Individual Placement- Fish & Wildlife Conservation at Indiana Ecological Services Field Office

Student Conservation Association•Bloomington, IN

55d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Indiana Ecological Services Field Office Member will support U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service efforts to conserve and recover federally listed and other at-risk species throughout Indiana. Working alongside Service biologists, the member will assist with imperiled species conservation by conducting field surveys, supporting habitat restoration projects, analyzing biological and spatial data, and preparing technical reports. The member will contribute to conservation planning efforts by reviewing project information and assessing potential impacts to protected species and habitats. Additional responsibilities include GIS mapping, data management, and coordination with conservation partners engaged in species recovery activities. Through hands-on field and office experience, the member will gain practical skills in conservation biology, natural resource management, and implementation of the Endangered Species Act.

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age or older
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a government or project vehicle
Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
Must be able to work in both office and field environments, including uneven terrain and variable weather conditions
Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds
Must complete all required onboarding, safety training, and agency or partner onboarding requirements prior to field work
All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger.
Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, and appropriate footwear.
Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
Able to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration throughout program time.
If using prescription medications, able to self-administer medications by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance. If prescription medication is administered via injection, able to self-administer the injection.
Able to independently carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks.
Able to lift a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.
Able to correctly wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) according to US Coast Guard specifications. Additionally, some motorized boats require passengers to be able to wear an ATV-style helmet.
If intentionally or unintentionally submerged, maintain a face-up position in the water, and make progress through the water to shore or a rescue boat while wearing a Personal Flotation Device.
Able to maintain a secure airway in the event of sudden water submersion.
Able to re-board or enter a boat or watercraft from the water after training and orientation to the boat’s safety procedures and safety equipment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree or coursework in biology, ecology, environmental science, natural resources, GIS, or related field
First Aid/CPR/AED certification
Experience conducting biological field surveys
Experience using GIS software and spatial data
Experience working in a professional office or conservation setting
Strong organizational and communication skills

Responsibilities

Conduct data and geospatial analysis to support conservation planning efforts for federally listed and at-risk species
Review project information and assist with evaluating potential impacts to fish, wildlife, and plant species
Prepare technical reports, biological summaries, GIS products, and other conservation-related documents
Maintain project records, databases, and accomplishment reports
Collect, review, and evaluate scientific literature, biological data, and resource information to support conservation decisions
Assist with field logistics for surveys and habitat work, including equipment preparation and site support
Support partner coordination, meetings, and basic communication tasks
Provide general office support including data QA/QC, filing, and document formatting