Invasive Species Mapping Member – Pixley National Wildlife Refuge
Invasive Species Mapping Member – Pixley 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 ONE Invasive Species Mapping Member to contribute to the invasive species mapping program project alongside Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex Staff.
Start Date: April 17, 2023
Estimated End Date: November 11, 2023
**30-week commitment required, some start date flexibility in Mid April and Early May
Location Details/Description: Pixley National Wildlife Refuge, Earlimart, CA
The spatial scope of the project focuses on four resources of concern at Pixley National Wildlife Refuge. These resources are the Remnant Tulare Basin Wetlands, Northern Claypan Vernal Pools, San Joaquin Valley Floor Uplands, and Tulare Basin Riparian Habitat. Deer Creek, which makes up the majority of the riparian habitat for the refuge, has been the main avenue for invasive plant species to establish. Management of riparian areas consist of the chemical treatment of established invasive species and subsequent monitoring for resprouts or new establishments. Whereas management of upland areas primarily consists of cattle grazing to help provide optimum habitat for blunt-nosed leopard lizards (Gambelia silus), Tipton kangaroo rats (Dipodomys nitratoides nitratoides), and San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis). Irrigation of the seasonal wetlands occurs to encourage the growth of beneficial foraging vegetation for migratory birds. The remaining acreage of the Refuge is made up of upland habitat, including a wide variety of plant communities such as nonnative annual grass and alkali playas with vernal pools scattered throughout. Most of the upland units of the refuge are adjacent to agricultural fields, where farm workers and equipment can potentially spread invasive species.
For more information about Pixley National Wildlife Refuge, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/pixley/about-us
For more information about the Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/kern/about-us
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. The majority of work will be focused on invasive weed mapping at the Pixley NWR, but opportunities to assist with different projects involving endangered species surveys, waterbird surveys, invasive weed mapping and removal at the Kern NWR will be offered as well. This position will help FWS realize the mission at Pixley NWR by detecting target invasive species locations so that they can be managed and removed which will benefit the native wildlife and plants that rely on the habitats the Refuge provides.
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:
- Conducting a complete and current survey of the invasive vegetation population within Pixley National Wildlife Refuge to increase the probability of detecting new invasions and understanding of invasive species distribution at the Refuge. The survey will be conducted by walking long transects throughout all four resources of concern on the Refuge.
- Producing a report that includes the distribution of target species (Tamarix ramosissima, Lepidium latifolium, Arundo donax, Centaurea solstitialis, Centaurea melitensis, Acroptilon repens) and new invasion detections along with recommendations for how to treat them.
- Treating invasive species found (if time allows) using hand tools and herbicides
Schedule: Duties will typically be carried out between 7am and 4:30pm Pacific, Monday - Friday, . Work hours may vary due to extreme heat. 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. 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 $680/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, 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. 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 here.
Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided agency housing at no cost for the duration of the term.
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 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.
- If driving is required: 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.
- Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
- ACE Members must verify that they are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 or have requested and been granted a medical or religious exemption to vaccination by the time they start their term.
- 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 https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.
Preferred:
- Competitive applicants for this position can hold a bachelor's degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or other related discipline appropriate to this position.
- Knowledge of plant taxonomy, GPS, ArcGIS.
- Ability and willingness to work in a hot, dry environment.
- Deep interest in plants, wildlife, and conservation.
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. 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., ability to move up to 40 lbs.
- Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. When indoor, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
- Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as hand and power tools. Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
- Travel: This position may require domestic travel.
Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, biting insects, high humidity, 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 are performed primarily outdoors. Temperature and weather extremes can be encountered in the performance of outdoor duties.
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/. 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, Nich Jackosky, at njackosky@usaconservation.org or (628) 888-9336.
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.