Youth Intern for Recreation and Visitor Services Data and Analysis Project Description.doc

Office: Alaska State Office Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: L22AS00197 Project Submission Dates and Times: February 7, 2022 – April 8, 2022, 5PM EDT

Project Title: Youth Intern for Recreation and Visitor Services Data and Analysis Youth Opportunity Maximum Available Funding in FY22: $23,000 BLM has determined $600 weekly stipend equal to $15.00 per hour is reasonable. Stipends above this amount must justify in budget narrative increase needed.

Project Background Information: BLM Alaska manages over 70 million acres of land for the public. People from all over the world visit Alaska to enjoy BLM and other federal lands. Many members of the public will visit a BLM developed campground, and will begin their trip plans by visiting BLM.gov. This partnership will help improve information on these resources.

Project Objective: BLM Alaska State Office has an opportunity to introduce youth to careers in the BLM, through recreation and visitor services management. The selected youth intern will assist the recreation program lead by improving over 100 web based recreation visit web pages, developing improved multi-media materials for recreation outreach, and will assist in the development of business plans, recreation area management plans, and other operational needs. Selected youth intern will be given experience working with National Environmental Policy Act processes, public engagement, GIS, budget, and field based site development.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, generally 8 AM to 4PM, for 18 weeks, with flexible start/end dates in summer months. Weekends might be required, but would be a rare occurance.

Qualification Requirements: This opportunity is suitable for youth working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree in recreation management, natural resources management, or related field. Most of the duties will be office based, with occasional field work involved . Applicants must also meet the following criteria: 1). Pass a DOI security background check, 2) Possess technical writing skills, 3) Ability to work collaboratively with teams across BLM Alaska.

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

Vehicle Needs: A personal vehicle is NOT required for the position but is recommended. The position will be a mix of in office work in downtown Anchorage, AK and virtual.

Other Project Considerations:

Food: Food will be the responsibility of the applicant. If field work is required, BLM will provide food as necessary.

All Supplies: BLM will provide all necessary computers, training, office supplies, and any field supplies when necessary.

Training Requirements: Applicant needs to have a fundamental knowledge or training in all Microsoft Office applications.

Travel: There may be infrequent overnight travel involved during the course of the internship. BLM will provide for lodging or campsites as necessary.

Duties: The selected youth intern will assist the recreation program lead by improving over 100 web based recreation visit web pages, developing improved multi-media materials for recreation outreach, and will assist in the development of business plans, recreation area management plans, and other operational needs. Selected youth intern will be given experience working with National Environmental Policy Act processes, public input, GIS, budget, and field based site development.

The selected intern will directly review and analyze content related to the entire BLM Alaska web based content, which is over 100 visit sites. Intern will assist BLM compile information for 2 business plans for recreation fee site management and modifications. This will require working at the direction of the state lead to gather information and work collaboratively with field offices throughout Alaska. The intern will be required to proofread Word documents, make edits, and followup with field offices with assigned revisions.

Intern will also assist in the review of the Recreation Management Information System (RMIS). This system is used to track special recreation permits, visitation data, and acts as the system which populates the recreation visit pages on blm.gov. Intern will work to review data, make edits as assigned, and generally assist in making the system a better data source.

Project expected outcomes include an estimated 96 web visit pages reviewed and edited, 2 new recreation fee site business plans reviewed and assisted on, RMIS data site review, GIS maps reviewed, and 2 new recreation brochure development assistance.

BLM’s Involvement: There will be substantive BLM programmatic involvement by BLM Alaska recreation program lead that will work daily side by side 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. This will be a collaborative effort with substantial involvement between the selected Youth and the BLM Alaska recreation program lead.

BLM Program Contact:

Zach Million

(907) 271-3386 zmillion@blm.gov Applicants are encouraged to refer to the full program announcement number L22AS00197 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.

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