ACE: Invasive Species Team Member - Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, VA - AmeriCorps Eligible

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, is seeking 2 Invasive Species Member(s) to assist with mapping and management of invasive plants, as well as other biological projects on national wildlife refuges which may include bird surveys, habitat management, leading volunteers, and other public outreach activities projects alongside USFWS Biologists.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Location: Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, VA

(May also work at Great Dismal Swamp and Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuges)

Back Bay NWR includes a thin strip of barrier island coastline typical of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, as well as upland areas on the west bank of Back Bay. Habitats include beach, dunes, woodlands, agricultural fields, and emergent freshwater marshes. The majority of refuge marshes are on islands within the waters of Back Bay.

Thousands of tundra swans, snow and Canada geese and a large variety of ducks visit the refuge during the fall/winter migration. Refuge waterfowl populations usually peak during December and January. The refuge also provides habitat for other wildlife, including such threatened and endangered species as the loggerhead sea turtle, piping plover and recently recovered species like the brown pelican and bald eagle.

Back Bay NWR provides over eight miles of scenic trails, a Visitor Center, interpretive programming and, with advance scheduling, group educational opportunities. These amenities are located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, immediately south of Sandbridge beach at the southern end of Sandpiper Road. Additionally, a seasonally open kayak/canoe launch facility, Horn Point, provides a spot on the northwest side of Back Bay to kayak, canoe, fish and enjoy a scenic view of the bay.

For more information about Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, please visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/rappahannock_river_valley/

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $400/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: On-refuge housing is available at no cost to selected candidates.

AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($1,638.89) upon successful completion of service hours. Additional enrollment and volunteer service is required.

Scheduling: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday-Friday. Members may have projects that begin very early and/or go late into the day and may have weekend duties as well. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. Time off will be granted.

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.

Equipment Use: The Refuge will provide a vehicle for station activities and the tools required to accomplish the tasks the member is asked to do. Training will be provided for all equipment that the member is asked to use, such as ATVs or watercraft. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. A valid state driver's license is required.

Position Environment: Duties are performed both indoors and outdoors. Temperature and weather extremes can be encountered in the performance of outdoor duties. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/interns or resources. The member will be working outdoors and may be exposed to heat or cold, high humidity, stinging and biting insects, and inclement weather. Knowledge of plant identification is preferred; willingness to learn is essential.

Training: Training on the regional method of mapping invasive species (rapid assessment using iPads) is expected early in the season. Each refuge will provide a review of pesticide safety procedures and the protocols specific to the refuge.

Physical Requirements: This position requires physical exertion such as walking long distances over wet and rough surfaces while carrying up to 40 lbs; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching. Hand and finger dexterity and physical coordination may involve fine and precise procedures, delicate adjustments or exact measurements.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. Eligible members must meet standard requirements of completing at least 640 hours and utilize their certificate before the age of 31.

Please note: Marijuana and other controlled substances are not allowed at any time during the performance of duties or while on federal property, regardless of State law or qualified medical marijuana card status.

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 by clicking on the green Apply Externally button. 

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 FWS Division

Recruitment and Member Manager at dhecker@usaconservation.org or (801) 386-1629.

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.