Biology Support Member – Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Complex

EPIC • Newburyport, MA

5d

About The Position

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking One Biology Support Member to contribute to shorebird monitoring and outreach projects under the mentorship of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Complex Staff. For more information about ACE, please visit our website. Start Date: Late March / early April / early May 2026 with flexible start with prior approval Estimated End Date: 38 weeks later a 38-week minimum commitment is required, approximately 1520 hours Location Details/Description: Parker River NWR Complex, Newburyport, MA For more information about Parker River NWR 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 Parker River NWR Complex. During this term, the ACE member will work in support of public programming, outreach, and biological fieldwork related to shorebird disturbance along the Atlantic flyway. The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of: Supporting wildlife and habitat monitoring surveys Evaluating shorebird disturbance on the refuge beach, and leading related public engagement Developing and leading nature-based public programming Coordinating and leading school field trips related to refuge habitats and management Supporting and coordinating outreach and education volunteers, including during piping plover nesting season 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 8am - 4:30pm, five days a week (5-8s). Bi-weekly totals typically will not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule may be required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends and/or holidays. 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 $880/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. 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. Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term. Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase. 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 shorebird identification, geospatial mapping and use of field data collection tools, principles of environmental education and interpretation, and/or technical training on specialized equipment including mowers, power tools, ATV / UTV, and/or motorboat operation.

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.

Nice To Haves

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree in environmental education, wildlife biology, natural resource management, environmental science, or other related discipline appropriate to this position.
• Knowledge of shorebird and seabird biology and identification preferred, preferably plovers and terns.
• Experience leading and/or developing nature-based programs, outreach campaigns, or citizen science efforts.
• Ability and willingness to walk approximately 3 miles per day carrying gear over sand.
• Ability and willingness to work with the public of all ages, backgrounds, and identities in an inclusive and professional manner regarding sensitive conservation issues.
• Ability and willingness to connect with and adapt messaging to a diversity of refuge user groups in a positive manner. This may include beachgoers, birders, anglers, and hikers, as well as first-time and repeat visitors.
• Deep interest in shorebird conservation, public engagement, and/or environmental education.

Responsibilities

• Supporting wildlife and habitat monitoring surveys
• Evaluating shorebird disturbance on the refuge beach, and leading related public engagement
• Developing and leading nature-based public programming
• Coordinating and leading school field trips related to refuge habitats and management
• Supporting and coordinating outreach and education volunteers, including during piping plover nesting season

Benefits

• Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $880/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 FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level