Employer: American Conservation Experience Job Field: Forestry Water and Soil Resources GIS/Technology Policy/Administrative Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: Florida Location Detail: Boynton Beach, FL Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Job Description: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking TWO Wildlife Biology Support and Invasive Species Members to work alongside Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge staff and partners to help with a variety of projects focused on managing native and non-native flora and fauna, with an emphasis on large reptiles, in Boynton Beach, FL. Start Date: September 2023 Estimated End Date: September 2024 *a 52-week minimum commitment is required, approximately 2080 hours* The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of: -Assisting Refuge staff and cooperating partners with the control of invasive and nuisance species. (80%) -Conducting intensive surveys for Burmese pythons and other invasive reptiles/animals, providing support for the camera project, and coordinating with the local invasive species control community. -Surveying, monitoring, and removing large non-native reptile and plant species. -Monitoring activities include spotlight surveys that are conducted at night. Multiple night surveys will be conducted most weeks. -Data management duties will also be assigned. -Additional wildlife surveys (10%) -Assisting refuge staff in the management and monitoring of endangered,threatened species and/or species with sensitive management implications on Service lands. -Conducting wildlife and/or vegetation surveys in accordance with station objectives -Refuge management and administrative tasks (10%), including: -Environmental outreach and education -Refuge upkeep (trails, signs, etc.) -Administrative tasks -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 to Friday; 8:00am-4:30pm. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule will be required, as work will take place on weekends and may occur on 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 -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 three-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 or as defined by AmeriCorps. To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements. -Proficient in English -Effective communication skills -Able and willing to perform duties outdoors in varying weather conditions and capable of participating in sustained physical labor -Must take all measures possible to ensure the safety of yourself and others and understand all safety precautions involved -Ability to operate independently and in remote areas -Knowledge of natural sciences -Ability to work in very hot, humid, and buggy conditions -Willingness to work varying hours including weekends Preferred: -Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies, Wildlife Biology, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or other related field of study appropriate to this position -Experience in biological fieldwork, equipment maintenance, the use of handheld GPS units, and operating ATVs and trucks -Ability to use computer technology to maintain and retrieve information from automated data systems, develop spreadsheets, and use word processing and statistical software programs in order to develop reports -Familiarity with geographic information system (GIS), aerial photography and survey techniques, and global positioning systems (GPS) -Ability to communicate in writing in order to assist in the preparation of wildlife management survey summaries -Knowledge of the USFWS mission -Knowledge of south Florida wildlife and plant species (native and/or non-native) -Experience accurately managing associated data -Experience working with the public Miscellaneous: Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions. Required to drive and/or walk on levees and in other remote areas at night while conducting surveys. 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 25 lbs., ability to move up to 40 pounds. Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools. 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. South Florida has average temperatures in the 80's-90's during the summer months, with rainfall almost daily. This individual placement will require much time outdoors, in hot, humid, and buggy conditions. Field work is often done in remote areas, including wetlands. This project will largely focus on surveys for large, non-native reptiles (e.g., pythons and Nile monitors) and native prey species (small mammals, native reptiles, etc.). 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 Salary: Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $400/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an 1700-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2023/24 grant year program, valued up to $6,495.00 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 1700 hrs. Benefits: 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 FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term. The ACE member will share a room and common areas such as the bathroom, kitchen, dining room, and living room in the refuge bunkhouse. 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 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 may include large reptile identification and removal, native wildlife and plant identification, invasive plant identification, pesticide use, ATV operation, defensive driving, chainsaw operation, cyber security, etc. 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/986669.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. 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."
