Habitat Restoration Fellows - Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex

EPIC • Delano, CA

13h • Onsite

About The Position

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking TWO Habitat Restoration Fellows to contribute to a large invasive plant removal and habitat restoration project alongside Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex staff. 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 promote the FWS mission through invasive plant removal in upland and riparian units of the Kern National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge has removed over 500 acres of invasive salt cedar from desert uplands in the past four years. For the last phase of the salt cedar removal project, we will be using chainsaw crews to mechanically remove salt cedar from the final 271 acres of infested area. To ensure effective treatment of the invasive species, we need two fellows to follow-up the chainsaw work with chemical applications of herbicide. Under the guidance of a team leader, the fellows will apply the herbicide, triclopyr, to the resprouts of cut salt cedar trees. If time permits, the fellows may also be able to participate in biological monitoring surveys to assess how endangered species are responding to the invasive plant removal. Currently, we are conducting remote camera trap studies of the San Joaquin kit fox and the Buena Vista lake ornate shrew. In the fall, we will also be conducting a mark-recapture study of the Tipton kangaroo rat. The fellows may have the opportunity to assist with camera checks, data processing, vegetation surveys, and trapping efforts. 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 fellow will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the following tasks: Chemical treatment of invasive plants using basal bark application of General Use Pesticides (with oversight by refuge staff). Geospatial documentation of herbicide treatments using GPS and Avenza. Operation of 4WD vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, and other small equipment. Assistance with biological surveys (e.g., wildlife camera surveys, den/burrow searches, vegetation surveys, waterfowl counts, live trapping) and other Refuge work as opportunities and interest allow.

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).
• 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.
• Ability to work independently in harsh environments, including intense Central Valley heat and muddy conditions, around biting insects and venomous snakes
• Ability to contribute positively to a team under dynamic field conditions
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• A personal vehicle is required for off-duty hours due to the distance of housing to office and stores

Nice To Haves

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of an associate's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology or a related discipline
• Strong writing, communication and organizational skills
• Ability to follow biological protocols and procedures
• Ability to multitask and shift schedule and priorities to meet changing conditions
• Commitment to completing tasks thoroughly and on time
• Skills and abilities to resolve a full range of problems or situations when performing a variety of tasks in a field or office setting
• Prior experience and certification in herbicide application, including the use of backpack sprayers
• Experience and certification with: UTV/ATV or similar heavy equipment
• Experience with geospatial technologies such as GPS and Avenza
• Experience following protocols in support of biological surveys

Responsibilities

• Chemical treatment of invasive plants using basal bark application of General Use Pesticides (with oversight by refuge staff).
• Geospatial documentation of herbicide treatments using GPS and Avenza.
• Operation of 4WD vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, and other small equipment.
• Assistance with biological surveys (e.g., wildlife camera surveys, den/burrow searches, vegetation surveys, waterfowl counts, live trapping) and other Refuge work as opportunities and interest allow.

Benefits

• Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $850/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 $100 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
• Education Level: Associate degree