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Biological Support Member - Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge Complex

American Conservation Experience
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Biological Support Member - Florida Keys 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 1 member to contribute to biological monitoring projects alongside FWS Staff. Major duties will include supporting the inventory and monitoring efforts of multiple refuges within a zone (1-2 states), including: planning and preparation for surveys such as equipment maintenance and drafting of SOPs; field data collection, data entry and QA/QC; survey documentation, and data summary and reporting.  The member will travel to support a variety of types of habitat and species surveys and locations throughout the Florida Keys and work with both regional and local National Wildlife Refuge biologists and managers. The position goal is to provide crucial on-the-ground technical support in support of the full survey lifecycle of inventory & monitoring on National Wildlife Refuges of the Southeast.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: March/April 2025

Estimated End Date: March/April 2026
*a 52 week minimum commitment is required, approximately 2080 hours*

 

Location Details/Description: Co-Located at National Key Deer NWR in Big Pine Key and Crocodile Lake NWR in Key Largo.

The Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge Complex is made of 4 national wildlife refuges - National Key Deer Refuge, Great White Heron, Key West and Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuges. These four refuges are located in an extraordinary and seemingly endless expanse of sea, islands and sky. These refuges are part of a vast subtropical ecosystem. This distinct chain of islands stretches almost 150 miles from the southeastern tip of Florida, curving gently westward dividing the aqua-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico from the distant deep blue Atlantic. The four refuges include more than 416,000 acres of land and open water. Most keys are fringed along the shoreline by red and black mangroves. On larger keys, this gives way to a wide variety of tropical and subtropical trees and shrubs on slightly higher ground. These lands maintain a unique biodiversity by protecting and preserving important marine water, freshwater wetlands, mangroves, tropical hardwood forests (hammocks), and pine rockland forests. Together, these habitats provide the four basic components of a habitat- food, water, shelter, and open space, necessary for the survival of 24 federally listed threatened or endangered species and other native wildlife. As commercial and residential development in the Keys increases, pressure on limited land and water resources become more crucial to the survival of this fragile ecosystem.

For more information about the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges 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 Florida Keys NWRC. This position will work on various land management and research within the unique ecosystems throughout the Florida Keys. This position requires strenuous physical activity that includes exotic plant eradication, capturing pythons and iguanas, small mammal trapping, planting native plants, and conducting field work independently or as a part of a group to support biological programs. In addition to field work, up to 30% of the position's time may include data entry including use of Excel, ArcGIS, and Field Maps. 

The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of:

  • Plan and coordinate to field data collection (e.g. coordinate dates and local support, care for and prepare equipment, arrange and complete travel to sites as necessary
  • Generate, archive and synthesize raw wildlife and habitat survey data;
  • Conduct surveys for avian, terrestrial and aquatic species 
  • Monitoring of threatened and endangered reptiles
  • Hydrological sampling (surface water and wells)
  • Remote camera monitoring
  • Capture of pythons 
  • Assist with meso-mammal captures and radio-collaring opossums
  • Lead volunteer Key Largo Python Patrol on searches
  • Assist with python detection dog program
  • Care and feeding of captive pythons
  • Native plant restoration planting and monitoring success
  • Invasive predator monitoring and control
  • Invasive plant species mapping and control
  • Invasive invertebrate monitoring
  • Assist with crocodile, python, and woodrat research
  • Maintenance of field equipment and supplies 
  • Public outreach activities, including participating in special Refuge educational events and volunteer work days
  • Data entry, management and build data visualization and summary skills
  • Document survey procedures and outcomes in scientific writing formats
  • Work with data managers and other I&M staff to ensure data quality, management, and archiving
  • Travel within the Southeast to conduct surveys across multiple Refuges.
  • Work with professional scientific staff within the Inventory and Monitoring program on a variety of monitoring related surveys occurring on the host NWR
  • Other duties may include:
    • Assist on wildlife and habitat management and research on refuges
  • Interact with a variety of FWS programs and explore career opportunities within the USFWS and National Wildlife Refuge System.

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.


 

Work Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday - Friday.  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 $700/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.

Housing: Bunkhouse style co-ed lodging will be provided on refuge at no cost for the duration of the position.


 

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, work pants, socks, outerwear, 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. 

Position-specific training may entail: 

  • training on invasive plant species identification and control techniques 
  • experience in natural resource management and endangered species conservation 
  • use of standard equipment (e.g., pickup, UTV)
  • site-specific training on sampling procedures (e.g., bird, bat, wetland, forest monitoring)
  • participate in online trainings (e.g., GIS, database management)
  • use of biological program databases and document standards

Scholarship Funding Opportunity:  The selected candidate 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. 
  • Must be a graduate in Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, Ecology, or a related field 
  • 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 two-part criminal history check.
  • 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.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Time and workload management skills, including the ability to assess and implement task priorities given program priorities and time-frames.
  • Ability to communicate well with visitors and staff both orally and in writing
  • Time management and problem solving skills 
  • Ability to walk in extreme temperatures for long distances, carry equipment (30 lbs), tolerant of biting insects and aware of nearby poisonous plants 
  • Skills in using Microsoft Word, Excel, R, and Access 
  • Schedule flexibility (8 to 12 hours daily) including occasional evening shifts 
  • Organizational and information management skills, particularly in regard to information and data management for accurate and efficient accomplishment of data entry, QA/QC, basic visualizations, summary and reporting.
  • To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our usaconservation website.

Preferred:

  • Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a degree in natural resources, biology, ecology, entomology, or a related subject and/or have relevant experience in similar subject areas.
  • Experience in scientific literature reviews and information synthesis.
  • Experience following written instructions to conduct duties (e.g. sampling Standard Operating Procedures).
  • Experience with ground telemetry equipment 
  • Experience capturing reptiles, particularly snakes and lizards
  • Experience monitoring rabbits
  • Experience measuring water quality, preferred experience with YSI ProDSS multiparameter and HOBO water level and salinity data loggers and related software
  • Experience accurately documenting, entering and managing data and documents, using programs including Microsoft and ArcGIS.
  • Research and/or monitoring experience specific to southeastern habitats or species.
  • Experience with field data collection electronically (e.g., using iPads) and taking appropriate notes/data on paper and with data curation and archiving 
  • Experience in wetland and/or forest plant identification.
  • Experience in bird identification.
  • Interest in/affinity for avian and terrestrial wildlife and their habitats
  • Experience and/or knowledge of the mission of the USFWS, National Wildlife Refuge System and other federal land management agencies

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.
  • 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 35 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
  • Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. During inclement weather, interns will conduct office tasks (e.g., data entry) in indoor office conditions. 
  • Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
  • Travel: This position will 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.


 

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 on the usaconservation website. 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 Member Manager, Johannah McCollum.

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.

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