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Project Title: Fish and Wildlife/Natural Resource Specialist

 

Project Type: In-person

 

Duration: This position is a 32-week long training and orientation period. The initial service period would encompass June 2024 - January 2025

 

Location: Rio Grande National Forest – Del Norte, Colorado

 

Housing: Must be secured by the intern. Housing stipend of $1,000 per month will be provided. 

 

Project Background: The intent is to prepare the enrollee for a career as a professional fisheries or wildlife biologist, (GS-5/7/9) with the USDA Forest Service.

 

Project Duties: This position involves both field (50%) and office (50%) work.

Field duties: The work performed is traditional hands-on wildlife, fisheries, or natural resources work. Conduct field surveys using prescribed protocol to identify birds, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, etc. by sight or sounds. Performs assignments which involve sampling forest vegetation using dbh tape and clinometer (wildlife), electrofishing and aquatic habitat surveys (fisheries), or GPS/GIS data collection (GIS). Navigates on public and private road systems without direct supervision. Locates off-road study sites using compass, topographic maps and/or GPS unit. Records field data in a legible manner and on a smartphone or tablet. Enters field data onto a computer database. May assist in proofing and editing data forms and databases. Maintains field equipment and vehicles in good working condition. As required, camps at remote locations on National Forest land.

Office duties: Assignments involve data collecting and analyzing; developing reports on the characteristics and quality of the survey results; and developing accurate records and making a presentation of findings. Stay current on relevant scientific literature; establish and maintain collaborative relationships with Tribal, State, County & University partners; participate in interdisciplinary teams (including writing specialist reports); and maintain monitoring databases. 

 

Fellows will work and communicate with a Hispanic Access Program Manager during their fellowship. Fellows will be expected to participate in scheduled conference calls, webinars, and meetings conducted throughout their term. Fellows will capture photos and/or videos Looking for Wildlife Biologists who want a career with the US Forest Service!


 

Desired Qualifications: 

After completing this program, to qualify as a Wildlife Biologist, applicants must meet Office Personnel Management educational requirements as described at: Wildlife Biology Series 0486 (opm.gov). To qualify as a Fisheries Biologist, applicants must meet Office of Personnel Management educations requirements as described at: Fish Biology Series 0482 (opm.gov). To qualify for a Natural Resources Management position (GIS), applicants must meet Office of Personnel Management educations requirements as described at: Natural Resources Management Series 0401 (opm.gov).

 

Minimum Qualifications:

Successful applicants must:

  • Have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate 4x4 vehicles
  • Be able to work outside in all kinds of weather, be able to open range fence gates,
  • Be able to use binoculars and spotting scope, and be able to work safely and effectively both alone and with others.

 

Working Conditions:

The Rio Grande National Forest requires work off-trail, in mountainous forest environments where terrain is often steep, rocky, and densely vegetated. Alpine environments can also be extreme in terms of weather and temperature, changing rapidly throughout the day.

 

Stipend + Benefits:

  • A biweekly stipend of $1,300 based on a 40-hour workweek
  • Monthly housing stipend up to $1000 per month
  • $50 monthly commuting stipend
  • Health insurance coverage
  • Funds available to support professional development opportunities that align with role and goals (training, conference, etc.)
  • Direct Hire Authority/Public Land Corp Eligibility – after completing ## hours, DHA/PLC status provides special non-competitive hiring status when applying for certain federal positions.
     

Application:

Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is managing the recruitment for these positions. All applications should be submitted through Hispanic Access' MANO Project application page. A resume and two references will be required for submission. Your application or resume should include professional and educational experience, along with any awards, technical skills or volunteer activities. Application questions or issues may be directed to MANO Program Associate Veronica Torres, veronicat@hispanicaccess.org. 

 

Applications for this position are due on Sunday, April 28th at 11:59pm EST

 

Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement:

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process should contact Hispanic Access Foundation directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

 

US Forest Service Mission:

To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

 

Hispanic Access Foundation Mission:

Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that connects Latinos and People of Color to partners and opportunities improving lives and creating an equitable society. Hispanic Access’s vision is that all Hispanics throughout the U.S. enjoy good physical health, a healthy natural environment, a quality education, economic success and civic engagement in their communities with the sum improving the future of America.