Invasive Species Member – Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Invasive Species Member – Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 1 or 2 invasive species member(s) to contribute to the management and mapping of invasive plant species as well as other biological projects alongside Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex Staff.

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

Start Date: June 24, 2024 (later start date possible)

Estimated End Date: August 30, 2024 (10 weeks after start date)

*a 10 week minimum commitment is required*

Location Details/Description: Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Warsaw, VA

The Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex is made up of four National Wildlife Refuges: Rappahannock NWR, James River NWR, Presquile NWR, and Plum Tree Island NWR.

Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1996 to protect and conserve important wildlife habitats along the river and its major tributaries. Refuge habitats include freshwater tidal marsh, forested swamp, upland deciduous forest, mixed pine forest, and managed grasslands. 

James River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1991 to conserve fish and wildlife which are listed as endangered or threatened species, and to protect bald eagles. Refuge habitats consist of pine-dominated, moist hardwood and floodplain forests, freshwater marsh and shrub swamp, aquatic habitats, erosional bluffs, and non-forested uplands. In addition to supporting hundreds of native plant and animal species, the refuge offers important breeding and roosting habitat for resident and migrating eagles.

Presquile National Wildlife Refuge was officially established in 1953 for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds. It is an important stopover site to migratory birds as they travel up and down the Atlantic Flyway.

Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge encompasses the largest contiguous salt marsh ecosystem in the lower Chesapeake Bay. Located along the Atlantic Flyway, the refuge offers diverse salt marshes, tidal streams, and wooded ridges that support fish, waterfowl, marsh and wading birds, and shorebirds. Serene shorelines offer secluded habitat for breeding and nesting wildlife, including the northern diamondback terrapin.

The ACE Member will service all of these units, with a focus on the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge. 

For more information about Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/rappahannock-river-valley.

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 Eastern Virginia Rivers NWRC. Members will primarily assist with management and mapping of invasive plants. Members may travel to nearby refuges to assist with work. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in other activities on the refuge. 

Primary Duties include:

• Physical removal of invasive plants including hand pulling or with tools (not including chainsaws).
• Application of General Use Pesticides using hand or backpack sprayer.
• GIS mapping of invasive plants using a rapid protocol established in the North Atlantic-Appalachian Region
• Searching for new infestations (Early Detection Rapid Response)- methods may vary by refuge
• Conduct trail maintenance, and assist with refuge outreach events.
• Assist with biological surveys mainly bird-point counts
• Enter data and assist refuge biologist with writing reports. 

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, typically 7:30 – 4:00 .  Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours.  A flexible work schedule will be required, which involves work performed outside of normal work hours including early in the morning and occasionally on weekends.  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 $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 300-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2023/24 grant year program, valued up to $1,459.26 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 300 hrs. 

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.  

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

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

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 USFWS training may include non-motorized watercraft and ATV/UTV training.

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.
• Members must be 18 years of age
• 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:

• Holding or pursuing a minimum of a 2-year college degree (education or experience in natural resources, agriculture, biology, ecology or a related subject preferred)
• Able to walk and stand for long periods
• Able to physically pull or remove invasive plants with hand tools
• Able to lift and carry 45 pounds
• Familiarity with GPS technology
• Attention to detail to ensure quality of the data collected
• Drive a 4WD truck and navigate to new destinations
• Willingness to apply General Use Pesticides with use of appropriate safety equipment, and training in the safe handling of General Use Pesticides
• Ability to identify plants and distinguish invasive plants from native plants and willingness to learn
• Willingness to participate in training in mapping as well as pesticide use and safety
• Ability to work independently, in a team, and accept guidance from supervisor and other refuge staff
• Ability to find satisfaction in completing physically demanding monotonous tasks
• Willingness to work in field conditions which include insects (ticks), heat, humidity, rain, thorny vegetation

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions: 

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
• 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 25 lbs., ability to move up to 50 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, though some overnight trips may occur.

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.