Invasive Species Support Members - San Andres National Wildlife Refuge
Invasive Species Support Members - San Andres National Wildlife Refuge
Summary:
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is seeking 2 Members to contribute to invasive species management alongside USFWS Staff.
Start Date: Early April 2023
Estimated End Date: Late July/Early August 2023
*a 17-week minimum commitment is required*
Location Details/Description: San Andres National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico
San Andres National Wildlife Refuge is part of the largest continuous and relatively undisturbed portion of the Chihuahuan Desert in the United States. Established in 1941 to conserve desert bighorn sheep, the refuge occupies 57,215 acres in the southern end of the San Andres Mountains in south-central New Mexico. Its steep terrain and isolated springs provide unique habitat for a variety of wildlife. The refuge serves as a natural laboratory for a variety of research and management projects. The refuge is home to desert bighorn sheep, Oryx, Mule deer, black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, gray fox, javelina, and a variety of migratory birds. San Andres National Wildlife Refuge has restricted access onto the refuge, for safety and security concerns. The refuge is completely surrounded by and accessed through the 2.2-million acre Department of Defense, Department of the Army, White Sands Missile Range; which is the largest military installation in the United States.
For more information about San Andres National Wildlife Refuge, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/san_andres/
Position Overview: The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The USFWS will continue to be a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. The Members selected to work on this project will support these ongoing conservation efforts by contributing to important invasive species management on the Refuge.
This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.
Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday - Friday. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule may be required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends and/or holidays. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval.
Position Benefits
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for a 675-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2022/23 grant year program, valued up to $2,626.27 upon successful completion of the term requirements.
Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.
Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online here.
Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided housing at no cost for the duration of the term.
Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $600 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.
Gear Allowance: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes field gear such as boots and hats, and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.
Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training may include defensive driving practices for motor vehicles, herbicide application, hand tool use, ORUV operation, and working in remote environments, amongst others.
Qualifications
Required:
- Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required byU.S. government contracts
- Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
- Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
- A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
- Willing to undergo and must pass the required three-part criminal history check.
- Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability and willingness to work in hot, steep, and remote environments.
- ACE Members must verify that they are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 or have requested and been granted a medical or religious exemption to vaccination by the time they start their term.
- ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
- Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement or as defined by AmeriCorps.
- To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements
Preferred:
- Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of an Associate's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resource management, ecology, biology, or a related subject.
- Knowledge of plant identification, how to use dichotomous keys, how to operate GPS equipment, and how to stay safe while in the field.
- Ability and willingness to follow assigned protocols to perform tasks with many steps, resolve a full range of problems or situations when performing a variety of tasks in the field or office setting, and safely operate motorized vehicles and specialized equipment including highway vehicles, backpack sprayers, weed eaters, etc.
- Deep interest in the public service field as a natural resource professional and the mission of the USFWS and other federal land management agencies.
Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:
- Physical Demands: Requires walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools. Required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
- Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
- Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Ability to move up to 40 pounds.
- Environmental: Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
- Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
- Travel: This position may require domestic travel.
Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.
Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the FWS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the FWS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the FWS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to FWS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.
To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC Member Manager, Andrew Garcia, at 928-419-7035 or agarcia@usaconservation.org.
EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.