Biology Member – Lostwood 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 biology member to contribute to a diversity of projects involving mapping and management of invasive plants alongside Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge Staff.
Start Date: May 2023
Estimated End Date: October/November 2023
*a 24 week commitment is required, approximately 960 hours*
Location Details/Description: Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge, Kenmare, ND
Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge is located in the physiographic region of North Dakota named the Missouri Coteau. Coteau is French for "little hill." This distinctive landscape of rolling hills and wetlands was shaped by glaciers. The glaciers melted away 10,000 years ago, leaving behind a moraine or ridge of rocks and soil varying in width from 10 to 60 miles. This glaciated region extends from southeast Alberta to northwest Iowa and is also known as the Prairie Pothole Region.
Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge is designated a Globally Important Bird Area by the American Birding Conservancy and National Audubon Society. The Refuge provides essential habitat for rare grassland bird species such as Sprague's pipit and Baird's sparrow. Some of the larger, showy members of the mixed grass prairie include marbled godwit, upland sandpiper, and willet.
For more information about Lostwood NWR, please visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/lostwood/about-us
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 its mission at Lostwood NWR.
The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff to:
- Map and treat invasive plants using a rapid protocol established in the Prairie Region;
- Search for new invasive species infestations (Early Detection Rapid Response);
- Spot and broadcast application of general use pesticides (with oversight from refuge staff) using light trucks and UTVs;
- Maintain station grounds by mowing lawns, weed eating, and trimming shrubs;
- Assist staff with facility and equipment maintenance;
- Assist with other biological work, and other Refuge work (e.g. public outreach) as opportunities and interest allows.
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 $575/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. 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.
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 ATV/UTV, North Dakota commercial pesticide applicator, heavy equipment (ag tractor, skidsteer, payloader), wildland fire, and defensive driving trainings.
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 two-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.
- Must take all measures possible to ensure the safety of yourself and others and understand all safety precautions involved
- A personal vehicle is required for off-duty hours due to the distance of housing to office and store.
- Ability to multitask and shift schedule and priorities to meet changing conditions.
- Commitment to completing tasks thoroughly and on time.
- Ability to complete tasks independently and work well in a team
- To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.
Preferred:
- Holding or pursuing at least a 2-year college degree (education or experience in natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject preferred)
- Experience with invasive plant management
- Experience identifying native and invasive plants
- Pesticide applicators license is a plus
- Experience with data collection software and equipment (ie, GIS and iPads)
- Ability to follow assigned protocols to perform tasks with many steps.
- Strong desire to enter the public service field as a natural resource professional.
- Desire to explore the national wildlife refuges in the Northern Great Plains Prairie Pothole Region.
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. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
- 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 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.
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/934071.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 701-389-2152 or 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.