Biology Program Support Member - Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge

EPIC • Eagle Lake, TX

9d • $600 - $600 • Onsite

About The Position

American Conservation Experience (ACE), in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking two Members to contribute to habitat restoration, invasive plant management, and biological survey projects under the mentorship of Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge Staff. The Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge (APCNWR) was established in 1972 to provide habitat for one of the last populations of the critically endangered Attwater's Prairie-Chicken. The refuge is managed to maintain or improve native coastal prairie communities for APC reintroduction and survival. This position will focus on both habitat management via invasive species removal and APC conservation by documenting APC survival after release, feeding APCs in acclimation pens, and assisting with APC retrieval from captive breeding partners. The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. This position is intended to facilitate professional development and promote exposure to partner land management agencies as well as providing networking opportunities. Opportunities to network and work with other biologists, technicians, and staff at nearby refuges will be available.

Requirements

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
• 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 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.
• 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 Bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as biology, natural resource management, ecology, botany, or another related subject area.
• Knowledge of/experience with identifying and monitoring invasive plant species.
• Knowledge of/experience with safely mixing and applying herbicides to invasive plants.
• Experience with radio telemetry tracking of wildlife.
• Experience with UTV and/or ATV operation.
• Experience working in hot, humid climates and inclement weather.
• Experience using Field Maps and/or Survey123 for field data collection.
• Knowledge of plant identification for coastal prairie species.
• Basic knowledge of hand and power tools.
• Ability to embrace travel opportunities as they arise to other nearby Refuges.

Responsibilities

• Manage APC habitat via chemical and/or mechanical treatments of invasive and woody plants
• Evaluate efficacy of invasive plant treatments utilizing provided protocols and geospatial tools
• Maintain thorough records of project activities (using GPS/GIS technologies) and assist with computer data entry and project summarization
• Collect weekly precipitation data
• Track released APCs via telemetry to detect mortality and quantify post-release survival
• Assist staff with on-site APC husbandry by feeding birds in acclimation pens and maintaining/repairing pens
• Assist staff with preparations for APC retrieval from captive breeding facilities (preparing transport equipment, updating databases, etc.)
• Assist staff with retrieval of APCs from captive breeding facilities (banding and measuring juvenile APCs, ensuring safe transport, releasing APCs into acclimation pens)
• Assist with night captures of APCs to deploy GPS transmitters (tentative)
• Assist staff with monthly van tours for the public and other visitor/outreach needs (tabling at events, giving presentations, etc.)
• Develop an independent project in an area of interest (i.e. wildlife conservation, data management, geospatial analysis, habitat restoration, etc.)

Benefits

• Living Allowance: $600/week
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority eligibility upon completion of term and 640 hours of service
• Provided Housing at no cost
• Gear Reimbursement up to $200 for eligible gear purchases
• Provided Training/Orientation including USFWS Defensive Driver training, USFWS ATV/UTV training, and potentially GIS training.

What This Job Offers

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