Biology Support Member – Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Summary
American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 1 Shorebird Outreach and Engagement Intern to contribute to management of visitor services and biology projects alongside Parker River NWR Complex staff.
Start Date: July 10, 2023
End Date: November 3, 2023
**17-week commitment required**
Location Details/Description: Parker River NWR Complex, Newburyport, MA
For more information about Parker River NWR Complex, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/parker-river
Position Description:
During this term, the ACE member will work in support of public programming, outreach, and biological fieldwork related to shorebird disturbance along the Atlantic flyway. The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of:
- 60% visitor services/outreach - including but not limited to:
- Roving interpretation and/or staffing a drop-in information table on the beach
- Developing and conducting formal public programs, including conducting background research, designing materials, recruiting participants, and training staff and/or interns on program logistics
- Collaborating with MA Audubon on weekly beach outreach and touch tank programming on the refuge
- Collaborating with Social Behavior Community of Practice lead by Virginia Tech to develop beach outreach messages, signs, and activities to reduce shorebird disturbance; and monitor success
- Supporting youth engagement and education, including field trips, tours, and/or in-classroom visits
- Developing and enacting methods for positive reinforcement of means to reduce shorebird disturbance (e.g. focus on positive engagement vs. increased enforcement)
- Designing print and digital outreach materials, with a focus on positive messaging and targeting diverse user groups
- Providing informal interpretation and public engagement while conducting daily tasks or biological duties on the refuge
- 40% biology fieldwork - including but not limited to:
- Assisting with shorebird surveys and monitoring, including human dimension study related to success of social marketing campaigns.
- Supporting beach openings and closures, including installing and removing signage, ropes, and other regulatory measures
- Collaborate with Mass Audubon and DCR Shorebird Technicians to coordinate plover issues and trends throughout Plum Island beaches
- Conducting data management, recording, and/or analysis
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 8am - 4:30pm, five days a week. (5-8s). Bi-weekly totals typically will 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. 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 here: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.
Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided agency housing at no cost for the duration of the term. Agency housing is typically occupied by multiple interns and/or seasonal staff members simultaneously, and features individual bedrooms with shared living, dining, and cooking areas. When residing in FWS provided-housing or on FWS lands, strict adherence to site specific policies and/or regulations is required.
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 a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, natural resource management, environmental science, or other related discipline appropriate to this position.
- Knowledge of shorebird and seabird biology and identification, preferably plovers and terns. Previous experience monitoring terns and plovers is preferred.
- Ability and willingness to walk approximately 3 miles per day carrying gear over sand.
- Ability and willingness to work with the public of all ages, backgrounds, and identities in an inclusive and professional manner regarding sensitive conservation issues.
- Ability and willingness to connect with and adapt messaging to a diversity of refuge user groups in a positive manner. This may include beachgoers, birders, anglers, and hikers, as well as first-time and repeat visitors.
- Experience leading and/or developing nature-based programs, outreach campaigns, or citizen science efforts.
- Deep interest in shorebird conservation, public engagement, and/or environmental education.
Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:
- Physical Demands: Requires 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, 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 pounds.
- Environmental: Outdoor work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Indoor work includes office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
- Noise Environment: Moderate noise is to be expected such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic, or outside such as wildlife and effects from weather.
- 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 and/or ACE, 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/961963. 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 USFWS Member Manager, Claire Barnwell at cbarnwell@usaconservation.org or (585) 484-7626.
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.