Monarch Monitoring Member - Big Muddy National Fish And Wildlife Refuge

EPIC • Boonville, MO

2d • $600 - $600 • Onsite

About The Position

American Conservation Experience (ACE), in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking a Member to contribute to monarch monitoring projects under the mentorship of Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Staff. The position is located at the Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge in Boonville, MO, which is part of the lower Missouri River ecosystem. The refuge focuses on restoring resources in the Missouri River floodplain. This role will assist FWS in its mission by conducting weekly monitoring, assessing milkweed patch quality, surveying migratory roosts, completing community outreach, and testing management actions like invasive plant control and mowing. The position offers professional development opportunities and exposure to land management agencies.

Requirements

• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• 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.
• 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 multitask and shift schedule and priorities to meet changing conditions.
• Ability to work in a team, independently, and accept guidance from supervisor and other refuge staff.
• Ability to travel to different locations across the refuge/various refuges to conduct monarch monitoring projects and invasive species management duties.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.

Nice To Haves

• Hold or be pursuing a 4-year college degree and/or have education or experience in natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject.
• Able to pull or remove invasive plants with hand tools.
• 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.
• Knowledge of/experience in plant identification, habitat restoration, and/or invasive species management.
• Knowledge of database systems.
• Experience and/or knowledge with GPS equipment.
• Experience in using common hand tools and simple power equipment.

Responsibilities

• Conducting weekly monitoring of monarch butterflies and milkweed patches.
• Assessing common and swamp milkweed patch quality.
• Surveying known and suspected migratory roosts.
• Completing community outreach and educational opportunities.
• Testing management actions such as invasive plant control and mowing.
• Assisting with other refuge projects including biological surveys and restoration projects.
• Mapping.
• Management of invasive plants.
• General refuge maintenance duties such as trail maintenance, fence building, and boundary posting.
• Physical removal of invasive plants including hand pulling or with hand tools.
• Assisting with the application of General Use Pesticides.
• Participating in other activities on the refuge.
• Traveling to nearby refuges.

Benefits

• Living Allowance: $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service.
• Gear Reimbursement: Up to $100 to spend on eligible gear purchases (e.g., boots, socks, outerwear).
• Provided Training/Orientation: Position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support.
• Specific FWS training may include ATV/UTV training, defensive driver training, herbicide application, and/or GIS/GPS.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree