Invasive Species Member – Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Invasive Species Member – Ruby Lake 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 Member to contribute to invasive species management alongside FWS Staff.

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

Start Date: April 15, 2024

Estimated End Date: September 28, 2024

*a 24-week minimum commitment is required*

Location Details/Description: Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge – Ruby Valley, NV

Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge lies at the southern end of Ruby Valley in northeast Nevada. Flanked on the west by the rugged and scenic Ruby Mountains, it is one of the most remote refuges in the lower 48 states.

Ruby Lake serves as a magnet for a wide diversity of wildlife species and is strategically located along migration corridors serving both the Pacific and Central Flyways. The refuge has been identified as one of 500 Globally Important Bird Areas by the American Bird Conservancy.

The National Park Service designated the South Marsh a National Natural Landmark because of the biological diversity and pristine condition of the habitat. The refuge is one of the most important waterfowl nesting areas in the Great Basin and Intermountain West.

The South Marsh supports the largest population of nesting canvasback ducks west of the Mississippi River (outside Alaska) and holds the highest concentration of nesting canvasbacks in North America. Due to habitat loss elsewhere in the Great Basin, the refuge has become increasingly important to resident wildlife, including mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and sage grouse. The refuge fishery is popular with local anglers.

For more information, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ruby-lake

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 Ruby Lake NWR.

Under the guidance of FWS Staff, the Member will:

• help manage the Refuge’s data and vegetation management program
• assist with resource management-related tasks such as treating, monitoring, retreating and mapping tamarisk populations
• conduct surveys on the Refuge to search for new infestations of tamarisk populations
• work in tandem with an ACE Crew as a supporting role to ensure efficient operations (ie. initial treatments with the Crew, providing herbicide and supplies, planning and preparing the next sites, etc.).
• monitor and perform follow-up spot treatments within initial treatment zones to exhaust the seed bank and prevent further encroachment of the tamarisk populations
• assist with other projects as needed and as time allows (i.e., wildlife surveys, waterfowl banding, etc.)

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.
• AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for a 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2023/24 grant year program, valued up to $3,247.50 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 900 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 for the duration of the term.
• Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $1,000 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding the distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.
• Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, hats, sun protective gear, 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 defensive driving, ATV/UTV safety, and heavy equipment (i.e., skid steers).
• 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.
• Ability and willingness to work in hot environments.
• 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 can hold or be pursuing a minimum of an Associate’s degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resource management, ecology, biology, or a related subject.
• Knowledge of plant identification, how to use dichotomous keys, how to operate GPS equipment, and how to stay safe while in the field.
• Familiarity with ArcGIS Pro and Field Maps.
• Ability and willingness to follow assigned protocols to perform tasks with many steps, resolve a full range of problems or situations when performing a variety of tasks in the field or an office setting, and safely operate motorized vehicles and specialized equipment including highway vehicles, backpack sprayers, weed eaters, etc.
• Deep interest in the public service field as a natural resource professional and the mission of the USFWS and other federal land management agencies.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools. Required to stoop, kneel, 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: Ability to move up to 40 pounds.
• Environmental: Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such 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 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.