Deadline: Fri, 05/13/2022 - 12:00pm Employer: American Conservation Experience Job Field: Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Water and Soil Resources Wildlife Other Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: West Virginia Location Detail: Davis Job Description: Invasive Species Member, Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge 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 Invasive Species Members to assist with mapping and management of invasive species as well as other biological projects alongside Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge Staff. Start Date: May 16, 2022 End Date: August 5, 2022 (Start and end dates are flexible, +/- 2 weeks, based on candidate availability) **12-week commitment required** Location: Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Davis, WV Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1994 and now encompasses 16,550 acres. The refuge works to preserve the unique wetlands and uplands of this high elevation, moist valley. The valley’s high elevation and position in the Allegheny Mountains combine to create a cool, moist climate more typical in Maine and Canada. Visitors enjoy our snowy winters, cool summers and the expansive views looking over grasslands and wetlands. This climate supports species, like balsam fir, cottongrass, woodcock and fisher usually found far north of here. Many plants and animals are near their southern limits amidst the valley’s rugged beauty. Rare species abound in the high elevation wetlands. The refuge is home to 580 species of plants and 288 different animals; quite a diversity of life. For more information about Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, please visit 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 $425/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. Housing: ACE members might be accommodated in provided agency housing at no cost for the duration of the term, but housing may be limited or unavailable due to Covid-19. AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($1,678.57) upon successful completion of service hours. Additional enrollment is required. 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. Members will primarily assist with mapping and management of invasive plants. Members may travel to nearby refuges to assist with work. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in other activities on the refuge. Primary Duties include: -GIS mapping of invasive plants using a rapid protocol established in the North Atlantic-Appalachian Region -Searching for new infestations (Early Detection Rapid Response)- methods may vary by refuge -Physical removal of invasive plants including hand pulling or with tools (not including chainsaws). Work may be conducted by canoe or kayak (e.g., pulling water chestnut). -Assisting with the application of General Use Pesticides -Assist with other refuge projects including biological surveys, refuge festivals, and other refuge events. 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 member may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, wet and windy weather, rocky terrain, muddy, swamp, or wetland conditions, biting insects, dense vegetation, poison ivy, pollen, and potentially dangerous wildlife. Hazards also include mixing herbicides according to product labels, trailering a UTV, loading and unloading the UTV, and operating battery powered hand tools including saws, drills, etc. 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. 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, an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request), and a personal vehicle. -Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks. -Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Preferred -Holding or pursuing a 2-year college degree (education or experience in natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject preferred) -Able to walk and stand for long periods -Able to physically pull or remove invasive plants with hand tools -Familiarity with GPS and iPads -Ensure quality of the data collected -Drive a vehicle and navigate to new destinations -Willingness to apply General Use Pesticides with use of appropriate safety equipment, and training in the safe handling of General Use Pesticides -Ability to identify plants and distinguish invasive plants from native plants and willingness to learn -Ability to work in a team and accept guidance from supervisor and other refuge staff -Ability to work independently -Ability to live communally in a clean and respectful manner -Willingness to work in field conditions which will include insects, heat, humidity, rain -Willingness to participate in training in the mapping as well as pesticide use and safety Miscellaneous: N/A Salary: $425/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.
