Fields: environment, geography, law, policy, sustainability
Location: Hadley, Massachusetts
About the Organization: The Division of Realty supports the acquisition of USFWS lands and interests in lands by purchase, donation, and transfer from other federal agencies. The Division further serves as the technical expert with regard to real property administration, such as boundary disputes, public use rights, collaborative conservation with other federal and state agencies, etc., in close coordination with Department of the Interior solicitors.
About the Position: American Conservation Experience, a Nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is seeking a fellow to assist their Realty program to ensure that land acquisition practices continue to comply with Federal policies and practices. The selected fellow will research, resolve, and confirm that public land title records are up-to-date and legally sufficient, with guidance from experienced Realty staff. The fellow will gain an understanding of USFWS land protection and administration practices through interactions with a professional staff comprised of surveyors, cartographers, and realty specialists. This opportunity is intended for committed young professionals with a legal background and an interest in real property or environmental law.
The successful candidate will learn about the USFWS’s process for acquiring lands or interests in land, and administration of out-grants such as rights-of-way, for both the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatcheries. Occasional day or overnight site visits to National Wildlife Refuges and/or National Fish Hatcheries should be expected. The ACE Fellow will contribute ~40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $600/week paid out biweekly for food, housing, and incidental living expenses. Finding housing is the responsibility of the fellow (ACE & USFWS will help provide local knowledge of rental market, where possible). Start Date: October 2018; Flexible — End Date: 52 weeks from the start date — Location: This position will be based out of the USFWS’s Northeast Regional Office in Hadley, Massachusetts.
Special Requirements/Qualifications:
- Fellowship is available to US Citizens and Permanent Residents only; Fellow must be between the age of 18 and 30 (up to 35 for military veterans).
- A valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and ability to provide documentation; a personal vehicle is not required; Ability and willingness to undergo a Federal criminal background check.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills; Ability to think critically and brainstorm creative solutions.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail (e.g., file management).
- Preferred:
- Coursework or experience in real property or environmental law; familiarity with Federal environmental laws/policies.
- Ability to read and understand legal documentation associated with real property such as deeds and title commitments.
- Ability to apply innovative and strategic approach to complex legal matters in order to resolve issues, per Regional Solicitor standards.
- Experience and/or knowledge in the mission of the USFWS and other federal land management agencies.
- Strong desire to enter the public service field.
Estimated Salary: $15/hour
Deadline: ASAP – October start date
Apply Here:
American Conservation Experience / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Entry Level Jobs for Social Impact 