Deadline: Tue, 04/12/2022 - 12:00pm Employer: American Conservation Experience in Partnership with US Fish & Wildlife Service Job Field: Wildlife GIS/Technology Other Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: California Location Detail: Alturas, CA Job Description: Invasive Species Specialists (2)- Modoc National Wildlife Refuge-AmeriCorps Eligible 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 (USFWS) is seeking TWO Invasive Species Specialists to assist the USFWS with invasive plant management duties. The positions will be stationed at Modoc National Wildlife Refuge in Alturas, California. This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic young professionals with a deep interest in advancing their career goals in natural resources and/or wildlife management on our public lands. Start Date: May 9th, 2022 (some flexibility within month of May) End Date: 16 weeks later **16 week commitment required** Location: Stationed at Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, Alturas, California Project Websites: For more information about Modoc National Wildlife Refuge and their resources visit: https://proxy.qualtrics.com/proxy/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fws.gov%2Frefu… or https://proxy.qualtrics.com/proxy/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2… 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 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: -Invasive Plant Management: Use mechanical and chemical treatments to treat invasive plants including perennial pepperweed, hoary cress, poison hemlock, Mediterranean sage, scotch thistle, Canada thistle, and others -Chemical herbicide application using various methods including handheld sprayers, backpack sprayers and ATV sprayers. -Tracking and documenting herbicide use -Invasive Plant Surveying: Surveying areas for invasive species -Operate iPads and ArcCollector or ArcPro to document plants sprayed and surveyed -Use GIS in the office to produce maps for the field and reports -Contribute to written invasive plant management reports -Assist with other biological duties including biological surveys, bird banding, and other duties as assigned -Operate 4WD trucks and ATV’s 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: Modoc National Wildlife Refuge is a wetland oasis situated in a high and dry climate on the edge of the Great Basin. Summer temperatures can vary between high 90’s to 50’s during the summer days. The heat and humidity around California can be intense. As such, the Invasive species specialist 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. Equipment Use and Training: The Refuge will provide a government vehicle and the tools required to accomplish the tasks the Intern is asked to accomplish. Any tools and training 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: Required: -US Citizen or Permanent Citizen -High level of physical fitness. Ability to hike in hot conditions on rough, uneven terrain. -A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request); a personal vehicle is required for personal time off and getting to-and-from the internship -Must take all measures possible to ensure the safety of yourself and others and understand all safety precautions involved -Effective oral and written communication skills with all ages and diverse audiences -Ability to speak to the public -Able and willing to work alone and in a group -Able and willing to perform duties outdoors in varying weather conditions, especially hot, humid outdoor conditions -Ability to hike several miles at a time -Capable of participating in sustained physical labor including ability to frequently push, pull, and lift 40 lbs -Ability to operate independently and in remote areas -Competent in Microsoft Office -Ability and willingness to undergo a Federal criminal background check -Ability and willingness to undergo medical monitoring before and after internship USFWS ATV/UTV training (can be completed after selection) Preferred Education: Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of an associate's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology, wildlife management, natural resource management, parks and recreation, rangeland management, or other related disciplines appropriate to the position. Illustrating a relevant combination of experience and education is also acceptable. Resume and Cover Letter must contain enough information to show that the applicant meets the experience needed, as defined in this announcement. Preferred: -Ability and willingness to apply herbicide treatment for invasive plant control. -Ability to follow assigned protocols to perform tasks with many steps -Skills and ability to resolve a full range of problems or situations when performing a variety of tasks in the field or office setting -Skill in maintaining and safely operating motorized vehicles and specialized equipment including: highway vehicles, backpack sprayers, weed eaters, ATVs etc. -Experience and/or knowledge with GIS equipment -Experience and/or knowledge with plant identification -Strong desire to enter the public service field as a natural resource professional -Experience and/or knowledge in the mission of the USFWS and other federal land management agencies -Ability to embrace travel opportunities as they arise to other nearby Refuges Salary: $400/week Benefits: Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $400/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. Housing: On-site housing is provided at no cost to the members. AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($1678.57) 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. How to Apply: To Apply: Please submit your resume, a thoughtful 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, Nich Jackosky, at njackosky@usaconservation.org or 928-699-6041. 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, the American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.
