Invasive Species Strike Team Member - Salt Plains and Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuges

EPIC • Karnack, TX

4d • $600 - $600 • Onsite

About The Position

American Conservation Experience (ACE), in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking two members for habitat restoration, invasive plant management, and biological survey projects. These members will work under the mentorship of Salt Plains and Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuges Staff. The position involves contributing to the FWS mission of conserving fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. The role will focus on preventing the spread of non-native invasive species and restoring native species at both Salt Plains NWR and Caddo Lake NWR. Members will spend the first 10 weeks at Salt Plains NWR and the final 3 weeks at Caddo Lake NWR. This placement is designed to facilitate professional development, expose members to land management agencies, and encourage networking with professionals, potentially including gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing work groups.

Requirements

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States.
• 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 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.
• Must take all measures possible to ensure the safety of yourself and others and understand all safety precautions involved.
• Ability to multitask and shift schedule and priorities to meet changing conditions.
• Commitment to completing tasks thoroughly and on time.
• Ability to complete tasks independently and work well in a team
• A personal vehicle 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 Bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as biology, natural resource management, ecology, botany, or another related subject area.
• Knowledge of/experience in plant identification, habitat restoration, and/or invasive species management.
• Ability to follow assigned protocols to perform tasks with many steps.
• Basic knowledge of hand and power tools, lawn mowers, weed eaters or heavy equipment experience.
• Ability to embrace travel opportunities as they arise to other nearby Refuges.
• Skills and ability to resolve a full range of problems or situations when performing a variety of tasks in the field or office setting.
• Skill in maintaining and safely operating motorized vehicles and specialized equipment including: highway vehicles, backpack sprayers, weed eaters, etc
• Experience and/or knowledge with GPS equipment.
• Strong desire to enter the public service field as a natural resource professional
• Experience and/or knowledge in the mission of the USFWS and other federal land management agencies.

Responsibilities

• Applying herbicide to treat invasive plants including salt cedar, pampass grass, johnson grass and others
• Surveying areas for invasive species
• Operating GPS units and iPads for monitoring purposes
• Driving 4WD government trucks
• Educating the public on invasive and native plant and animal species

Benefits

• Living Allowance: $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service.
• Housing: Provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term.
• Gear Reimbursement: Up to $100 to spend on eligible gear purchases (e.g., work boots, work pants, outerwear, hat).
• Provided Training/Orientation: Position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training may include Defensive Driving and ATV/UTV certification.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed