SummaryAmerican Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Erie National Wildlife Refuge, is seeking ONE Invasive Species Member to contribute to mapping and management of invasive species as well as other biological projects alongside Erie National Wildlife Refuge Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: June 10, 2024

Estimated End Date: August 30, 2024

*a 12 week

Location Details/Description: Erie National Wildlife Refuge, Guys Mills, PA

Erie National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1959. The first lands for the refuge were purchased with funds provided from the sale of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps (also known as Duck stamps). Erie refuge is a namesake of the Erie Indians, a Native American tribe that resided in the area. Erie is the only refuge in the nation protecting endangered northern riffleshell and clubshell mussels. French Creek, the most biologically diverse stream in Pennsylvania, flows near the Refuge where over 80 species of native fish are found.

For more information about Erie National Wildlife Refuge, please visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/erie

Position Overview: Members will primarily assist with mapping and management of invasive plants, and may travel to nearby refuges to assist with projects. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in other activities on the refuge.

Primary Duties include:

GIS mapping of invasive plants using a rapid protocol established in the Northeast Region using Field Maps
Searching for new infestations (Early Detection Rapid Response)
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).
Application of General Use Pesticides
Assisting with other refuge projects including biological surveys, refuge festivals, and other refuge events.

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 $500/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:

Qualifying Child Care Coverage:

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

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. Specific training will include a non-motorized boat operator course.

Qualifications

Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
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 or as defined by AmeriCorps.
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 an associate's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology, wildlife management, natural resource management, parks and recreation, rangeland management, or other related disciplines appropriate to the position.
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.
Able to walk and stand for long periods
Able to physically pull or remove invasive plants with hand tools
Familiarity with GPS and iPads
Strong attention to detail, can ensure the quality of the data collected.
Familiarity with driving and navigating a vehicle 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 40 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 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 FWS, 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 FWS 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.

Jobs in Guys Mills

Invasive Species Member - Erie National Wildlife Refuge