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Invasive Species Member, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum

Invasive Species Member,  John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum

Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 1 invasive species member to contribute to the mapping and management of invasive species as well as other biological projects alongside John Heinz NWR Staff.
For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: mid-May/early-June 2023
Estimated End Date: 12 weeks later (August/September 2023)
**12 week commitment required**

Location Details/Description: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, Philadelphia, PA
Celebrated as America's First Urban Refuge, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum was established in 1972 for the purposes of preserving, restoring, and developing the natural area known as Tinicum Marsh. In addition, the refuge was established to provide environmental education and an opportunity to study nature.

For more information about John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, please visit  https://www.fws.gov/refuge/john_heinz/ 

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 John Heinz NWR. The member will primarily assist with the management of invasive plants, assisting with the Weed Warriors program, and educating the surrounding community about invasive species. Members may travel to nearby refuges to assist with work. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in other activities on the refuge. 


Primary Duties include:

  • Physical removal of invasive species including hand pulling or with tools (not including chainsaws). Work may be conducted by canoe or kayak (e.g., pulling purple loosestrife).
  • GIS mapping of invasive plants using a rapid protocol established in the North Atlantic-Appalachian Region.
  • Supporting the Weed Warriors program.
  • Working with refuge staff and community members on invasive species environmental education projects.
  • Searching for new infestations (Early Detection Rapid Response)- methods may vary by refuge.
  • Application of General Use Pesticides.
  • Assist 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, typically 7:30am-4pm, with some work on nights and weekends. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours.  A flexible work schedule will be required, which involves work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends to adjust for weather impacts.  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 $600/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 2022/23 grant year program, valued up to $1,718.25 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 may be accommodated in provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term. Local applicants are encouraged to apply but housing is available if requested.
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.
  • 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. 
  • 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 2-year college degree (education or experience in natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject preferred)
  • A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
  • Able to walk and stand for long periods
  • Able to physically pull or remove invasive plants with hand tools
  • Familiarity with GPS and iPads
  • Ensure quality of the data collected
  • Drive a vehicle and navigate 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: 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 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. 

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/942216.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, jmccollum@usaconservation.org, 701-389-2152. 

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.