Workers' Comp Specialist

American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a dynamic non-profit organization dedicated to providing rewarding environmental service opportunities that harness the idealism and energy of a volunteer labor force to help restore America's public lands. ACE has a national reputation for providing exceptional training and support to enable crews to safely and economically implement technically complex and physically demanding conservation projects for the US Forest Service, BLM, National Park Service, USFWS and numerous state and local land management partners.

Job Title: Worker's Compensation Specialist

Location: ACE Office Location/Remote Eligible (USA)

Department/Division: ORGS: OPS: HR

Status: Regular Part-Time, Hourly (Non-Exempt)

*This position may be eligible for full-time status starting in January 2027, with budget approval. 

Schedule/Hours: Part-time, 24 hours/week. Flexible schedule, expected to be available during ACE Core Business hours of 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm EST to accommodate business needs in all US time zones with some adjustment expected to accommodate specific projects and program needs. Some evening and weekend hours may be occasionally required.

Preferred Start Date: October 1, 2026

Reports To: Senior Director of Human Resources

Position Summary:

The Workers' Compensation Specialist (WCS) works within the Human Resources Department, part of the Operations Division of American Conservation Experience (ACE) and reports directly to the Senior Director of Human Resources (SDHR). This position is responsible for supporting and coordinating the ACE human resource administrative functions and resources; supporting member workers' compensation claims administration, compliance and reporting requirements. The WCS will work closely with the HR Generalist (HRG), Program Admin, and Division staff. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

 

Workers’ Compensation Administration

• Serve as the primary point of contact for injured members, providing support to the member and division staff throughout the claim process.
• Coordinate timely claim submission and follow-up with third-party claims administrators.
• Track and monitor open claims; identify patterns or high-risk areas and escalate appropriately.
• Conduct regular audits of injury data and incident reports to ensure compliance and identify opportunities for prevention.
• Assist in the development, review, and maintenance of policies and procedures related to workers’ compensation. Ensuring internal communications are posted and current.
• Ensure accurate documentation and reporting related to all workplace injuries and incidents.
• Work closely with the HRG to develop and deliver training content related to workers’ compensation.
• Partner with the National Director of Program Safety and HRG to maintain a training calendar and ensure divisional and site-level compliance with required safety training.
• Promote awareness and best practices in reporting, return-to-work procedures, and workplace safety.
• Work closely with the HRG, Compliance Manager, and the National Director of Program Safety to ensure a consistent, mission-aligned response to incidents and safety risks.
• Support leadership with data and trend analysis related to injury rates, claim costs, and training outcomes.

Return to Work Coordination

• Facilitate the return-to-work process by coordinating with injured individuals, supervisors, and claims administrators.
• Review and track work status reports and medical restrictions to ensure appropriate light duty and modified tasks. 
• Partner with supervisors and program staff to identify and implement transitional or light-duty assignments. 
• Monitor RTW progress and maintain regular communication to support safe, timely, and sustainable reintegration. 
• Ensure all documentation is completed, tracked, and maintained in compliance with organizational policies and legal requirements.
• Assist in the development, review, and maintenance of policies and procedures related to the return-to-work process. 
• Educate supervisors, members, and staff on RTW expectations, processes, and available support.

Human Resources Compliance and Support 

• Assist in the development and review of all ACE policies and procedures, and employee handbook.
• Assist Program Administration in reviewing the EPIC and Crew member handbooks. 
• Assist in updating ACE Connect to ensure HR resources are accurate and available to employees, and all policies and procedures, and documents are posted and up to date. 
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations. 
• Prepare HR reports and metrics as needed. 
• Provide support to the HR team; assisting in company-wide information meetings, including answering general HR questions as needed. 
• Perform other duties and related functions as needed or assigned.

Required Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and two years of related professional experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Experience with Worker's Compensation claims; preferably within a non-profit organization in a program/operation environment.
• Ability to professionally handle highly confidential information, adhering to legal and ethical policies.
• Experience with HRIS systems; Paycor preferred. Word, Excel, and Google Suite applications.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations; multi-state knowledge preferred.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, presentation, and organizational skills.
• Capacity to handle multiple projects/tasks, prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Flexibility, self-direction, motivation and the ability to interact with employees at all levels. 
• Compilation and analysis of data. 
• Strong and effective communication skills, with the ability to clearly and concisely express ideas both verbally and in writing. 
• Ability to work independently in a remote administrative and team environment, collaborating and seeking assistance when needed. 
• Strong time management skills. 
• Ability to prepare and maintain records and reports. 
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. 
• Ability to understand and follow ACE systems and processes. 
• Ability to receive and provide constructive feedback. 
• Commitment to ACE's mission of public service through young adult development and volunteerism.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Other Requirements:

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Proficient in English.
• Willingness to undergo and ability to pass a federal criminal background check.
• Willing to abide by ACE Policy and Federal Drug Free workplace policies and laws. ACE reserves the right to drug test at any time.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talks and hears. Manual dexterity required for use of computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch.
• 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 10 lbs., occasionally moves up to 25 pounds.
• Environmental: Mainly indoor, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel - Less than 5%.

Compensation (Grade 3): Starting hourly wage of $25 - $30, depending on experience.

Additional Benefits: Outdoor Perks - As an ACE staff member, you will be eligible to receive pro deals which include deep discounts on outdoor gear providing 30 - 50% off retail prices on 100’s of established outdoor gear brands.

To Apply: Please submit a resume, one-page cover letter and contact for three professional/academic references to the application link. Qualified applicants will be contacted by email to arrange an interview. Applicants must follow all application instructions in order to be considered for this opportunity. This position may close at any time.

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 hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

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.