Biological Science Support Member - Cape May NWR

EPIC • Middle Township, NJ

21d

About The Position

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking to extend TWO Biological Science Support Members to contribute to the biology program under the mentorship of Cape May National Wildlife Refuge Staff. For more information about ACE, please visit usaconservation dot org. Established in 1989, Cape May National Wildlife Refuge provides critical habitat to a wide variety of migratory birds and other wildlife. Its value for the protection of migratory birds and their habitat will continue to grow as wildlife habitat along the Jersey Shore is developed into roads, shopping centers and housing developments. For more information about Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, please visit the FWS website. During this term, the ACE member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of wildlife surveys, invasive plant management, and GPS/GIS projects. The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff to : Assist with various wildlife surveys, such as for shorebirds and horseshoe crabs Control invasive plant species including, searching for new infestations (Early Detection Rapid Response) Physical removal of invasive plants including hand pulling or with tools (not including chainsaws) Application of General Use Pesticides Learn the fundamentals of a biology program on a national wildlife refuge Assist with GPS and GIS mapping projects The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is " Working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats the the continuing benefit of the American People ". The ACE Members will work closely with the Refuge biology and management staff to perform on-the-ground conservation work to improve wildlife habitat, and monitor the populations of species of management concern important to the local ecosystem. Day to day operations will often be conducted in a field environment where the ACE Member will need to be able to walk over uneven ground while carrying field equipment. In this field environment, ACE Members may be exposed to hot and humid weather, biting insects, and poisonous plants (i.e., poison ivy). These hazards can be mitigated, but will not be completely avoidable. However, Members will gain first hand experience implementing habitat management actions and learn how and the work the Members perform will be instrumental in allowing the Refuge to meet its goals and fulfill the mission of the Service. 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.

Requirements

• 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 three-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.

Nice To Haves

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a degree in natural resources, wildlife biology, ecology, etc. and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines.
• Knowledge of Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Conservation, Interpretation and Environmental Education
• Ability and willingness to learn new things, work with the public, ask questions, work in a team, work outdoors
• Deep interest in connecting with the public, community engagement, nature

Responsibilities

• Assist with various wildlife surveys, such as for shorebirds and horseshoe crabs
• Control invasive plant species including, searching for new infestations (Early Detection Rapid Response)
• Physical removal of invasive plants including hand pulling or with tools (not including chainsaws)
• Application of General Use Pesticides
• Learn the fundamentals of a biology program on a national wildlife refuge
• Assist with GPS and GIS mapping projects
• Perform on-the-ground conservation work to improve wildlife habitat
• Monitor the populations of species of management concern important to the local ecosystem

Benefits

• Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $500/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.
• Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided 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.
• Specific training may include Defensive Driver training, computer security training and on the job training in plant identification, bird identification, and coastal ecology.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees