Invasive Species Member – Erie National Wildlife Refuge

Invasive Species Member – Erie National Wildlife Refuge

Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Erie National Wildlife Refuge, is seeking ONE Invasive Species Member to contribute to mapping and management of invasive species as well as other biological projects alongside Erie National Wildlife Refuge Staff.

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

Start Date: 05/20/2024
Estimated End Date: 08/09/2024
*a 12 week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description:  Erie National Wildlife Refuge, Guys Mills, PA

Erie National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1959. The first lands for the refuge were purchased with funds provided from the sale of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps (also known as Duck stamps). Erie refuge is a namesake of the Erie Indians, a Native American tribe that resided in the area. Erie is the only refuge in the nation protecting endangered northern riffleshell and clubshell mussels. French Creek, the most biologically diverse stream in Pennsylvania, flows near the Refuge where over 80 species of native fish are found.

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

Position Overview: Members will primarily assist with mapping and management of invasive plants, and may travel to nearby refuges to assist with projects. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in other activities on the refuge.

Primary Duties include:

• GIS mapping of invasive plants using a rapid protocol established in the Northeast Region using Field Maps 
• Searching for new infestations (Early Detection Rapid Response)
• Physical removal of invasive plants including hand pulling or with tools (not including chainsaws). Work may be conducted by canoe or kayak (e.g., pulling water chestnut).
• Application of General Use Pesticides 
• Assisting with other refuge projects including biological surveys, refuge festivals, and other 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 approximately 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 450 hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2023/24 grant year program, valued up to $1,824.07 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 450 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 training will include a non-motorized boat operator course.

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. 
• 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. 
• Members 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 can hold or be pursuing an associate’s degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology, wildlife management, natural resource management, parks and recreation, rangeland management, or other related disciplines appropriate to the position.
• Applicants with an active pesticide applicators certification are encouraged to apply.
• Strong desire to enter the public service field as a natural resource professional.
• Experience and/or knowledge in the mission of the USFWS and other federal land management agencies.
• Able to walk and stand for long periods
• Able to physically pull or remove invasive plants with hand tools
• Familiarity with GPS and iPads
• Strong attention to detail, can ensure the quality of the data collected.
• Familiarity with driving and navigating a vehicle 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
• Ability to work in a team and accept guidance from supervisor and other refuge staff
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to live communally in a clean and respectful manner
• Willingness to work in field conditions which will include insects, heat, humidity, rain
• Willingness to participate in training in the mapping as well as pesticide use and safety

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 may require domestic 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 FWS.  Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by FWS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by FWS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it.  Strict adherence to FWS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.  

To Apply: 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/1064816. 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 FWS Member Manager Claire Barnwell at [email protected].

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.