Invasive Species Member - Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 1 Invasive Species Member to contribute to the mapping and management of invasive plant species as well as other biological projects under the mentorship of Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge Staff.
 

For more information about ACE and to apply, please visit our website: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1211955  
 

Start Date: June 9, 2025 (flexible start/end date)

Estimated End Date: August 29, 2025

*a 12 week minimum commitment is required*

Location Details/Description: Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Davis, WV

Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1994 and now encompasses 18,985 acres. The refuge works to preserve the unique wetlands and uplands of this high elevation, moist valley. 

The valley’s high elevation and position in the Allegheny Mountains combine to create a cool, moist climate more typical in Maine and Canada. Visitors enjoy our snowy winters, cool summers and the expansive views looking over grasslands and wetlands. This climate supports species, like balsam fir, cottongrass, woodcock and fisher usually found far north of here. Many plants and animals are near their southern limits amidst the valley’s rugged beauty. Rare species abound in the high elevation wetlands. The refuge is home to 580 species of plants and 288 different animals; quite a diversity of life.

For more information about Canaan Valley 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 Canaan Valley NWR. Members will primarily assist with mapping and management of invasive plants. Members may travel to nearby refuges to assist with projects. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in other activities on the refuge. 

Primary Duties include:

• GIS mapping of invasive plants using a rapid protocol established in the North Atlantic-Appalachian Region
• Searching for new infestations (Early Detection Rapid Response)- methods may vary by refuge
• Physical removal of invasive plants including hand pulling or with tools (not including chainsaws).
• Application of General Use Pesticides using hand, backpack or  ATV-mounted sprayer.
• Assist with other refuge projects including biological surveys, refuge outreach programs, or events.

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: Duties will primarily be carried out 8 hours a day, Monday-Friday, typically 7:00 - 3:30.  Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours.  A flexible work schedule will be required, which involves work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends to adjust for weather impacts.  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 $500/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
 

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

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.
 

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. Specific USFWS training may include ATV/UTV.
 

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 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.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.

Preferred:

• Holding or pursuing a minimum of a 2-year college degree (education or experience in natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject preferred).
• Able to walk and stand for long periods.
• Able to physically pull or remove invasive plants with hand tools.
• Familiarity with GPS and iPads.
• Ensure quality of the data collected.
• Drive a vehicle and navigate to new destinations.
• Willingness to apply General Use Pesticides with use of appropriate safety equipment, and training in the safe handling of General Use Pesticides.
• Ability to identify plants and distinguish invasive plants from native plants and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work in a team and accept guidance from supervisor and other refuge staff.
• Ability to work independently.
• Willingness to work in field conditions which will include insects, heat, humidity, rain.
• Willingness to participate in training in the mapping as well as pesticide use and safety.

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.
• 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 25 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.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
• Travel: This position does not require unique 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 and/or ACE, 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. https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1211955  
 

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 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.