Invasive Species Removal Fellow - Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Invasive Species Removal Fellow - Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking two Invasive Species Removal Fellow to contribute to the noxious weed removal and habitat restoration project alongside Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website at usaconservation dot org.

Start Date: 3/10/2025

End Date: 5/31/2025 or 11/15/2025

*A 12-week or 36-week commitment is required. This position offers 2 different term lengths. The application page allows you to apply and have your application be considered for one or both term lengths.*

Location Details/Description: Pixley National Wildlife Refuge, Earlimart, CA (within Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex)

Kern National Wildlife Refuge consists of 11,249-acres of natural desert uplands, a relict riparian corridor, and developed marsh. The visitor center and office complex opened in late 1999. The refuge headquarters is at the junction of Garces Highway and Corcoran Road. Situated on the southern margin of what was once the largest freshwater wetland complex in the western United States, Kern Refuge provides optimum wintering habitat for migratory birds with an emphasis on waterfowl and waterbirds.

Through restoration and maintenance of native habitat diversity, the refuge also provides suitable habitat for several endangered species as well as preserving a remnant example of the historic valley uplands in the San Joaquin Desert. Approximately 8,200 visitors annually participate in refuge programs ranging from wildlife viewing to waterfowl hunting.

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 the Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex, please visit the FWS 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 at Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex through invasive plant removal and habitat restoration projects in the upland units of the Pixley National Wildlife Refuge. The fellow will be led by a team lead to remove the invasive species using various mechanical and chemical methods, conduct biological monitoring, and help with endangered species trapping. Once the treatment of the invasive species has been conducted, the fellow will plant native seeds to restore the vegetation.

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:

• Physical removal of invasive plants including hand pulling or using tools (such as shovels, loppers, and hand saws).
• Spot application of General Use Pesticides (with oversight by refuge staff).
• Assist with other biological work, and other Refuge work (e.g. maintenance) as opportunities and interest allows.
• Operation of Refuge vehicles, such as 4WD trucks.

Schedule: Duties will typically be carried out between 7 AM and 4:30 PM 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 ~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 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 and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website at usaconservation dot org.

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $100 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes work boots, rain gear, backpack, etc., 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. Training will be provided for all equipment that the member is asked to use.

Scholarship Funding Opportunity: The selected candidate(s) for this position will be eligible to apply for ACE's Access and Inclusion Scholarship. This is a $500 scholarship which is intended to make participation in ACE positions more accessible to individuals who are underrepresented in the conservation field. Scholarship recipients will be able to allocate this funding to financial need(s) of their choosing. A limited number of scholarships are available.

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 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.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website on usaconservation dot org.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of an associate's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject.
• Experience and certification in herbicide application equipment.
• Experience in physical removal of invasive species using hand tools.
• Workplace experience following biological protocols and procedures.
• Strong writing, communication, organizational, and problem solving skills in a field or office setting.
• Ability to multitask and shift schedule and priorities to meet changing conditions.
• Commitment to completing tasks thoroughly and on time.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
• 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 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate outdoor noise.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

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. 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 ACE's online application page for this position on our website at usaconservation dot org. 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 FWS Member Manager, Saige Ruleau: sruleau at usaconservation dot org.

ACE values an inclusive workforce - 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 hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

 

EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee 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, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, 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.