Request for Applications for the Bureau of Land Management's Hands on the Land Working Group; DD: 04/30/2012

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORBUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENTWASHINGTON, D.C. 20240-0036http://www.blm.govMarch 23, 2012In Reply Refer To:1115 (420) PEMS TRANSMISSION 03/28/2012Information Bulletin No. 2012-052To:                   All WO and Field OfficialsAttn:  State Heritage/Environmental Education Coordinators                                    From:              Assistant Director, National Landscape Conservation System & Community PartnershipsSubject:           Request for Applications for the Bureau of Land Management’s Hands on the Land Working Group                              DD: 04/30/2012The Washington Office (WO) Division of Education, Interpretation, & Partnerships is recruiting two members to serve on the Hands on the Land (HOL) Working Group to guide the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) participation in the HOL program.  Hands on the Land is an interagency program linking outdoor classrooms across America’s public and private lands.  The BLM hosts more than 40 Hands on the Land sites that offer education programs developed in conjunction with local schools.  Detailed program and site information is available on the Hands on the Land website at http://www.handsontheland.org.    Membership on the HOL Working Group, which was established in 2010, allows interested BLM staff to share their personal experience, leadership skills, and perspectives to help shape and promote the HOL program Bureauwide.  The HOL Working Group plays an important role in representing and conveying field office needs and perspectives to the Washington Office. A total of six team members assist Washington Office (WO) staff with further developing and implementing strategic direction for the BLM HOL program and promoting practices that enhance and sustain the HOL network within the Bureau.  Areas of focus include:

• Assessing site needs and serving as a liaison between HOL field sites and WO staff;
• Working as part of a team to refine, implement, and promote the HOL Strategy developed by the HOL Working Group;
• Acting as an advocate and spokesperson for the HOL Working Group and the HOL program as a whole;
• Developing orientation materials for new field classrooms;
• Promoting the sharing of best practices through the HOL website, mentoring programs, meetings, and other avenues;
• Encouraging interactivity among HOL sites through distance learning programs, comparative studies, special events, etc.;
• Further developing and implementing a BLM recognition program and other methods to showcase outstanding HOL programs; and
• Promoting and advertising avenues for leveraging resources through volunteers, partners, and grant opportunities to benefit HOL field sites.

The HOL Working Group convenes on a monthly basis via conference call.  An annual meeting requiring travel could occur, with travel costs covered by the Washington Office.  The annual meeting, which will take place only if funds are available and the workload demands it, represents the only costs associated with the HOL Working Group.  During the remainder of the year, team members collaborate during the monthly conference calls and informally by various communication methods.  Group members are expected to take on occasional assignments in support of the HOL Program.  Members serve staggered terms of either two or three years in duration and time commitments are not excessive. All BLM employees are eligible to apply for the two available positions.  Applicants should have significant education experience, such as working in field classroom settings, partnering with schools or school districts, and developing education programs that support established school curriculum and standards of learning as well as BLM resource management objectives.Please provide interested staff with the attached application (Form A).  Applications should be submitted via email to HOL Working Group Chairperson Derrick Baldwin (dbaldwin@blm.gov)  of the BLM Division of Education, Interpretation, and Partnerships by April 30, 2012.  Please contact Derrick with any questions or requests for additional information.  Applicants will be notified as soon as possible following the selection of candidates.Signed by: Carl Rountree, Assistant Director, National Landscape Conservation System and Community Partnerships                                                           Authenticated by: Robert M. Williams, Division of IRM Governance, WO-5601 Attachment  1 - Form A, Application for Position on the HOL Working Group (1 p)