Biological Science Member - Ouray National Wildlife Refuge

SummaryAmerican Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking ONE Biological Science Member to contribute to the invasive plant removal project alongside Ouray National Wildlife Refuge Staff.

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

Start Date: 4/22/24

Estimated End Date: 8/24/24

Location Details/Description: Ouray National Wildlife Refuge, Randlett, UT

Ouray National Wildlife Refuge lies along the Green River in the Uinta Basin of northeastern Utah. The Refuge provides diverse habitats supporting over 350 fish and wildlife species and offers numerous wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities.

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

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 Ouray National Wildlife Refuge.

The Biological Science Member will be an integral part of Ouray's invasive plant removal program by mechanically and chemically treating and removing invasive vegetation. Due to staffing limitations, the Refuge is in dire need of rehabilitation work to improve and maintain suitable habitat for migratory birds and endangered fish. The USFWS couldn't carry out its mission and achieve specific objectives without seasonal members.

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.

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

Daily duties will include treating vegetation with herbicides, mechanical removal with sawzalls and hand tools, Refuge sign replacement, and other tasks related to core position functions above as they arise.
Collaborating with partners is very important to our work, and the Biological Science Member will be assisting with various Fisheries projects including hatchery work and multi-day electrofishing river trips.

Schedulemay 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 $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 675-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2023/24 grant year program, valued up to $2,626.27 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 675 hrs.

Loan Forbearance: If term is eligible for AmeriCorps

Qualifying Child Care Coverage: If term is eligible for AmeriCorps,

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 and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. 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 housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $300 to be used for eligible relocation 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 must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.

Provided Training/Orientation: First Aid/CPR and ORV certification. There may be additional opportunities as scheduling allows.

Grant Funding Opportunity:

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.
Member 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:

Deep interest in invasive species management

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 lbs.
Environmental: Primarily outdoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as hand and power tools.
Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards:

The ACE member may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, biting insects, high humidity, 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. Duties are performed primarily outdoors. Temperature and weather extremes can be encountered in the performance of outdoor duties.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety:

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 Program Manager, Nich Jackosky, at njackosky@usaconservation.org.

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.

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