Biological Science Support Member – Dale Bumpers White River 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 Biological Science Support Member to contribute to day to day biological and public use operations at the visitor center alongside Dale Bumpers National Wildlife Refuge Staff. 

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

Start Date: May 13, 2024
Estimated End Date: August 16, 2024
*a 14 week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge, St. Charles, Arkansas

Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1935 for the protection of migratory birds. It is one of the most important areas for wintering waterfowl in North America. The refuge is also home to the only population of native black bears in the State of Arkansas and is designated as a Wetland of International Importance. Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge annually attracts about 455,000 visits from hunters, anglers, bird watchers and others. The refuge lies mostly in the floodplain of the White River, near where it meets the mighty Mississippi River. Long and narrow and varying from a quarter mile to ten miles wide and approximately sixty miles long, the refuge is one of the largest remaining bottomland hardwood forests in the Mississippi River Valley. Its fertile forests and some three hundred lakes are interlaced with streams, sloughs, and bayous. The result is a haven for a myriad of native wildlife and migratory birds. 

For more information about Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/dale-bumpers-white-river

Position Overview:  The ACE member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of biological projects, grounds maintenance, public use permit management, and assisting general operations of the Visitor Center. 

Primary Duties:

• Conducts wildlife and/or waterfowl censuses; assists in banding of waterfowl and other wildlife species; feral hog trapping and beaver dam removal.
• Assists with maintenance and construction work such as road repair, fencing, posting, painting, minor repair of equipment and facilities, evacuation projects related to dikes, ditches, water impoundment, etc.
• Loads and unloads materials and equipment, cleans grounds, collects and disposes of refuse and performs a variety of light maintenance and housekeeping tasks involving the use of hand and power tools and equipment.
• May be required to operate passenger vehicles, light trucks, all terrain vehicles and tractors.
• Assist with general operation and maintenance tasks at the Visitor Center including organizational, cleaning, and grounds maintenance tasks.
• Assist with public use permit management.
• Assisting the public with public use permits.
• Assist with biological research requests.
• Assist field staff with other activities as needed such as 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: 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 $550/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 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 housing at no cost for the duration of the term. When residing in FWS provided-housing or on FWS lands, strict adherence to site specific policies and/or regulations is required. 

Gear Allowance: ACE members will have up to $100 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots and field clothing 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 USFWS ATV/UTV certification.

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.
• 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:

• Previous experience working with visitors, hunters, fisherman, and the public in a paid position or volunteer position.
• Ability to perform work safely under extreme environmental and weather conditions (i.e. heat, mosquitos, snakes).
• Ability to work in remote areas with little supervision.
• Knowledge of or interest in the flora, fauna, and history of Southeastern Arkansas.
• Due to the remote nature of Dale Bumpers White River NWR, access to reliable transportation is necessary.
• Ability and willingness to contribute to a team setting and able to help out where needed.
• Knowledge of operating all terrain vehicles and tractors desired.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions: 

• Physical Demands: This position requires physical exertion such as hiking long distances over hot, wet and rough terrain while carrying up to 40 lbs.; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment and 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 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 does not require unique 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:  If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the FWS.  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.