Invasive Species Member - Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

EPIC•Basom, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking ONE invasive species member to contribute to the mapping and management of invasive plant species as well as other biological projects alongside Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge Staff. For more information about ACE, please visit usaconservation dot org. Start Date: June 2025 Estimated End Date: September 2025 12 week minimum commitment is required Location Details/Description: Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Basom, NY Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge serves primarily as a nesting, feeding, resting and staging area for migratory birds. The varied habitats support approximately 266 species of birds, 42 species of mammals, plus reptiles, fish, amphibians and insects. Bald eagles have maintained an active nest on the refuge since 1986. Management goals also address the needs of species of special concern including black tern, black duck, osprey, American woodcock, and peregrine falcon that use the refuge during some time of the year. For more information about Iroquois 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 Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge . Members will primarily assist with mapping and management of invasive plants. Members may travel to nearby refuges to assist with work. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in other activities on the refuge and with the Lower Great Lakes Fish and WIldlife Conservation Office. Primary Duties include: GIS mapping of invasive plants using a rapid protocol established in the Northeast Region. Searching for new infestations (Early Detection Rapid Response)- methods may vary by refuge. Physical removal of invasive plants including hand pulling or with tools (not including chainsaws). Assist with biological surveys. Conduct trail maintenance, and assist with refuge outreach events. Summarize data from invasive plant surveys and assist refuge biologist with writing reports. Habitat management and restoration. 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. Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday-Friday, typically 7:30 - 4. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule will be required, which involves work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends to adjust for weather impacts. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval. Position Benefits Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/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. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website at usaconservation dot org. Housing: Shared housing is available on site. Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes work boots, rain gear, backpack, 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. Qualifications Required: 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. Ability to work in a team and accept guidance from supervisor and other refuge staff Willingness to work in field conditions which will include insects, heat, humidity, rain Willingness to participate in training in the mapping and control on invasive plants A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). 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. To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website: usaconservation dot org Preferred: Holding or pursuing a minimum of a 2-year college degree (education or experience in natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject preferred) Able to walk and stand for long periods Able to physically pull or remove invasive plants with hand tools Familiarity with GPS and iPads Ensure quality of the data collected Drive a vehicle and navigate to new destinations Ability to identify plants and distinguish invasive plants from native plants or willingness to learn Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions: Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain. Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus. Weight Lifted or Force Exerted : Frequently moves up to 25 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds. Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Noise Environment : Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools. Travel: This position does not require unique travel. Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The AC E member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources. Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the FWS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the FWS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the FWS and/or ACE , will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to FWS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required. To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE's online application page for this position on our website at usaconservation dot org. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC FWS Member Manager, Claire Barnwell. If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you! ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

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.
Ability to work in a team and accept guidance from supervisor and other refuge staff
Willingness to work in field conditions which will include insects, heat, humidity, rain
Willingness to participate in training in the mapping and control on invasive plants
A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
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.

Nice To Haves

Holding or pursuing a minimum of a 2-year college degree (education or experience in natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject preferred)
Able to walk and stand for long periods
Able to physically pull or remove invasive plants with hand tools
Familiarity with GPS and iPads
Ensure quality of the data collected
Drive a vehicle and navigate to new destinations
Ability to identify plants and distinguish invasive plants from native plants or willingness to learn

Responsibilities

GIS mapping of invasive plants using a rapid protocol established in the Northeast Region.
Searching for new infestations (Early Detection Rapid Response)- methods may vary by refuge.
Physical removal of invasive plants including hand pulling or with tools (not including chainsaws).
Assist with biological surveys.
Conduct trail maintenance, and assist with refuge outreach events.
Summarize data from invasive plant surveys and assist refuge biologist with writing reports.
Habitat management and restoration.

Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/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: Shared housing is available on site.
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.

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