National Wildlife Refuge Support Member – Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)

National Wildlife Refuge Support Member – Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)

Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking ONE National Wildlife Refuge Support Member to contribute to wildlife refuge projects and operations alongside Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound NWR Staff.

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

Start Date:  March/April 2024
Estimated End Date: September/October 2024
*a 26-week minimum commitment is required, approximately 1040 hours*

Location Details/Description: Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound NWR, Hobe Sound, Florida. 

Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound NWR contains the largest contiguous section of undeveloped beach in Southeastern Florida and is considered one of the most productive sea turtle nesting areas in the Southeastern United States.

For more information about Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound NWR, please visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/nathaniel-p-reed-hobe-sound

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 Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound NWR. The National Wildlife Refuge Assistant position at the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound NWR will provide a well-rounded experience in the natural resource field. The member will work as part of a small team to help manage the Refuge completing such tasks as biological surveys, routine upkeep, public programs, and administrative tasks.

Duties Include:

• Environmental outreach and education (30%)
• Invasive plant control (25%)
• Other wildlife surveys (25%)
• Refuge upkeep (trails, signs, buildings, etc.) (15%)
• Administration, and other duties (5%)
• Organize and conduct monthly public beach cleanups
• Manage Refuge social media accounts under the supervision of the Refuge Manager
• Assist with captive animal care

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: Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. Typical work schedule is Monday – Friday (8:00 am- 4:30pm).  A flexible work schedule will be required, as work will take place on weekends and some federal 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.

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 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 no cost for the duration of the term. Housing is a duplex unit with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and a maximum capacity of 3 people. The member may have to share a bedroom and bathroom with one other individual. Housing is within walking distance to the main office. 

Gear Reimbursement: Remove if not provided; ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position 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).
• 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.
• 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, environmental education, interpretation, or a related subject.
• Knowledge of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mission, south Florida wildlife and plant species (native and/or non native), basic GPS and GIS, boat operating and towing, operating trucks, and working with the public.
• Ability and willingness to apply herbicide on invasive plants, conducting wildlife surveys,
• Deep interest in wildlife and natural resources management.
• Bilingual (English, Spanish)

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 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.

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. South Florida has average temperatures in the 80’s-90’s during the summer months, with rainfall almost daily. This position will require extended time outdoors, in hot, humid, and buggy conditions. Field work is often done in remote areas, including wetlands. 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.  

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/1060125.html 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 Program Manager, Johannah McCollum at jmccollum@usaconservation.org.

EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.