Job  Board

Invasive Species Member - Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 1 Member to contribute to invasive plant management duties along the Rio Grande river with Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge Staff. During this term, the ACE member will work on meaningful conservation projects such as invasive plant surveying, management, monitoring, and educating the public. For more information about ACE, please visit www.usaconservation.org. Start Date: 5/15/2023 Estimated End Date: 9/30/2023 *a 20-week minimum commitment is required* Location Details/Description: Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - San Antonio, New Mexico Situated between the Chupadera Mountains to the west and the San Pascual Mountains to the east, the 57,331 acre Bosque del Apache was established in 1939 to provide a critical stopover site for migrating waterfowl. The extraordinary diversity and concentration of wildlife draws people from around the world and is well known for the tens of thousands of cranes, geese, and ducks who winter here each year. For more information about Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/bosque_del_apache/. 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. This position will help FWS realize its mission at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge by improving management for listed species, and treating invasive plant species. Primary Duties will include:

• applying herbicide to treat non-native invasive plants including salt cedar, Russian olive, ravenna grass, perennial pepperweed, and Russian knapweed
• surveying areas for invasive species
• monitoring previously treated areas for invasive species and native plant composition
• using Field Maps for ArcGIS to record treatment data and monitoring
• assisting with and leading projects related to invasive species removal and habitat restoration
• educating the public on invasive and native plant and animal species (excellent opportunities exist to engage and inform local community on resource management issues at the Refuge)

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 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 ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $620/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: ACE members will be accommodated in provided FWS shared housing at no cost for the duration of the term. Travel Reimbursement: ACE members will have access to up to $600 to be used for eligible travel 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 pants, boots, hats, 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 may include herbicide application, defensive driving in order to operate government vehicles and utility terrain vehicle (UTV) training. 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 two-part criminal history check.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Effective oral and written communication skills with all ages and diverse audiences.
• Able and willing to perform duties outdoors in varying weather conditions, especially hot outdoor conditions for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to operate independently and in remote areas.
• Competent in Microsoft Office.
• 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-requirement

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of an associate's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology, or a related subject.
• 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.
• Skill in maintaining and safely operating motorized vehicles and specialized equipment including: highway vehicles, backpack sprayers, weed eaters, 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.
• Experience with a chainsaw.
• Personal vehicle for personal time off and getting to-and-from the internship.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires physical exertion such as walking/hiking in long distances in hot conditions over rough, uneven, and potentially wet 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 25 lbs., ability to move up to 45 pounds.
• Environmental: Field/ 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 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 heat in central New Mexico can be intense. Daytime temperatures are generally between 85 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with temperatures occasionally rising over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Local hazards include rattlesnakes, bees, and rough, uneven terrain. 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. 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 EPIC FWS Member Manager, Andrew Garcia, at agarcia@usaconservation.org or 928-419-7035. 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.