VACE: Invasive Species Member (2) - Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Virginia

ACE: Invasive Species Member (2) - Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Virginia

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 US Fish and Wildlife Service, is seeking 2 Invasive Species Member(s) to assist with mapping and management of invasive plants, as well as other biological projects on national wildlife refuges which may include bird surveys, habitat management, leading volunteers, and other public outreach activities projects alongside USFWS Biologists. Local applicants encouraged to apply.

Start Date: May 30, 2022

End Date: September 16, 2022

**16-week commitment required**

Location: Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Virginia

In 1998, Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge, were reorganized into the Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Reorganization allowed for better apportion of staff and resources for all three refuges. The refuges border Occoquan Bay at the junction of Fairfax County and Prince William County.

For more information about Potomac River NWRC, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Mason_Neck/About_the_Complex.html

Work Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday thru 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 $400/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: On-site housing can be provided, however, because of COVID situation, housing is limited.

AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($1,678.57) 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. 

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:

- GIS mapping of invasive plants using a rapid protocol established in the North Atlantic-Appalachian Region

- Searching for new infestations (Early Detection Rapid Response) methods may vary by refuge

- Physical removal of invasive plants including hand pulling or with tools (not including chainsaws). 

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

- Assist with other biological work such as habitat management, assisting volunteers, public outreach.

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 Invasive Species Member 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 or ACE. 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.