Biology and Outreach Members – Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Biology & Outreach Members (2) – Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Summary
American Conservation Experience, a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 2 Biology & Outreach Members to help with a wide array of wildlife-related projects alongside Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Staff. During this term, the ACE member will work on meaningful conservation projects such as wildlife surveying and monitoring, invasive plant control, and environmental outreach and education.

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

Start Date: April 8, 2024
Estimated End Date: November 1, 2024
*a 30-week minimum commitment is required*

Location Details/Description: Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Gulf Shores, AL

The Bon Secour NWR contains 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat for migratory birds, nesting sea turtles and the endangered Alabama beach mouse. The refuge was established by Congress in 1980 to preserve the coastal dune ecosystem, to protect threatened and endangered species, to provide compatible recreational opportunities, and to serve as a living laboratory for students and scientists.

The name Bon Secour comes from the French meaning “safe harbor,” very appropriate considering the sanctuary for native flora and fauna that the refuge provides. The refuge serves the additional benefit of comprising one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land on the Alabama coast. Its dunes are a reminder of the Gulf Coast, as it once existed. As a consequence, the refuge has been named as one of the 10 natural wonders of Alabama.

The Refuge is home to the endangered Alabama beach mouse, which is associated with the sand dunes and sea oats. Refuge beaches serve as nesting sites for loggerhead, and Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles. Habitats include beaches and sand dunes, scrub forest, fresh and saltwater marshes, freshwater swamps, and uplands.

More than 370 species of birds have been identified on the refuge during migratory seasons. The largest are usually ospreys and several species of herons. At the other extreme, seven species of hummingbirds have been identified. Mammals such as red fox, coyotes, and armadillos are also present.

For more information about Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Bon_Secour/

Position Overview:  The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of:

• Sea turtle monitoring (25%)
• Environmental outreach and education (25%)
• Shorebird/wildlife surveys (15%)
• Administration, and other duties (15%)
• Invasive plant control (10%);
• Refuge maintenance (trails, signs, buildings, etc.) (10%)

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 $400/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. 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.

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 Allowance: ACE members will have up to $200 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. 

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). Likewise, a refuge vehicle will be provided for refuge activities only but a personal vehicle is strongly recommended for getting around Gulf Shores.
• 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.
• High School Diploma
• Proficient in English
• Knowledge of natural sciences
• Ability to work in very hot, humid, and buggy conditions
• Willingness to work varying hours including weekends
• 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.
• 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 minimum of an associate’s degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject.
• Knowledge of the USFWS mission.
• Experience conducting wildlife surveys.
• Experience leading environmental education programs.
• Experience accurately managing associated data.
• Basic GPS and GIS skills.
• Experience working with the public.
• Personal vehicle due to the nearest grocery store being approximately 8 miles from the provided housing.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions: This position 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. conditions.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The Biology Members may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. South Alabama has average temperatures in the 80’s-90’s during the summer months. This individual placement will require much time outdoors, in potentially hot, potentially buggy conditions. 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.