Deadline: Fri, 04/01/2022 - 12:00pm Employer: American Conservation Experience Job Field: Forestry Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Water and Soil Resources Wildlife GIS/Technology Other Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: North Dakota Location Detail: Upham, ND & Kenmare, ND Job Description: Biology Members – J Clark Salyer and Lostwood National Wildlife Refuges ACE EPIC placements provide young adults with focused, hands-on opportunities to work alongside and under the guidance of agency mentors as they apply their knowledge of resource management on their path to becoming the next generation of resource and land managers. Funding for ACE positions is provided by a federal program designed specifically for the employment of youth and young adults. For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org. Summary: American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 2 Biology Member(s) to help with a diversity of projects involving mapping and management of invasive plants in the Northwest North Dakota Complex in north-central North Dakota. The Refuge Complex is located in the Prairie Pothole Region of the U.S., considered the duck factory of North America, and harbors habitat that includes prairie pothole wetlands, mixed grass prairie, aspen parkland, and riparian/coulee forest. The Refuge Complex consists of J. Clark Salyer NWR (59,700 acres), J. Clark Salyer Wetland Management District (5 county area), Upper Souris NWR (32,092 acres), Upper Souris WMD (1 county area), Des Lacs NWR (19,500 acres), Lostwood NWR (27,589 acres), Lostwood WMD (1 county area), and Crosby Wetland Management District (3 county area). Start Date: Mid-April to Mid-May flexible End Date: 24 weeks later (Early - Late October) **24-week commitment required** Location: Northwest North Dakota Complex – North Dakota One biology member will be placed at each of the following stations (Please state if you have a preference in location in your cover letter): J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge - Upham, ND (https://proxy.qualtrics.com/proxy/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fws.gov%2Frefu…) Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge - Kenmare, ND (https://proxy.qualtrics.com/proxy/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fws.gov%2Frefu…) Work 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. Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $499/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided agency housing at no cost for the duration of the term. When residing in FWS provided-housing or on FWS lands, strict adherence to site specific policies and/or regulations is required. AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($3,172.50) upon successful completion of service hours. Additional enrollment is required. Public Land Corps (PLC) Non-competitive Hiring Authority: Members serving on this project may be eligible to receive a Department of the Interior (DOI) PLC non-competitive hiring authority certificate upon completion of their term of service. Eligible members must meet standard requirements of completing at least 640 hours (16 weeks at 40 hours/week) and utilize their certificate when applying for qualifying federal positions within 2 years of receipt. More information can be provided upon request. Position Description: This individual placement is meant to facilitate personal growth and professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with agency professionals. This could include gaining experience in a variety of conservation fields and/or shadowing different work groups. Primary Duties include: -GIS mapping of invasive plants using a rapid protocol established in the Prairie Region; -Searching for new infestations (Early Detection Rapid Response) – methods may vary by refuge; -Spot and broadcast application of general use pesticides (with oversight from refuge staff) using light trucks and UTVs; -Collection and translocation of leafy spurge beetles for biological control; -Maintains station grounds by mowing lawns, mulching, weed eating, and trimming shrubs. Utilizes hand tools or tractors and skid steer type loaders performs work of spreading gravel or soils to rough grades. Secondary Duties include: -Keeps refuge buildings such as meeting rooms, visitor center, shop, and refuge office clean by sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, cleaning windows, ensuring bathrooms are clean and have the necessary supplies. -Washes and fuels vehicles, performs such services as checking, changing oil and water; checking fluid levels in crankcases, power steering, transmissions, batteries, radiators, braking systems, etc. -Assists in lifting, carrying, holding materials and performing other related tasks in renovation of building interiors and exteriors, and the replacement of worn plumbing fixtures; performs minor and simple tasks in the removal and replacement of broken window panes and repairs minor leaks in old roofs on buildings, warehouses, offices and dwellings. -Assists in the installation, repair and alteration of: cabinets, doors, hardware (such as hinges, catches), interior trim, sheetrock, baseboards, tile, linoleum etc., by holding bracing materials, handling tools, materials or fittings. Uses a variety of wood working tools to cut boards to length, as well as accomplishing shaping, sanding and finishing work. -Prepares and paints interior and exterior building surfaces by scraping or brushing to remove old paint and applying new paint or sealant through use of brushes, rollers or sprayers. Work is outlined by supervisor, including materials, methods and tools to be used. -Assures that necessary safety equipment is on hand and adequate supplies are available in accessible locations for field personnel. -Assist with other biological work, and other Refuge work (e.g. public outreach) as opportunities and interest allows. Physical Requirements: This position 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. Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The biology member 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. 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. Qualifications: Qualifications: Required: -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. -U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident -A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). -Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks. -Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. -Must take all measures possible to ensure the safety of yourself and others and understand all safety precautions involved -A personal vehicle is required for off-duty hours due to the distance of housing to office and store. -Ability to multitask and shift schedule and priorities to meet changing conditions. -Commitment to completing tasks thoroughly and on time. -Ability to complete tasks independently and work well in a team -Ability and interest in working in the field with variable weather conditions and ability to lift 40 lbs and walk long distances over uneven, wet surfaces. Preferred: -Holding or pursuing at least a 2-year college degree (education or experience in natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject preferred) -Experience with invasive plant management -Experience identifying native and invasive plants -Pesticide applicators license is a plus -Experience with data collection software and equipment (ie, GIS and iPads) -Ability to follow assigned protocols to perform tasks with many steps. -Strong desire to enter the public service field as a natural resource professional. -Desire to explore the national wildlife refuges in the Northern Great Plains Prairie Pothole Region. Miscellaneous: N/A Salary: $499/week Benefits: N/A How to Apply: 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://proxy.qualtrics.com/proxy/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fusaconservation.ap… NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC USFWS Division Support Specialist, Johannah McCollum, jmccollum@usaconservation.org, (701) 389-2152. Vaccination Requirement: 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. 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.