Biological Science Support Member - Cape May National Wildlife Refuge

EPIC • Middle Township, NJ

8d • $500 - $500 • Onsite

About The Position

American Conservation Experience (ACE), in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking ONE Biological Science Support Member to contribute to the biology program under the mentorship of Cape May National Wildlife Refuge Staff. This role involves providing support and assistance to FWS staff in data management for wildlife surveys and management plans, and organization of GPS/GIS projects. The member will archive biological data for a national database, scan and upload biological data and reports, describe uploads, link similar projects, and enter/manage biological data with a focus on inventory and monitoring. The position offers an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of a biology program on a national wildlife refuge and assist with GIS mapping projects. The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American People. ACE Members will work closely with Refuge biology and management staff to perform on-the-ground conservation work, improve wildlife habitat, and monitor species of management concern. Day-to-day operations will often be in a field environment requiring walking over uneven ground with equipment, and exposure to hot/humid weather, biting insects, and poisonous plants. This placement is designed for professional development, exposure to land management agencies, and networking with professionals, potentially including shadowing different work groups.

Requirements

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States.
• 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).
• Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.
• 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

• Hold or be pursuing a degree in natural resources, wildlife biology, ecology, etc.
• 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

• Provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of data management for data from wildlife surveys and wildlife management plans.
• Provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the organization of GPS/GIS projects.
• Archive the biological data to be made available on a national database.
• Scan and upload biological data and reports.
• Describe the uploads and link similar projects.
• Enter and manage biological data, with a focus on the inventory and monitoring program.
• Learn the fundamentals of a biology program on a national wildlife refuge.
• Assist with 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: $500/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service.
• Housing: Provided housing at no cost for the duration of the term.
• Gear Reimbursement: Up to $200 for eligible gear purchases.
• Provided Training/Orientation: 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

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed