Malheur Youth WHBOpportunities_Mini Announcement for Youth Projects 10.30.24.doc

Office: Vale District, Malheur Field Office Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: L24AS00057

Project Submission Dates and Times: January 19, 2024, 5pm EST

Project Title: Malheur Field Office Wild Horse and Burro Youth Opportunity

Maximum Available Funding in FY24: $22,000 BLM has determined up to $18.00 per hour is reasonable for the responsibilities and tasks to be performed. Wages above this amount must justify in budget narrative if increase needed.

Project Background Information: The main duty station for this position will be Vale, OR. The Vale District is 5.2 million acres and has lands boarding Washington, Idaho, and Nevada. Much of the work will be accomplished in very remote locations on rugged terrain that require a 4x4 truck to access, it may take 4 hours of driving to reach a work site.

Project Objective: BLM, Vale District/Malheur Field Office, Oregon has an opportunity to introduce youth to Wild Horse and Burro careers in the BLM. Vale BLM is interested in reaching youth directly out of college to share the career opportunities with the BLM if they are interested. The Field Office has a Wild Horse Specialist on staff and would like to a provide work experience to youth for their career and educational benefit. This will be accomplished by providing them opportunities to gain experience, learn about public lands, further their understanding and appreciation of wild horse and burro and natural resources management, as well as pique their interest in a wild horse and burro careers. From this they will gain an increased appreciation and understanding of our public lands and of the value of public service and are likely to become life-long advocates for those values. This opportunity will be focused on learning about the herd management areas Vale BLM manages. This project would be especially appropriate for recent college graduates and will provide opportunities to enhance basic career skills such as organization, writing, communication, NEPA, litigation, and policy, as well as field skills including data collection, use of GPS equipment and maps, and driving on rough rugged roads. An interest in land management or public lands would significantly enhance the experience.

Work Schedule: Generally, Monday – Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:30PM, for 12 to 20 weeks, with approximate start/end dates in May to October.

Qualification Requirements: This opportunity is suitable for youth with a College degree in animal science, equine science or rangeland management. As stated in the duties this opportunity will require time outdoors and field work that is often under rigorous physical conditions. Applicants must also meet the following criteria: 1) Pass a DOI security background check. 2) Have a valid driver’s license.

Housing: Agency cannot provide housing but may be able to assist in locating appropriate clean housing.

Vehicle Needs: BLM will provide a work vehicle for the project to be used solely for work purposes.

A personal vehicle is NOT required for the position but is strongly encouraged as it makes the applicant's days off much more enjoyable. The closest regional airport is in Boise, Idaho.

Other Project Considerations:

Food: Food will be at the applicant’s expense.

All Supplies: BLM will provide computer, GPS units, and supplies and equipment necessary for monitoring and data collection.

Travel: Field camping will be necessary to complete some monitoring due to remoteness of some locations. One week of travel may be necessary to attend trainings.

Duties: The successful youth applicant(s) will assist the wild horse and burro specialist with office administrative and field work that benefits the wild horse and burro program but could span multiple resources including but not limited to wildlife, range, and botany. The work will be an even split between office and field. The majority of the field work includes data collection utilizing multiple monitoring methods, fertility control, and potentially gather related activities. Office work will be necessary for data entry as well as learning to write NEPA, respond to litigation, work with partners, and overall wild horse and burro specialist responsibilities. Field work will be conducted largely in Malheur County, OR in rough and rugged terrain.

Project expected outcomes would vary depending on the length of the internship but may include monitoring 5 herd management area (HMA) populations, darting in 2 HMAs, conducting fertility control prework in 4 HMAs, and assisting in writing one draft Environmental Assessment.

BLM’s Involvement: There will be substantive BLM programmatic involvement by BLM professional that will work with recipient on all projects and also be providing project orientation and hands-on training. BLM will have the right to intervene by modifying the project management plan, if project is not staying on schedule, technical issues arise, etc. In addition, BLM and recipient will meet weekly to discuss progress and track project outcomes; review any training needs; and then make a decision what direction to take in finalizing project or move to the next phase.

BLM Program Contact:

Susan Fritts

541-473-6274 sfritts@blm.gov

Applicants are encouraged to refer to the full program announcement number L24AS00057 posted on Grants.gov for all program requirements and applicable terms and conditions. Recipients selected for awards will be required to adhere to those requirements should an award be made.

PAGE