Invasive Species Removal and Habitat Restoration Fellows (2) – Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge

Invasive Species Removal and Habitat Restoration Fellows (2) – Bitter Creek 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, a Nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking 2 Restoration/Invasive Species Fellows to help with a large invasive plant removal and habitat restoration project within Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge. The fellows will conduct invasive species removal using various mechanical and chemical methods as well as conduct biological mapping within the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge. Fellows will receive direction and guidance from USFWS staff but will also be required to operate independently at times.

Start Date: July 18, 2022

End Date: 18 weeks later

**18-week commitment required, approximately 720 hours**

Location: Bitter Creek Wildlife Refuge, Maricopa, CA

As a hub of condor activity and research opportunities, Bitter Creek NWR is a unique keystone at the nexus of two mountain ranges encompassing much of the historical California condor range and serving as an important wildlife corridor.

The refuge protects habitat within an important east/west running mountain range and provides movement corridors for populations of native ungulates, raptors, and other wildlife.

Condor and other wildlife movements extend beyond refuge boundaries and exemplify the Service’s contribution to a much larger conservation initiative as we partner with public and private landowners. Alongside these charismatic animals, so, too, can lesser known and rare wildlife and plant species thrive within this intact and functioning ecosystem. Also protected on the refuge are Native American cultural resources and remnants of 19th century homesteads.

The 14,186-acre refuge encompasses a sizable portion of Bitter Creek Canyon, and many of its tributary canyons. The canyon has historically been infested with non-native tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima) which has serious adverse consequences on the structure and stability of native plant communities. Regionally, riparian ecosystems make up less than 1% of the total land area of California and have been identified as the most critical habitat for the conservation of many wildlife species. This project focuses on restoring critical riparian and grassland habitats for the preservation and enhancement of San Joaquin Valley special status plant and animal species through the eradication and removal of tamarisk within Bitter Creek canyon.

For more information about Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/bitter-creek

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.

Position Description:

This 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.

The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of:

● Physical removal of invasive plants including hand pulling or with tools (including chainsaws, loppers, and hand saw).

● Spot application of General Use Pesticides (with oversight by refuge staff)

● Data collection using handheld GPS units and/or other mapping equipment.

● Assist with other biological work (e.g. Condor Biology), and other Refuge work (e.g. maintenance) as opportunities and interest allows.

● Operation of Refuge vehicles, ATV, UTV, and other small equipment.

● Other duties as assigned

Physical Requirements: This position requires physical exertion such as walking long distances over extremely hot, dry, 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: Duties are performed primarily outdoors. Temperature and weather extremes can be encountered in the performance of outdoor duties. 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 member will be working outdoors on steep rocky terrain and may be exposed to extreme heat or cold, high humidity, stinging and biting insects, dangerous wildlife, venomous snakes and inclement weather. Average high temperatures in the area hover around 98°F in June and July, and days with heat in excess of 100°F are common through September.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: A vehicle will be provided, and the refuge will provide the tools required to accomplish the tasks the member is asked to do. Training will be provided for all equipment that the member is asked to use, such as ATV/UTV and sprayer. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. A valid state driver's license is required. Strict adherence to FWS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.