Deadline: Fri, 09/01/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: American Conservation Experience Job Field: Wildlife Job Type: Full Time Location: Massachusetts Location Detail: Parker River NWR Complex, Newburyport, MA For more information about Parker River NWR Complex, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/parker-river Job Description: Summary American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking ONE Biology Support Member to contribute to biology projects alongside Parker River NWR Complex staff. For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org. Position Description: During this term, the ACE member will work in support of biological fieldwork, public programming, and outreach related to the refuge. The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of: ● Conducting vegetation, hydrology, and sediment monitoring according to established protocols. Assist with bird surveys and banding as needed. ● Using ArcGIS Online and desktop software to manage all restoration and monitoring data. Conduct data analysis and summaries to evaluate salt marsh response to restoration strategies. ● Assisting with innovative marsh restoration techniques such as runneling and ditch remediation. ● Assisting with other biological work (plover management, bird and plant surveys), and other Refuge work (e.g. public outreach) as opportunities and interest allows. ● Conducting on-site interaction with a variety of audiences to convey key information about the needs of wildlife and compatible recreational uses. ● Assisting with the management of wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities such as wildlife observation, wildlife photography, recreational fishing. ● Providing instructional opportunities for local educators to build knowledge about the refuge mission, habitats, and key conservation initiatives to empower teachers to lead refuge-focused field trips and/or classroom activities with minimal support 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. **40-week commitment required** Qualifications: 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. ● Ability to lift up to 40 lbs, walk long distances in uneven surfaces towing heavy load, and repeated bending. ● 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. ● 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 bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, natural resource management, environmental science, or other related discipline appropriate to this position. ● Knowledge of shorebird and seabird biology and identification, preferably plovers and terns. Previous experience monitoring terns and plovers is preferred. ● Ability and willingness to walk approximately 3 miles per day carrying gear over sand. ● Ability and willingness to work with the public of all ages, backgrounds, and identities in an inclusive and professional manner regarding sensitive conservation issues. ● Ability and willingness to connect with and adapt messaging to a diversity of refuge user groups in a positive manner. This may include beachgoers, birders, anglers, and hikers, as well as first-time and repeat visitors. ● Experience leading and/or developing nature-based programs, outreach campaigns, or citizen science efforts. ● Deep interest in shorebird conservation, public engagement, and/or environmental education. Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions: ● Physical Demands: Requires sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions. ● 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 50 pounds. ● Environmental: Outdoor work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Indoor work includes office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled. ● Noise Environment: Moderate noise is to be expected such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic, or outside such as wildlife and effects from weather. ● Travel: This position may require domestic travel. Miscellaneous: Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out 8am - 4:30pm, five days a week. (5-8s). Bi-weekly totals typically will 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. 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 and/or ACE, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to FWS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required. Benefits: Position Benefits Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $800/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. 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: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements. Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided agency housing at no cost for the duration of the term. Agency housing is typically occupied by multiple interns and/or seasonal staff members simultaneously, and features individual bedrooms with shared living, dining, and cooking areas. When residing in FWS provided-housing or on FWS lands, strict adherence to site specific policies and/or regulations is required. 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. Travel & Professional Development Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $1600 to be reimbursed for travel and professional development related expenses. 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://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/961963. 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 USFWS Member Manager, Claire Barnwell at cbarnwell@usaconservation.org or (585) 484-7626. 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.
