Summer Biology Member – Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Summer Biology Member – Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Summary:
American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking ONE Summer Biology Member to assist with a variety of biological objectives at ​Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge located in Williamstown, WV. 

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

Start Date: May 20, 2024

End Date:  September 13, 2024 (Start and end dates are flexible, +/- 2 weeks, based on candidate availability)

* At least a 12 week commitment required, 17 week commitment preferred

Location Details/Description: Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Williamstown, West Virginia

Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is one of 567 refuges nationwide and a component of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  The Ohio River Islands NWR is committed to the preservation, conservation, and enhancement of a quality river environment for the people of the Ohio River Valley.  The Ohio River Islands NWR is comprised of 24 islands and 4 mainland properties.  The islands are spread across 362 river miles from Pennsylvania to Kentucky.

For more information about Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, please visit: 

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ohio-river-islands

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 Ohio River Islands NWR. 

The selected individual will work alongside refuge staff on a number of projects. During the busy summer months extra help is needed to support biological programs and provide occasional support for maintenance and visitor services operations.  Most active refuge habitat improvement projects occur during this time as well.

Primary Duties include:

• Assisting the station Wildlife Biologist with collecting biological data and analyzing and preserving that data.
• Conducting inventory and monitoring surveys including acoustic bat surveys, freshwater mussel surveys, bank swallow nest surveys, invasive plant GIS mapping, and much more.
• Organizing and preserving historic data.
• Writing summary reports for work conducted.
• Assisting with habitat improvement projects, such as tree planting and both mechanical and chemical invasive plant control.
• Other duties will include, but are not limited to: trail construction and maintenance, providing or assisting with environmental education programs, mowing, planting, and more.

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.

Work Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday – Friday, typically 8:00 – 4:30.  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 $600/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, if they complete 640 hours of work. 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.

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, pants, outerwear, etc., and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.

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. 

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 must verify that they are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 or have requested and been granted a medical or religious exemption to vaccination by the time they start their term.
• 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, biology, ecology, wildlife management, or a related subject preferred)
• Some experience with or a high interest in learning about collecting biological data and conducting surveys and monitoring
• Some experience with invasive plant mapping and removal (mechanical or chemical)
• GIS skills
• Willingness to work in field conditions which will include insects, heat, humidity, rain
• Experience with or high interest in learning to perform other conservation duties like trail construction/maintenance, environmental education, etc

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 40 lbs.
• 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. 

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.