Biology Support Member – Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge

EPIC • Williamstown, WV

1d

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 one (1) Biology Support Member to assist with a variety of biological projects under the mentorship of Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge staff. For more information about ACE, please visit our website. Start Date: May 26, 2026 End Date: September 26, 2026 (Start and end dates are flexible, +/- 2 weeks, based on candidate availability) an 18-week commitment is required Location Details/Description: Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Williamstown, West Virginia Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is one of 567 refuges nationwide and a component of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Ohio River Islands NWR is committed to the preservation, conservation, and enhancement of a quality river environment for the people of the Ohio River Valley. The Ohio River Islands NWR is comprised of 24 islands and 4 mainland properties. The islands are spread across 362 river miles from Pennsylvania to Kentucky. Top priorities for the refuge include riparian forest restoration on the islands and protecting and enhancing freshwater mussel populations in the Ohio River around our islands. For more information about Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, 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 Ohio River Islands NWR. The selected individual will work alongside refuge staff on a number of projects. During the busy summer months extra help is needed to support biological programs and provide occasional support for maintenance and visitor services operations. Most active refuge habitat improvement projects occur during this time as well. 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).
• 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 or as defined by AmeriCorps.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.

Nice To Haves

• Holding or pursuing a minimum of a 2-year college degree and experience in natural resources, biology, ecology, wildlife management, or a related subject preferred.
• Some experience with or a high interest in learning about collecting biological data and conducting surveys and monitoring
• Some experience with invasive plant mapping and removal (mechanical or chemical)
• GIS and data management skills
• Willingness to work in field conditions which will include insects, heat, humidity, rain
• Experience with or high interest in learning to perform other conservation duties like trail construction/maintenance, environmental education, etc

Responsibilities

• Assisting the station Wildlife Biologist with collecting biological data and analyzing and preserving that data.
• Conducting inventory and monitoring surveys including acoustic bat surveys, freshwater mussel surveys, bank swallow nest surveys, native bee surveys, invasive plant GIS mapping, and much more.
• Organizing and preserving historic data.
• Writing summary reports for work conducted.
• Assisting with habitat improvement projects, such as tree planting and both mechanical and chemical invasive plant control.
• Other duties will include, but are not limited to: trail construction and maintenance, providing or assisting with environmental education programs, mowing, planting, and more.

Benefits

• Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $585/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
• AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for a 675-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2025/26 grant year program, valued up to $2,817.14 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 675 hours.
• Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.
• Qualifying Child Care Coverage: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage. Additional enrollment steps are required.
• 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. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, pants, outerwear, etc., and 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.

What This Job Offers

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