ACE: Invasive Species Removal - San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge - AmeriCorps - Brazoria, TX
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with USFWS- Texas Mid-Coast National Wildlife Refuges, is seeking 3 Members to work directly with the San Bernard National Wildlife Refugestaff and assist with invasive species removal on both refuges.
These opportunities are intended for enthusiastic individuals with a background in Wildlife Biology or Forestry who possess an interest in gaining experience in the field of Wildlife Conservation and Management.
Start Date: March 9th 2020
End Date: September 7th 2020
* A minimum 26 - week commitment is required *
Location: Texas Mid-Coast
Project Website: For more information about San Bernard NWR please visit:https://www.fws.gov/refuge/san_bernard/. For more information about San Bernard NWR please visit:https://www.fws.gov/refuge/san_bernard/.
For more information regarding the ACE Internship Program, please visit: www.usaconservation.org
Compensation: ACE member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $320 /week to cover the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in Refuge housing at no cost for the duration of the individual placement.
AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 900 hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($3,097.50) upon successful completion of service hours. Additional enrollment is required.
Position Description: Incumbent will be a member of a team to assist with the removal of invasive species on the San Bernard and Brazoria National Wildlife Refuges. Members will mix herbicides and apply herbicides to target vegetation with a variety of equipment and techniques. They will locate, identify and treat invasive species including Chinese tallow, deep-rooted sedge, tri-foliate orange and other species in prairie and forest habitats. Incumbents will operate off-road utility vehicles to access refuge tracts.
Incumbents will assist with the removal of invasive apple snails. Utilizing kayaks, selected individuals will paddle around infected lakes, collecting snails and removing them from the environment. Members may assist with gathering scientific data on a random group of snails. Members may assist with removing vegetation in which the snails lay eggs and directly remove eggs.
When weather is not conducive to invasive species treatments, members will assist with a variety of management activities, including gardening, removing vegetation from rookeries, trail and yard maintenance and removing fences.
Duties:
1) Mixing and applying herbicides to invasive species.
2) Record all invasive species treatment using geographic information system.
3) Operate vehicles and off-road utility vehicles (ORUV's) to access treatment locations.
4) Other duties as time and weather permits.
Qualifications: Applicants for the position must hold or be pursuing a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science and Forestry.
Required:
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Must be 18-35 years of age (Must be 21-35 to apply for any ACE position that requires or anticipates operation of agency or ACE vehicles for duties.)
- A valid driver's license and a clean driving record are required (documentation to be provided upon request)
- Ability to work alone and in a group
- Proficient in English
- Ability to undergo a federal criminal background check is required
- Wearing a clearly visible ACE-EPIC uniform component is required at all times
Preferred:
- 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
- Ability to operate small watercraft, cars, trucks and trailers.
- Ability to use various specialized tools and equipment required to conduct wildlife studies surveys.
- Ability to capture, handle, and tag or collar various wildlife.
- Ability to work doing strenuous activity for significant periods of time, often walking over rough terrain and in muddy conditions; on rough or uneven surfaces; wading through vegetation choked marshes, lifting and carrying heavy objects, and in many instances during difficult weather conditions.
- Collection survey data requires good vision and fieldwork results in exposure to such things as: poison ivy insects, sun, wind, temperature variation and many varieties of pollen.
- Seasonal field studies involve considerable physical demands, such as frequent, extensive travel on foot; bending; crouching; and climbing; exertion from lifting and carrying equipment; and energy drain from cold, wet and windy weather.
- Must be in good physical condition and anticipate the demands of each field trip. Occasionally lifts containers weighing up to 35 pounds.
ACE Emerging Professionals must be willing to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
Please note: Marijuana and other controlled substances are not allowed at any time during the performance of duties or while on federal property, regardless of State law or qualified medical marijuana card status.
To Apply: Please submit your resume, thoughtful cover letter, and contact for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position via the external application.
NOTE: 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 USFWS Division Support Specialist, Dave Hecker, 801.386.1629, or dhecker@usaconservation.org.
EOE: 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.