Invasive Species Strike Team Member - Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge

EPIC • Ajo, AZ

13d • $600 - $600 • Onsite

About The Position

American Conservation Experience (ACE), in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking four (4) Members to contribute to invasive plant management projects under the mentorship of Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge Staff. 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. Cabeza Prieta NWR, located in southwest Arizona, was established in 1939 and encompasses 860,000 acres, providing valuable habitat for Sonoran Desert wildlife. A significant portion of the refuge is designated as wilderness, and it is the ancestral homeland of the Hia C-ed O'odham.

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 checks
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to hike and work in hot conditions on rough, uneven terrain.
• Effective oral and written communication skills with all ages and diverse audiences
• Ability to speak to the public
• Able and willing to perform duties outdoors in varying weather conditions, especially hot outdoor conditions
• Ability to operate independently and in remote areas
• Competent in Microsoft Office
• 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 Bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as ecology, wildlife management, natural resource management, parks and recreation, rangeland management, or other related disciplines appropriate to the position.
• Knowledge of/experience in plant identification, habitat restoration, and/or invasive species management.
• Ability to follow assigned protocols to perform tasks with many steps with little staff oversight
• Skill in maintaining and safely operating motorized vehicles
• Interest in working/camping in remote back country environments
• Experience and/or knowledge with GIS software
• 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

• Systematic surveying of areas for invasive species including early detection of buffelgrass and stinknet on and around refuge lands
• Using hand tools to manually remove non-native invasive plants including stinknet and buffelgrass
• Opportunities to gain experience with herbicide application will exist if desired
• Use Field Maps and Survey123 for ArcGIS to record treatment data and monitoring
• Operate 4WD government trucks in remote areas on rugged terrain
• Educate the public on invasive and native plant and animal species
• Engage and inform the local community on resource management issues at the Refuge

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 (work boots, work pants, outerwear, hat, etc.).
• 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, 4WD training provided by FWS, guidance on invasive plant surveying and ID, as well as control techniques.

What This Job Offers

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