laboratory is typically required. These courses are often freshman and sophomore level requirements for chemistry and biology majors.
Humanities
Coursework in the humanities, such as art history, anthropology, and archaeology, can provide a broader understanding of cultural and historical contexts relevant to conservation. Broad-based coursework in art history, anthropology, and archaeology should span a range of cultural traditions and historical periods.
Studio Art
For those interested in conservation roles involving artifact preservation or exhibition design, formal coursework in studio art can be valuable. Studio Art - Formal course work in drawing, painting, printmaking, book binding, photography, and three-dimensional design (including, but not limited to, ceramics, metalworking, sculpture, and textile art) are often required.
Career Paths and Advancement
ACE internships serve as a launchpad for various career paths in conservation and related fields.
Gaining Practical Experience
In addition to coursework, candidates to graduate programs are strongly encouraged (if not required) to have some practical conservation experience. Applicants are expected to be thoroughly acquainted with conservation as a career option and to have a fundamental knowledge of conservation philosophy, ethics, and basic working procedures. Internships, volunteer, and paid positions in regional, institutional, or private conservation laboratories are appropriate ways to gain experience and exposure. Involvement in supervised collections care projects - such as collection assessments, rehousing, and exhibition design, as well as the examination and treatment of individual artifacts is encouraged.
Pre-Program Opportunities
Pre-program volunteer positions can provide training for paid or formal internships, technician positions, allied professions, or graduate programs. Pre-program internship tasks are similar to volunteer work but should emphasize learning and include opportunities for involvement in decision-making and research, working directly with conservators.
Technician Positions
Technicians are paid employees who perform a limited set of specialized tasks in a conservation lab. Typical duties for a technician include producing custom housings for objects and performing specific types of basic conservation treatments under the direction of a conservator. While there may be opportunities for training and development, most technician positions are not specifically designed as educational opportunities and can include repetitive work.
Graduate Programs
After acquiring a range of prerequisites, many students go on to earn a master's degree from a graduate program in conservation. A technician position can provide an aspiring conservator with the pre-program experience required by many graduate conservation programs.
Essential Skills and Qualities
Successful ACE interns possess a combination of skills and qualities that enable them to thrive in their roles.
Adaptability and Flexibility
ACE internships often involve working in diverse environments and adapting to changing conditions. The ability to be flexible and adaptable is crucial for success. A flexible work schedule may be required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends and/or holidays.
Communication Skills
Effective communication is essential for interacting with the public, collaborating with team members, and presenting interpretative programs.
Physical Stamina
Many ACE internships require physical labor and outdoor activities. Applicants should have the physical stamina to handle these demands. Requires physical exertion such as walking/hiking in long distances in hot conditions over rough, uneven, and potentially wet surfaces while carrying up to 40 lbs.; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching.
Environmental Awareness
A passion for conservation and an awareness of environmental issues are fundamental to success in ACE internships.
Navigating Environmental and Safety Considerations
ACE internships often involve working in outdoor environments where participants may encounter various environmental conditions and hazards.
Understanding Environmental Conditions
ACE members may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, rain, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. It's crucial to be prepared for these conditions and follow safety protocols. The heat in central New Mexico can be intense. Daytime temperatures are generally between 85 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with temperatures occasionally rising over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Local hazards include rattlesnakes, bees, and rough, uneven terrain.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the NPS or FWS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it.
Important Considerations for Aspiring Conservators
For individuals aspiring to become professional conservators, ACE internships provide invaluable pre-program experience.
Ethics and Principles of Conservation
A bachelor’s degree in conservation provides an introduction to the ethics and principles of conservation, but this degree alone does not prepare you to become a professional conservator without additional training.
Involvement in Collections Care Projects
Involvement in supervised collections care projects - such as collection assessments, rehousing, and exhibition design, as well as the examination and treatment of individual artifacts is encouraged.
Networking with Professionals
ACE internships offer opportunities to network with professionals in the field, building relationships that can be beneficial for future career advancement.
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