Biology Support Member - Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

Job Description
Biology Support Member - Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

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 non-profit youth and young adult conservation corps in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking ONE Biology Support Member to work alongside Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge staff. During this term, the ACE member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of diverse management activities on various wildlife habitats, forested wetlands, upland and riverine habitats for the improvement and/or maintenance of these habitats for the benefit of a wide variety of plant and animal species.

Start Date: January 2023

End Date: 52 weeks from start date

**52 week commitment required**

Location: Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, FL

For more information about USFWS and the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee NWR please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/arm_loxahatchee/

Work 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.

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $325/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: Housing is not guaranteed, and will therefore most likely be the responsibility of the ACE member. Availability might open in agency housing at the end of December 2022 (in which case, housing would be provided to the ACE member at no cost).

In the event that space is available in agency housing at the end of December, the ACE member will have their own room in the refuge bunkhouse and will share common areas such as the bathroom, kitchen, dining room, and living room. When residing in FWS provided-housing or on FWS lands, strict adherence to site specific policies and/or regulations is required.

**local candidates encouraged to apply**

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 and before the age of 31. 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.

The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of:

• Assisting refuge staff in the management and monitoring of endangered / threatened species and / or species with sensitive management implications utilizing Service lands.
• Conducting migratory bird and waterfowl surveys in accordance with station objectives.
• Conducting maintenance of the biological program equipment, supplies, and field
• areas.
• Operating refuge equipment including all-terrain vehicles, trucks, and heavy equipment.
• Assisting with the control of invasive and nuisance species. Identifying, mapping, and
• treating areas with invasive plant species. Carries out beaver control activities, including removal of beaver dams to protect valuable timber/wildlife resources.
• Assisting with the preparation of plans and reports on endangered species, migratory species and other wildlife population surveys.
• Assisting with public use programs, which include fishing, wildlife observation, environmental education, and recreation.
• Other duties will include, but are not limited to: trail construction and maintenance, providing or assisting with environmental education programs, mowing, planting, and more.

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 ACE 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.

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 a criminal history check.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
• 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
• Please see further ACE EPIC eligibility requirements at the following link: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements

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
• Education and/or experience using Geographic Information Systems, mapping, GPS

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/.

NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications 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, Madison Ficca, mficca@usaconservation.org or (813) 394-3638.

Vaccination Requirement: ACE Members must verify that they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or have requested and been granted a medical or religious exemption to vaccination by the time they start their term.

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.