Invasive Species Member - Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge

EPIC • Davis, WV

16d • Onsite

About The Position

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 1 Invasive Species Member to contribute to the mapping and management of invasive plant species as well as other biological projects under the mentorship of Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge Staff. For more information about ACE, please visit our website. Start Date: May 18, 2026 (flexible start/end date) Estimated End Date: August 22, 2026 a 14 week minimum commitment is required Location Details/Description: Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Davis, WV Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1994 and now encompasses 18,985 acres. The refuge works to preserve the unique wetlands and uplands of this high elevation, moist valley. The valley's high elevation and position in the Allegheny Mountains combine to create a cool, moist climate more typical in Maine and Canada. Visitors enjoy our snowy winters, cool summers and the expansive views looking over grasslands and wetlands. This climate supports species, like balsam fir, cottongrass, woodcock and fisher usually found far north of here. Many plants and animals are near their southern limits amidst the valley's rugged beauty. Rare species abound in the high elevation wetlands. The refuge is home to 580 species of plants and 288 different animals; quite a diversity of life. For more information about Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 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 Canaan Valley NWR. Members will primarily assist with mapping and management of invasive plants. Members may travel to nearby refuges to assist with projects. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in other activities on the refuge. 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 8 hours a day, Monday-Friday, typically 7:00 - 3:30. 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.

Requirements

• Members 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 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

• 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.
• Willingness to apply General Use Pesticides with use of appropriate safety equipment, and training in the safe handling of General Use Pesticides.
• 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.
• Willingness to work in field conditions which will include insects, heat, humidity, rain.
• Willingness to participate in training in the mapping as well as pesticide use and safety.

Responsibilities

• GIS mapping of invasive plants using a rapid protocol established in the North Atlantic-Appalachian 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).
• Application of General Use Pesticides using hand, backpack or ATV-mounted sprayer.
• Assist with other refuge projects including biological surveys, refuge outreach programs, or events.

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.
• Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided housing at no cost for the duration of the term. Members may be required to share a bedroom in a bunkhouse setting.
• 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.
• Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots and field clothing 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. Specific USFWS training may inclu de ATV/UTV.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree