SummaryAmerican Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking ONE Invasive Species Member to contribute to mapping and management of invasive species as well as other biological and community engagement projects alongside John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Staff.
For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.
Start Date: June 2024
Estimated End Date: August 2024
Location Details/Description: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, Philadelphia, PA
Celebrated as America's First Urban Refuge, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum was established in 1972 for the purposes of preserving, restoring, and developing the natural area known as Tinicum Marsh. In addition, the refuge was established to provide environmental education and an opportunity to study nature.
For more information about John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, please visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/john_heinz/
Position Overview: During this term, the ACE member will assist with mapping and management of invasive plants. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in other activities on the refuge. The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of:
- GIS mapping of invasive plants using a rapid protocol established in the Northeast Region,
- Searching for new infestations (Early Detection Rapid Response)- methods may vary by refuge,
- Physical removal of invasive plants including hand pulling or with tools (not including chainsaws). Work may be conducted by canoe or kayak (e.g., pulling water chestnut),
- Chemical control of invasives may occur through the application of General Use Pesticides under supervision of a certified pesticide applicator
- Assist with other refuge projects including biological surveys, pollinator gardening, trail maintenance, refuge outreach events, environmental education lessons, and other refuge duties as assigned.
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: 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 $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an 450 hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2023/24 grant year program, valued up to $1,824.07 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 450 hrs.
Loan Forbearance:
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 here: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.
Housing:
Grant Funding Opportunity
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.
Qualifications
- 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).
- 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.
- Members 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-requirements.
Preferred:
- Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a 2-year or 4-year college degree (education or experience in natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject preferred)
- Able to walk and stand for long periods
- Able to physically pull or remove invasive plants with hand tools
- Familiarity with GPS and iPads
- Ensure quality of the data collected
- Drive a vehicle and navigate to new destinations
- Ability to identify plants and distinguish invasive plants from native plants and willingness to learn
- Ability to work in a team and accept guidance from supervisor and other refuge staff
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to live communally in a clean and respectful manner
- Willingness to work in field conditions which will include insects, heat, humidity, rain
- Willingness to participate in training in the mapping as well as pesticide use and safety
Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:
- Physical Demands:
- 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 50 pounds.
- Environmental: Outdoor work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Indoor work includes office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
- Noise Environment: Moderate noise is to be expected such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic, or outside such as wildlife and effects from weather.
- 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: Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the FWS and/or ACE, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to FWS
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 USFWS Member Manager, Claire Barnwell at cbarnwell@usaconservation.org or (585) 484-7626.
EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.
