Bullfrog Mitigation Members- Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Bullfrog Mitigation Members- Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking TWO Bullfrog Mitigation Members to contribute to an invasive bullfrog removal project alongside Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Staff.
Start Date: July 12, 2023
End Date: September 16, 2023
**10-week commitment required**
Location: Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge- Black River Unit, Olympia, WA
The Black River Unit was established in 1996 and is managed as part of Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. It encompasses a large mosaic of wetland and riparian habitats and surrounding uplands along the Black River. The purpose of the Unit is to protect biological diversity, enhance and manage unique wetland and riparian ecosystems for the benefit of anadromous salmonid production and rearing, migratory and resident waterfowl, migratory neotropical birds, wading birds and other wetland-dependent wildlife.
The Black River is a tributary of the Chehalis River, the second largest watershed in Washington. The Unit's wetland habitats make up one of the largest, relatively undisturbed freshwater wetland systems remaining in all of Puget Sound. The river's diverse habitats include prairie oak woodlands, sphagnum bogs, wet prairies, alder bottoms and wetland conifer forests. The Unit contains spawning and rearing habitat and migration corridors for native trout and salmon. At least 150 species of migratory birds, including waterfowl and neotropical songbirds, use the wetland and riparian habitats. It is also one of only a few places where the Oregon spotted frog is known to occur in Washington. The Oregon spotted frog is a State listed endangered species and Federally Threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
For more information about Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, please visit: Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)
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 the mission at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge by working nights in canoe/kayak on the Black River capturing non-native bullfrogs in areas where federally listed Oregon spotted frogs are found.
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.
The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the following tasks:
- Safely operating canoe/kayak on 3km of the Black River to capture bullfrogs (via air rifle, gigging or hand netting)
- Walking adjacent wetlands in waders, through tall grasses/cattails searching for and removing bullfrogs
- Euthanizing bullfrogs (up to 30 per night)
- Taking measurements and performing dietary analysis on bullfrogs
Schedule:
Duties will primarily be carried out overnight 8 hrs/night (range between 7 pm to 5 am, depending on time of sunset between Monday and Friday. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 48 hours (this is a part-time position, 24 hrs/week). 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 24 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $408/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
Housing: Preference will be given to local applicants. The selectee will be responsible for finding local housing.
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 will include attendance at a Bullfrog Removal Workshop, July 20th-21st (Olympia, WA). ACE members will also complete the National Safety Council’s Defensive Driving course.
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.
- Hunter Safety Certification or willing to acquire certification (online course) within one week of start date.
- 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 here.
Preferred:
- Competitive applicants for this position can hold a minimum of a high school diploma or GED and/or have interest in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject.
- Knowledge of Washington amphibian species.
- Experience paddling canoe and kayak.
- Experience working nights.
- Experience gigging bullfrogs or hand capturing herptiles.
- Experience with air rifles or other firearms.
- Deep interest in amphibian conservation, threatened and endangered species, and invasive species control.
Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:
- Physical Demands: This position requires physical exertion such as hiking long distances over hot, wet and rough terrain while carrying up to 40 lbs.; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching, talking and hearing, operating canoes and kayaks, wading through deep water and walking through 6-foot tall vegetation (grasses and cattails). Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment and may involve fine and precise procedures, delicate adjustments or exact measurements.
- 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: Primarily outdoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
- Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as hand and power tools.
- Travel: This position may require domestic travel.
Please note: Marijuana and other controlled substances are not allowed at any time during the performance of duties including while on federal property or in a FWS or ACE vehicle, regardless of State law or qualified medical marijuana card status.
Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE members may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, moving water, 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. Duties will primarily be conducted at night.
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/. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC FWS Member Manager, Nich Jackosky at 628-888-9336 or njackosky@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.