Forestry Members - Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge

EPIC•McBee, SC

8d•$600•Onsite

About The Position

American Conservation Experience (ACE), in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is seeking TWO Forestry Members to contribute to forest surveys and wildlife habitat management under the mentorship of Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge Staff. This position focuses on youth development, natural resource stewardship and conservation, creating positive community involvement and career exploration. Participants gain a variety of experiences from forest monitoring to facilities maintenance and visitor services. Conducting forest surveys, shadowing biologists, foresters and natural resources managers, landscaping, sign and trail maintenance, community engagement, staffing a visitor center and assisting with educational programs are all examples of the types of experiences these Corps members may have depending on the refuge and the particular needs of the station.

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 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.

Nice To Haves

Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as ecology, natural resources, environmental education, forestry, biology, etc.
Previous experience or a strong interest in learning about habitat management, wildlife management, and forestry.
Ability to identify plants and distinguish invasive plants from native plants and willingness to learn.
Ability to work in a team and accept guidance from supervisor and other refuge staff.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Willingness to work in field conditions which will include insects, heat, humidity, rain, etc.
This position requires adaptability, as work plans can change at the last minute.
Ideal candidates will be able to multitask and shift priorities to meet changing conditions.

Responsibilities

Support the Refuge Forester by gaining experience performing forestry tasks under the mentorship of the Refuge forester.
Conducting forest inventories, including GPS and GIS technology and the integrated application of forest management software.
Collecting ecological and timber-related forest metrics to develop timber-harvest prescriptions, including volumetric measures required for harvest accountability.
Marking timber, harvest planning, monitoring and evaluation.
Maintaining vehicles and equipment in working order.
Assisting with recreation events such as a Kids Fishing Day and tour groups.
Conducting Bobwhite Quail whistling cock surveys.
Mourning dove trapping and banding.
Additional opportunities at the Pee Dee NWR near Wadesboro, NC.