Invasive Species Strike Team - Desert Research Learning Center

Invasive Species Strike Team - Desert Research Learning Center 

Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with USFWS, is seeking 2 Members to contribute to regional invasive species removal projects under the mentorship of USFWS Staff and partners.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: January 25, 2027
Estimated End Date: April 3, 2027 with possibility of extension up to 14-weeks (May 1, 2027)
*a 10-week minimum commitment is required, approximately 400 hours *
 

Location Details/Description: Desert Research Learning Center (DRLC), Tucson, AZ. This is a National Park Service facility adjacent to Saguaro National Park on the outskirts of Tucson, AZ. While the DRLC will serve as the home base for the crew, the position will require extensive travel. Minimal time will be spent at the DRLC.

This position will be working at various National Wildlife Refuges across the Southwest, mainly working on invasive species mapping and removal projects. 

For more information about USFWS, please visit their website. 

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 on National Wildlife Refuges and adjacent lands across the southwest. Members on this project would contribute to various invasive species control projects, using both chemical and mechanical methods, as well as conducting baseline inventory and monitoring work. Selected individuals will be working alongside 2 current experienced team members at a minimum while conducting work across the region.

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: Crew members will work 10-hour days. Start time will vary with weather conditions (hot days start earlier). The schedule may fluctuate between 4 10-hour days (Monday-Thursday) and 8-days on/6-days off (generally Wednesday to Wednesday).

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, along with $40/day in per diem for any days spent away from home, 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 and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age (You must be between the ages of 16 and 30. Some agencies also interpret these guidelines to include veterans up to age 35) and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or FWS. ACE members will receive up to $245/week to be used for housing expenses. Receipts for housing expenses must be provided. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process. 

Gear Allowance: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes, most applicable outdoors gear, 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. 

Qualifications 

Required:

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas. 
• 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). Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE’s insurance and liability requirements.
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks 
• 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 located on our Indeed homepage.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a Bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as biology, natural resource management, ecology, botany, or another related subject area.
• Knowledge of/experience in plant identification, habitat restoration, and/or invasive species management.
• Ability to follow assigned protocols to perform tasks with many steps.
• Basic knowledge of herbicide application,  hand and power tools, or heavy equipment experience.
• Ability to embrace travel opportunities as they arise to other nearby Refuges.
• A personal vehicle for travel during off days to get groceries, etc. is strongly recommended

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Entails hiking in rugged terrain, stooping, kneeling, crouching, carrying heavy  materials, and tool and computer use.
• Vision Requirements: The ability to to find small scattered plants or other organisms on broad landscapes and to identify plants by paying attention to small details.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 35 lbs., ability to move up to 75 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 heavy equipment gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
• Travel: This position requires extensive travel to refuges around the southwest, primarily in Arizona. Most of the incumbent's time will be in travel status.

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 ACE's online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC Member Manager, Saige Ruleau.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO:  Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.