Invasive Species Strike Team - Desert Research Learning Center

EPIC • Tucson, AZ

2d

About The Position

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is recruiting two members for regional invasive species projects. The Desert Research Learning Center (DRLC), a National Park Service facility near Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona, is the crew’s home base, but the work requires extensive travel to National Wildlife Refuges and adjacent lands across the Southwest, primarily in Arizona. Members will work alongside at least two experienced team members and FWS staff and partners.

Members will contribute to invasive species control using chemical and mechanical methods and will conduct baseline inventory, mapping, and monitoring. This individual placement is intended to support professional development through exposure to land-management agencies, conservation fields, and professional networks, including opportunities to shadow different work groups.

The anticipated service term begins January 25, 2027, and ends April 3, 2027, with a possible extension through May 1, 2027. A 10-week minimum commitment is required, for approximately 400 hours. Members are expected to contribute about 40 hours per week and will work 10-hour days. Schedules may alternate between four 10-hour days, generally Monday through Thursday, and eight days on followed by six days off, generally Wednesday to Wednesday. Start times vary with weather, with earlier starts on hot days.

ACE provides position-specific training and orientation. A vehicle and required tools will be provided by FWS or ACE when needed for the work, and required personal protective equipment will generally be provided by FWS. Members must follow equipment training, certification, and safety protocols.

Requirements

• Be authorized to work in the United States; ACE does not sponsor employment visas.
• Represent ACE and its partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Be able to work independently and contribute positively as part of a group.
• Have a valid driver's license and an insurable driving record; documentation must be provided upon request.
• Be at least 21 years old to drive under ACE insurance and liability requirements.
• Undergo and pass required criminal history checks.
• Be able to perform the essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Complete required timesheets and term feedback and evaluation forms.
• Comply with prohibited-activity restrictions in the Member Service Agreement.
• Commit to at least 10 weeks of service.

Nice To Haves

• Hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree, or have relevant experience in biology, natural resource management, ecology, botany, or a related field.
• Have knowledge of or experience with plant identification, habitat restoration, or invasive species management.
• Be able to follow assigned protocols for tasks involving multiple steps.
• Have basic knowledge of herbicide application, hand and power tools, or heavy equipment.
• Be willing to travel to nearby refuges as opportunities arise.
• Have a personal vehicle for travel on days off, such as for grocery trips.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to invasive species control projects on National Wildlife Refuges and adjacent lands across the Southwest.
• Use chemical and mechanical methods to control invasive species.
• Conduct baseline inventory, mapping, and monitoring work.
• Travel extensively to refuges, primarily in Arizona, and work alongside experienced team members, FWS staff, and partners.
• Follow assigned protocols, safety procedures, and equipment training and certification requirements.
• Complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning- and end-of-term forms, and mid-term evaluations for longer terms.

Benefits

• Living allowance of $600 per week, paid bi-weekly, to offset food and incidental expenses.
• $40 per day in per diem for days spent away from home.
• Up to $245 per week for housing expenses, with receipts required; housing itself is the member's responsibility and is not provided.
• Up to $200 for eligible gear purchases, subject to prior ACE staff approval.
• Position-specific training and orientation.
• Potential eligibility for Public Land Corps federal hiring authority after completing a term and 640 hours of service, subject to eligibility requirements.

What This Job Offers

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