Biology & Visitor Services Support Member – Edwin B. Forsythe NWR 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 TWO Biology & Visitor Service Support Members to contribute to the visitor services program, bird surveys and related biological tasks alongside Edwin B. Forsythe NWR National Wildlife Refuge Staff.
Start Date: July 17, 2023
Estimated End Date: November 10, 2023
*17 week commitment is required*
Location Details/Description: Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge; Galloway, NJ
Edwin B. Forsythe was named in honor of the late conservationist Congressman from New Jersey. The refuge protects more than 48,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats which is actively managed for migratory birds. More than 82 percent of Forsythe refuge is wetlands, of which 78 percent is salt marsh, interspersed with shallow coves and bays. The refuge’s location in one of the Atlantic Flyway’s most active flight paths makes it an important link in seasonal bird migration.
For more information about Edwin B. Forsythe NWR, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/edwin-b-forsythe/about-us
Position Overview: During this term, the ACE member will educate the public on the beach unit about the importance of shorebird habitat to gain voluntary compliance with current shorebird protection rules. Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge protects more than 48,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats. The refuge’s location in one of the Atlantic Flyway’s most active flight paths makes it an important link in seasonal bird migration. This position will focus on documenting the importance of two undeveloped barrier islands to migratory shorebirds during their south-bound migration from Arctic nesting grounds. In addition to wildlife and plant surveys on these islands, work will also entail documenting human recreational use of the site to understand whether this activity affects species of conservation concern. Members will interact with recreational users to deliver key outreach information. Members will be supervised by a staff biologist and will be expected to carry out work independently and as part of a small team. Work will require walking up to 4 miles a day on the beach and traveling to/from field sites by boat and kayak.
The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff to:
Visitor Services
- Conduct on-site interaction with a variety of audiences to convey key information about the needs of wildlife and compatible recreational uses.
- Assist with the management of wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities such as wildlife observation, wildlife photography, recreational fishing.
- Communicate effectively with visitors and staff by writing or through interpretive activities that aid in implementing the refuge’s outreach program.
- Assist with development or revision of environmental education and interpretive materials, brochures, web content, exhibits and signs.
- Assist with engaging local communities and developing partnerships.
Biology
- Assist with various wildlife surveys including migratory shorebirds and other rare beach-dependent plants and animals
- Control invasive plant species
- Assist with GPS and GIS mapping projects
- Learn the fundamentals of a biology program on a national wildlife refuge
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 Mon-Fri, 8:00am - 4:30pm. 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, and early mornings and/or late evenings. 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 $500/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 service hours.
Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. 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 housing at no cost for the duration of the term.
Gear Allowance: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, socks, pants, etc., and 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. Specific training may include bird identification, data collection techniques, and survey skills.
Qualifications
Required:
- Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required byU.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.
- Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
- To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.
Preferred:
- Competitive applicants for this position should have relevant experience and/or education in subject areas such as biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines.
- Knowledge of Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Conservation, Interpretation and Environmental Education
- Ability and willingness to learn new things, work with the public, ask questions, work in a team, work outdoors
- Deep interest in connecting with the public, community engagement, nature
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/961964.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 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.