Biological Support Member – Alligator River & Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges

Biological Support Member – Alligator River and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges

Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 1 member to contribute to biological support duties alongside Alligator River and Pea Island NWR Staff.

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

Start Date: 03/04/2024
Estimated End Date: 02/28/2025
*a 52 minimum commitment is required, approximately 2,080 hours*

Location Details/Description: Alligator River and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges, Manteo, NC

Alligator River NWR is located on the Albemarle Peninsula in eastern North Carolina. The refuge was established in 1984 to protect the rare pocosin wetlands and their associated wildlife. Pocosin wetlands grow on thick layers of peat and have stunted, shrubby vegetation. In addition to pocosins, the refuge also protects swamp forest and is fringed with marsh. The vast protected area supports large populations of black bear, wintering waterfowl, river otter, and other wildlife species. In addition, the refuge is one of the only places in the world where you may see endangered red wolves in the wild.

For more information about Alligator River NWR, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/alligator-river/about-us

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 to provide nesting, resting, and wintering habitat for migratory birds, including the greater snow geese and other migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, raptors, and neotropical migrants; to provide habitat and protection for endangered and threatened species, such as loggerhead sea turtles; and to provide opportunities for public enjoyment of wildlife and wildlands resources. The 5,000-acre refuge is located on the north end of Hatteras Island, a coastal barrier island and part of a chain of islands known as the Outer Banks, and includes beach, dunes, brackish ponds, and marshes. The bird list for Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge boasts more than 365 species.

For more information about Pea Island NWR, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/pea-island/about-us

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 that mission at Alligator River and Pea Island NWR. During this term, the ACE member will assist with biological duties at Alligator River and Pea Island NWR.

Biological Support Member duties will include:

• monitoring nesting colonial water birds and shorebirds
• monitoring sea turtle nesting activities
• monitoring water levels
• managing water levels as directed by staff
• setting up and maintaining bird nest exclosures

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: A typical work schedule is M-F, 8-4:30; however, early morning, evening, weekend, and holiday hours may be required based on refuge needs. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. 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 $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 1700-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2023/24 grant year program, valued up to $6,895 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 1700 hours.

Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.  

Qualifying Child Care Coverage: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage. Additional enrollment steps are required.  

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: 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. Housing will be shared bunkhouse accommodations with other staff and interns. The bunkhouse is located approximately 20 minutes from the refuge office and the intern will be responsible for their transportation to and from the office each day. A personal vehicle will be required for transportation. 

Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $600 to be used for eligible relocation expenses ($300 at beginning of term, $300 at end of term).

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, pants, outerwear, etc., 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 ATV/UTV operation.

Grant Funding Opportunity:  The selected candidate(s) for this position will be eligible to apply for ACE’s Access and Inclusion Grant. This is a $500 grant which is intended to make participation in ACE positions more accessible to individuals who are underrepresented in the conservation field. Grant recipients will be able to allocate this funding to financial need(s) of their choosing. A limited number of grants are available. 

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 three-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.
• 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:

• Competitive applicants for this position would hold or be pursuing an associate’s degree or higher, and/or have experience in a relevant subject area such as natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject.
• Experience working in intense summer heat and humidity.
• Skill in safely operating motorized vehicles.
• Comfort communicating with the general public.
• Ability to follow assigned protocols to perform tasks with many steps.
• Skills and ability to resolve a full range of problems or situations when performing a variety of tasks in the field or office setting.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: 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.
• 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: This position will involve outdoor/field work and office work and may include exposure to inclement weather. Summer working conditions will include high heat and humidity while the winters can involve cold conditions with high winds. Work environment conditions can change frequently.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as hand and power tools and a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• 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 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.