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Youth Conservation Corps Lead Member – Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 1 Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Lead Member to contribute to habitat management and Refuge maintenance alongside Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge Staff. 

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: mid June 2023
Estimated End Date: early September 2023
*a 12-week minimum commitment is required, approximately 480 hours*

Location Details/Description:  Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Basom, NY

*May travel to a nearby refuge(s) to assist or work with another team.

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, located in the rural towns of Alabama and Shelby mid-way between Rochester and Buffalo, NY has been described as one of the best kept secrets of Western New York. Teeming with wildlife and wildlands the refuge offers opportunities for the public to experience nature in all seasons.

The refuge serves primarily as a nesting, feeding, resting and staging areas for migratory waterfowl. The varied habitats support approximately 266 species of birds, 42 species of mammals, plus reptiles, fish, amphibians and insects. Bald eagles have maintained an active nest on the refuge since 1986. Management goals also address the needs of species of special concern including black tern, black ducks, osprey, American woodcock, and peregrine falcons that use the refuge during some time of the year.

The refuge is one of over 560 National Wildlife Refuges in the United States managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The National Wildlife Refuge System is the only network of federal lands dedicated specifically to wildlife conservation.

For more information about Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Iroquois/

Position Overview: The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. This position will help FWS realize that mission at Iroquois National Wildlife 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.

  • The Member in this position will aid in completing projects related to trail maintenance, construction, and habitat management. 
  • The Member will help to guide crew experience, assist with project planning and implementation, and support crew members in conservation service-based outdoor projects on our public lands.  
  • Projects include clearing trail, constructing trail drainage, building trail structures (bridges, retaining walls), restoring native plant species, removing invasive species, and more! 
  • Members will work with teams of 4-6 local youth enrollees, ages 15-18, and work directly alongside US Fish and Wildlife Service staff while completing projects. 
  • Throughout the service, members participate in educational programming and career advancement activities. 
  • During this program, members will develop on-the-ground job skills in natural resource management, network with land managers, practice effective leadership and communication skills, learn about public land management, develop an awareness of conservation techniques, and enhance their career development resources. 

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 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2022/23 grant year program, valued up to $1,718.25 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 450 hours. 

Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.  

Qualifying Child Care Coverage: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage. Additional enrollment steps are required.  

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

Travel Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $500 to be used for eligible travel expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process. 

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. 

Qualifications 

Required:
  • Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.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.
  • 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.
  • Must take all measures possible to ensure the safety of yourself and others and understand all safety precautions involved.
  • Effective oral communication skills with all ages and audiences
  • Ability to multitask and meet changing conditions.
  • Ability to complete tasks independently and work well in a team
  • To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements

Preferred:
  • Competitive applicants for this position will be holding or pursuing a Bachelor's degree (education or experience in natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject preferred).
  • Ability to follow assigned protocols to perform tasks with many steps.
  • Skills and ability to resolve a full range of problems or situations when performing a variety of tasks in the field.
  • Skill in maintaining and safely operating equipment.
  • Ability to maintain a positive attitude.
  • Strong desire to enter the public service field as a natural resource professional
  • Experience and/or knowledge in the mission of the USFWS and other federal land management agencies.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions: 
  • Physical Demands: Requires physical exertion such as walking long distances over wet and rough surfaces while carrying up to 40 lbs.; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching. Hand and finger dexterity and physical coordination may involve fine and precise procedures, delicate adjustments or exact measurements. 
  • 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 25 lbs., ability to move up to 40 pounds.
  • Environmental: Outdoor work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
  • Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered weed eaters and other hand and power tools.
  • Travel: This position does not require unique travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards:  Duties are performed both indoors and outdoors. The invasive species members 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. The heat and humidity around New York can be intense. If you have had heat stroke, please consider whether this is a good position for you to apply for due to health risks.

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/945774.html 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 FWS Member Manager, Danielle Ramsden, at dramsden@usaconservation.org or 986 217-2977.

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.