Employer: American Conservation Experience Job Field: Forestry Wildlife GIS/Technology Policy/Administrative Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: Louisiana Location Detail: Lacombe, LA Job Description: Start Date: August/September 2023 Flexible Estimated End Date: February/March 2025 *a 78-week minimum commitment is required, approximately 3120 hours* 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 Big Branch Marsh NWR. The National Wildlife Refuge System and the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program are hiring a Nutria Program Coordinator to assist in managing a project to control populations of the invasive nutria (Myocastor coypus), a large semiaquatic rodent, on the Gulf Coast of the United States. Nutria inflict considerable damage to Gulf Coast ecosystems and infrastructure due to their herbivory, burrowing behavior, and rapid reproduction. The coordinator will be stationed at Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Lacombe, LA and will assist the Regional Invasive Species Biologist in directing and tracking the efforts of nine ACE field members located at National Wildlife Refuges in Louisiana and Mississippi. Additionally, the coordinator will work closely with the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program and private landowners to facilitate trapping efforts on refuge-adjacent lands. Further responsibilities of the position include collecting and managing nutria and vegetation data from field personnel, identifying priority areas for trapping efforts, and generating maps and analyses using ArcGIS. The coordinator will produce a final report detailing the efforts of the ACE field members, as well as future strategies for nutria control, eradication, and restoration on the Gulf Coast. This position will be required to travel to field sites on Refuges and private lands in Louisiana and Mississippi. The coordinator may participate in field activities such as trapping, vegetation surveys, or other invasive species project work. Training opportunities may include CPR/First Aid, firearm safety training, ORUV (ATV/UTV), and Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC). Candidates must be comfortable working outside in remote areas while exposed to high summer temperatures and potentially dangerous wildlife. All required equipment and PPE will be provided. The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of: -Helping to direct the trapping efforts of ACE field members -Coordinating with the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program to facilitate agreements with private landowners to trap nutria on private lands -Assisting in planning trainings and providing logistical support -Collecting and managing data -Generating maps and spatial analyses using ArcGIS -Producing a final report detailing nutria project efforts and future strategies for control, eradication, and restoration 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. Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday - Friday (7:30am-4pm). 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 over 8-hour work days and working on weekends and/or holidays. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval. Qualifications: Required: -Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts -Holds a bachelor’s degree -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. -A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). -Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part criminal history check. -Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. -ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation. -Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement. To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements. Preferred: -Competitive applicants for this position can hold a master’s or bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Biology, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Geography, or a related field of study and/or have relevant experience. -Proficient in ArcGIS, particularly ArcPro, AGOL, and Field Maps -Leadership experience -Written and verbal communication skills -Ability to research, record, and manage data -Deep interest in USFWS and/or invasive species management. Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions: Physical Demands: 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. Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus. Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 40 lbs., ability to move up to 40 pounds. Travel: This position does not require unique travel. Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) 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. Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the FWS. 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. The member may discharge firearms while assisting with nutria control efforts. The member will be thoroughly trained in the use of firearms by FWS staff. Salary: $800/week Benefits: Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $800/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements. Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or FWS. Housing Allowance: ACE members will receive $325/week to be used for housing expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process. Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, pants, outerwear, etc., and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase. Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training will include First Aid/CPR, and may include ORUV (ATV/UTV), Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC), Firearms safety, and others. 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://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/989346.html Early consideration will be given as resumes 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 Program Manager, Johannah McCollum at jmccollum@usaconservation.org
