Visitor Center Member

Visitor Center Member

Summary: American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is seeking one member to contribute to a temporary education and outreach position alongside US Forest Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service partner Staff at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center (NGLVC).

The NGLVC operates through a unique federal, state, and local partnership, which includes the US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Wisconsin Historical Society, UW-Madison Division of Extension, and Friends of the Center Alliance Limited. In addition, the visitor center offers information to over 70,000 visitors each year and offers educational programming to the local schools and other educational programs and events to all ages.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: 12/1/2026 (Flexible)

Estimated End Date: 11/27/2027

*A 52 week minimum commitment is required.*

Location Details/Description: Ashland, WI - Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center

In addition, the position may also work at the adjacent Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest for experiential learning, programming, field tours, workshops, and other initiatives. The member may also join the Park Ranger in visiting local schools.

Position Overview: This position would work for approximately 12 months (depending on start date) in collaboration with Forest Service staff and a US Fish and Wildlife Service Park Ranger position at the David R. Obey Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center to deliver and expand education, interpretive, and outreach programming for both youth and adults. The member would assist the Park Ranger in enhancing public education and awareness around the Great Lakes Ecosystems and restoration initiatives. The member will also work with NGLVC volunteers and partners including Superior Rivers Watershed Association, the National Park Service and University of WI Extension.

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.

The ACE member will participate in the following:

Programming (75%)

• Develop and lead field trips and classroom programs through curriculum, with state accepted standards, tied to Great Lakes ecosystem and restoration initiatives.
• Assist partners and volunteers in educational and outreach programs.
• Offer place-based stewardship learning opportunities that connect local communities to the local ecosystem through hands-on experiences and discovery.

Partnership & Collaboration (20%)

• Support the Park Ranger in building or establishing new relationships with educational institutions and tribal partners for ongoing programming.
• Attend and participate in community events aimed at connecting the public with their local water resources.

Personal Development (5%)

• Attend workshops or seminars to further personal development around Great Lakes stewardship.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Hours may vary including start times as early as 8 AM, occasional Saturdays, and some evenings from 5 PM - 8 PM. Schedule changes will be provided ahead of time.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $720/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: ACE members will be required to locate and find their own housing. NGLVC Staff will provide suggestions for housing options. Housing is limited and may be difficult to find.

Housing Assistance: Up to $250/week to help offset housing costs (reimbursable).

Participant Travel Assistance: ACE members will have access to up to $1,000 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

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.

Qualifications

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.
• 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.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website located on our Indeed homepage.

Preferred:

• 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.
• Bachelors in Education, such as elementary education, outdoor education, conservation education, or a similar field, with ideally 6 months of experience working in the field.
• Experience working with youth.
• Deep interest in environmental education, outdoor education, natural resources or conservation education.

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, frequently talking, presenting, and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
• 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 30 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Includes both outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently, working under moderate weather conditions such as light rain on occasion though not for long-periods of time, and in various climates including extreme heat, sun, and bugs. Indoor conditions include office environment conditions with good air quality and with controlled temperatures.
• Noise Environment: Majority of the time would be in moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic. Occasionally may assist outdoor crews with trail work that has high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the US Forest Service. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the US Forest Service or US Fish and Wildlife. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the USFS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to USFS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, transcript (if using your education to meet qualifications) 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 contact Member Manager, AnnMarie Bowlus at abowlus@usaconservation.org.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you! ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.