Invasive Species Removal Fellow – Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Invasive Species Removal Fellow - Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking two Invasive Species Removal Fellow to contribute to the noxious weed removal and habitat restoration project alongside Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website at usaconservation dot org.

Start Date: 3/10/2025

End Date: 5/31/2025 or 11/15/2025

*A 12-week or 36-week commitment is required. This position offers 2 different term lengths. The application page allows you to apply and have your application be considered for one or both term lengths.*

Location Details/Description: Pixley National Wildlife Refuge, Earlimart, CA (within Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex)

Kern National Wildlife Refuge consists of 11,249-acres of natural desert uplands, a relict riparian corridor, and developed marsh. The visitor center and office complex opened in late 1999. The refuge headquarters is at the junction of Garces Highway and Corcoran Road. Situated on the southern margin of what was once the largest freshwater wetland complex in the western United States, Kern Refuge provides optimum wintering habitat for migratory birds with an emphasis on waterfowl and waterbirds.

Through restoration and maintenance of native habitat diversity, the refuge also provides suitable habitat for several endangered species as well as preserving a remnant example of the historic valley uplands in the San Joaquin Desert. Approximately 8,200 visitors annually participate in refuge programs ranging from wildlife viewing to waterfowl hunting.

The spatial scope of the project focuses on four resources of concern at Pixley National Wildlife Refuge. These resources are the Remnant Tulare Basin Wetlands, Northern Claypan Vernal Pools, San Joaquin Valley Floor Uplands, and Tulare Basin Riparian Habitat. Deer Creek, which makes up the majority of the riparian habitat for the refuge, has been the main avenue for invasive plant species to establish. Management of riparian areas consist of the chemical treatment of established invasive species and subsequent monitoring for resprouts or new establishments. Whereas management of upland areas primarily consists of cattle grazing to help provide optimum habitat for blunt-nosed leopard lizards (Gambelia silus), Tipton kangaroo rats (Dipodomys nitratoides nitratoides), and San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis).

Irrigation of the seasonal wetlands occurs to encourage the growth of beneficial foraging vegetation for migratory birds. The remaining acreage of the Refuge is made up of upland habitat, including a wide variety of plant communities such as nonnative annual grass and alkali playas with vernal pools scattered throughout. Most of the upland units of the refuge are adjacent to agricultural fields, where farm workers and equipment can potentially spread invasive species.

For more information about the Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex, please visit the FWS website.

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 Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex through invasive plant removal and habitat restoration projects in the upland units of the Pixley National Wildlife Refuge. The fellow will be led by a team lead to remove the invasive species using various mechanical and chemical methods, conduct biological monitoring, and help with endangered species trapping. Once the treatment of the invasive species has been conducted, the fellow will plant native seeds to restore the vegetation.

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 will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the following tasks:

• Physical removal of invasive plants including hand pulling or using tools (such as shovels, loppers, and hand saws).
• Spot application of General Use Pesticides (with oversight by refuge staff).
• Assist with other biological work, and other Refuge work (e.g. maintenance) as opportunities and interest allows.
• Operation of Refuge vehicles, such as 4WD trucks.

Schedule: Duties will typically be carried out between 7 AM and 4:30 PM Pacific, Monday - Friday . Work hours may vary due to extreme heat. 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.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE's online application page for this position on our website at usaconservation dot org. 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 FWS Member Manager, Saige Ruleau: sruleau at usaconservation dot org.

ACE values an inclusive workforce - if you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.