Biology Support Members- Friends of Kaua’i Wildlife Refuges

EPIC • Kilauea, HI

22h

About The Position

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Friends of Kaua'i Wildlife Refuges and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 2 Members to contribute to biology projects under the mentorship of Kaua'i National Wildlife Refuge Complex (KWRC) Staff. For more information about ACE, please visit our website. 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. The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the following tasks:

Requirements

• Member 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 minimum of an AA degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as Botany, Environmental Sciences, Hawaiian Studies, Biology.
• Prior experience with data collection apps such as Field Maps, Survey 123 and Arc GIS
• Prior experience in relevant field work relating to botany or biology or animal husbandry

Responsibilities

• Assist with invasive species management: identify, control, map and monitor invasive plants, pests, and predators. Invasive species removal to include live trapping.
• Assist with biological monitoring and recovery efforts for native and endangered seabird (Laysan albatross, Red-tailed tropicbird, etc) and waterbird species (Hawaiian coot, Hawaiian duck, Hawaiian gallinule, Hawaiian stilt, Hawaiian goose).
• Coordinate closely with refuge staff, partner organizations, and volunteers in the biology, habitat and resource management programs.
• Assist with maintenance of the Kīlauea Point NWR predator exclusion fence: weedwhacking, mowing, spraying invasive vegetation with herbicide and maintaining physical weed barriers.
• Conduct avian disease monitoring and response, including capturing, stabilizing, and transporting sick or injured native birds to a rehabilitation center.
• Work with community volunteers, other interns, and partner agencies in restoration of seabird habitat including outplanting and maintaining native plants.
• Organize and conduct annual Christmas Bird Count and waterbird counts.
• Provide biological updates at staff meetings and assist with entering/proofing/summarizing data, writing reports, and making maps in ArcPro.
• Assist the Refuge Management team in reviewing and creating documents relating to policy, safety protocols, operating procedures, and assist with records management.
• Occasionally assist with facilities and property maintenance including buildings, fences, dikes, water level infrastructure, etc.
• Occasionally assist with special events, environmental education, and interpretation.

Benefits

• Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $750/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 $383/month 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.
• Scholarship Funding Opportunity: The selected candidate(s) for this position will be eligible to apply for ACE's Access and Inclusion Scholarship. This is a $500 scholarship which is intended to make participation in ACE positions more accessible to individuals who are underrepresented in the conservation field.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees