Biology Support Member - Caribbean Ecological Services

EPIC

5d • $450 • Onsite

About The Position

American Conservation Experience (ACE), in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking a Biological Support Member to contribute to restoration and conservation projects under the mentorship of FWS Caribbean Ecological Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service Staff. This position will help FWS realize its mission at Caribbean Ecological Services. The ACE Member's primary task will be to assist FWS and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) with restoration and conservation efforts within private lands throughout Puerto Rico by providing technical assistance to landowners and NRCS staff for new and on-going projects and landscape-level initiatives. 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 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

• Current student, recent graduate, or individual interested in wildlife biology or related field.
• Excellent communication skills and demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Ability to work under adverse environmental conditions (heat, humidity, wind, biting insects).
• Ability to walk in uneven terrain and carry field equipment for long distances.
• Good communication skills, working well with others, and being an enthusiastic field worker.
• Interest and understanding for conservation and the mission of the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
• Understanding of agricultural conservation practices a plus but not a requirement

Responsibilities

• Assist in the identification of private properties, contact landowners, coordinate site visits, identify conservation practices needed to protect, restore, develop, or enhance wildlife habitat within private lands as established in ongoing projects and initiatives in coordination with NRCS and FWS staff.
• Revise and approve certification practices conducted by FWS that are focused on wildlife, forestry, and wetlands.
• Delivery of soil health/regenerative practices through Farm Bill programs.
• Provide habitat recommendations on existing conservation contracts.
• Assist in delivering habitat restoration projects using Farm Bill, Coastal & Partners for Fish and Wildlife Programs funding, and provide technical assistance to landowners in Puerto Rico and USVI.
• Promote landowner outreach, conservation planning, project development and implementation.

Benefits

• Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute 32 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $450/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.
• Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases.
• 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 : NRCS Conservation Planning and Endangered Species Act Introduction.

What This Job Offers

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