Deadline: Sun, 01/28/2024 - 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: Texas Location Detail: Eagle Lake, TX Job Description: Wildlife Biology Member - Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is seeking 1 Wildlife Biology Member to contribute to preventing the extinction and aiding in the recovery of the Attwater's prairie chicken (APC) at Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in southeast Texas alongside USFWS Staff. For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org. Start Date: 03/04/2024 Estimated End Date: 09/20/2024 **29-week commitment required** Location Details/Description: Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Eagle Lake, Texas The Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge, located approximately 60 miles west of Houston, Texas, is home to one of the last populations of the critically endangered Attwater's prairie-chicken, a ground-dwelling grouse of the coastal prairie ecosystem. The refuge is one of a handful of national wildlife refuges managed specifically for an endangered species; however, many recovery activities for this imperiled bird and management of its declining ecosystem go beyond the Refuge's boundaries. The Refugio-Goliad Prairie represents the largest remnants of coastal prairie habitat remaining in southeast Texas and home to one of the last populations of the critically endangered Attwater's prairie- chicken (APC), a ground-dwelling grouse of the coastal prairie ecosystem. Formerly occupying some 6 million acres of coastal prairie habitat, the APC was once one of the most abundant resident birds of the Texas and Louisiana tall grass prairie landscape, though currently only about 180 birds exist in the wild. Efforts to propagate and release APCs into the wild have been ongoing since 1992 and 1995, respectively. Monitoring of released birds is critical to understanding recovery limitations and in managing the species in the wild. Less than 200,000 fragmented acres of coastal prairie habitat remain, leaving the birds scattered in solely two Texas counties. The Goliad County population is found entirely on private ranchlands while the Colorado County population is found on the Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge. For more information, please visit: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Attwater_Prairie_Chicken/. 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. The ACE Member will serve directly with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on varied ecological projects and programs within the refuge supporting the management and stewardship of the refuge's resources; protecting and ensuring the survival of the APC and its habitat, allowing the population to eventually reach a measurable level of ecological and genetic stability so that it can be reclassified to threatened status (downlist) and ultimately removed from the endangered species list (delist). Specific duties include, but are not limited to: Assist in APC recovery efforts by building predator deterrent fences around nests and removing them after nesting season Monitoring APC broods Building acclimation pens and caring for the birds in the pens Monitoring prairie chicken movements and survival using radio telemetry Assisting with night captures of adults and chicks to put radio collars on the birds and to assess body condition and survivorship Maintaining thorough records of project activities and assisting with computer data entry and summarization Assist with research orientated tasks such as observation and data collection Assist the refuge by accomplishing clerical, visitor service and maintenance tasks as necessary 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. 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 Benefits Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $450/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2023/24 grant year program, valued up to $3,247.00 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 900 hrs. Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required. Qualifying Child Care Coverage: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage. Additional enrollment steps are required. 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: 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. Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, hats, sun protection, etc, and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase. Travel Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $100 toward eligible travel purchases. Eligible purchases include gas, tickets, fare, 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. Grant Funding Opportunity: The selected candidate(s) for this position will be eligible to apply for ACE's Access and Inclusion Grant. This is a $500 grant which is intended to make participation in ACE positions more accessible to individuals who are underrepresented in the conservation field. Grant recipients will be able to allocate this funding to financial need(s) of their choosing. A limited number of grants are available. Qualifications: Qualifications: 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. Must take all measures possible to ensure the safety of yourself and others and understand all safety precautions involved. Effective communication skills with all ages and diverse audiences Able and willing to serve independently and in a group. Able and willing to perform duties outdoors in varying weather conditions and capable of participating in sustained physical labor. Ability to operate independently and in remote areas. Preferred: Competitive applicants will have a degree (or be pursuing a degree) in wildlife management, ecology, conservation biology, botany, natural resource management, parks and recreation or other related disciplines appropriate to the position. A combination of relevant education and appropriate experience is also acceptable. Knowledge of the basic procedure and technical terminology used in the field of avian ecology and wildlife management. Previous experience utilizing radio telemetry. 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. Knowledge and skill in taking exact measurements, performing mathematics, some of which may be complicated, and keeping detailed and precise records to collect and assemble data. Skill in maintaining and safely operating motorized vehicles and specialized equipment including: highway vehicles, farm tractors, ATVs, UTVs, chainsaws, weedeaters, 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. Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions: Physical Demands: Requires frequent standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools. Required to stoop, kneel, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain. 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 15 lbs., ability to move up to 40 pounds. Environmental: Outdoor work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise at times. Travel: This position may require domestic 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 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. Miscellaneous: N/A Salary: $450/week Benefits: 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/. 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 Member Manager, Andrew Garcia, at 928-419-7035 or agarcia@usaconservation.org. 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.
