Deadline: Mon, 05/16/2022 - 12:00pm Employer: American Conservation Experience Job Field: Fisheries Forestry Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Water and Soil Resources Wildlife GIS/Technology Policy/Administrative Other Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: New Mexico Location Detail: San Antonio Job Description: Invasive Species Team Support Member – Wildlife Refuges Across New Mexico ACE EPIC placements provide recent young adult graduates 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. Summary: American Conservation Experience, a Nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is seeking ONE Invasive Species Team Support Member to assist the USFWS with invasive plant management duties at National Wildlife Refuges across New Mexico. The position will be stationed at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in San Antonio, NM. 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. 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. Start Date: May 16, 2022 End Date: November 11, 2022* **26-week commitment required** Location: Stationed at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge with regular travel throughout the state. For more information about Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge and their resources 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 $550/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. Also, a $600 moving bonus will be provided. Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided agency housing at no cost for the duration of the term. When residing in FWS provided-housing or on FWS lands, strict adherence to site specific policies and/or regulations is required. AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($3,172.50) 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. 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: • Supporting the ISST Lead and FWS in the implementation of field operations including ACE crews and Invasive Species Field Member. • Invasive Plant Treatment: applying herbicide to treat non-native invasive plants including salt cedar, Russian olive, and Russian knapweed • Invasive Plant Surveying: Surveying areas for invasive species • Use Field Maps for ArcGIS to record treatment data and monitoring • Operate 4WD government trucks and UTV’s • Support the FWS in educating the public on invasive and native plant and animal species; excellent opportunities exist to engage and inform local community on resource management issues at the Refuge. 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 heat in central New Mexico can be intense. If you have had heat stroke, please do not apply for this position for health reasons. Daytime temperatures are generally between 85 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with temperatures occasionally rising over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Local hazards include rattlesnakes, bees, and rough, uneven terrain. Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: The Refuge will provide a government vehicle and the tools required to complete the tasks the Intern is asked to accomplish. Training will be provided for all equipment that the Intern is asked to use. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. A valid state driver's license is required for any (highway legal) vehicle use. Qualifications: Applicants must have a degree or be pursuing a degree in ecology, wildlife management, natural resource management, parks and recreation, rangeland management, other related disciplines appropriate to the position. A COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND APPROPRIATE EXPERIENCE 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. 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 and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). - Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks. - Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. - Ability to hike and work in hot (100+ °F) conditions on rough, uneven terrain. - Effective oral and written communication skills with all ages and diverse audiences - Able and willing to perform duties outdoors in varying weather conditions, especially hot outdoor conditions - 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 Preferred: • Prior experience in invasive species management • Prior experience in leadership positions • 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, etc • Experience and/or knowledge with GPS equipment • 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 Miscellaneous: N/A Salary: $550/week and a $600 moving bonus 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, Andrew Garcia, agarcia@usaconservation.org. 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.
