Job Description

ACE EPIC placements provide young adults with focused, hands-on opportunities to work alongside and under the guidance of agency mentors as they apply their knowledge of resource management on their path to becoming the next generation of resource and land managers. 

Funding for ACE positions is provided by a federal program designed specifically for the employment of youth and young adults. 

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org

Summary:  American Conservation Experience, a Nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking ONE Refuge Intern to support Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in 2022.

During their term, the ACE member will work on two priority projects related to national wildlife refuge management.  The two projects are feral hog trapping/control and facilities maintenance (trails, buildings, landscaping, signage, etc.).  Other lower priority duties could include developing environmental education materials for the refuge’s webpage, hosting special open gates day events, conducting wildlife surveys, developing brochures, and conducting roving visitor contact circuits.

Start Date: April/May 2022

End Date: October/November *30-week commitment required*

Location:  Eufaula NWR, Eufaula, Alabama   

To learn more about Eufaula NWR, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Eufaula/

Work Schedule: Duties will be carried out primarily Monday through Friday.  However; a flexible work schedule, which could involve work performed on weekends and/or holidays, will be required. The selectee will receive the same leave allowance and holidays as federal employees.

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is anticipated to contribute approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $400/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 during field season. When residing in FWS-provided housing or on FWS lands, strict adherence to site specific policies and/or regulations is required. 

Public Land Corps (PLC) Non-competitive Hiring Authority: Members serving on this project may be eligible to receive a Department of the Interior (DOI) PLC non-competitive hiring authority certificate upon completion of their term of service. Eligible members must meet standard requirements of completing at least 640 hours (16 weeks at 40 hours/week) and utilize their certificate when applying for qualifying federal positions within 2 years of receipt. More information can be provided upon request.

Position Duties: 

• Assist will feral hog trapping program
• Manage refuge social media
• Administer refuge managed hunt program
• General refuge management activities (facilities/property maintenance, signing, answering phones, taking photographs, etc.)

Physical Requirements:  This position requires physical exertion such as walking long distances over wet and rough surfaces while carrying up to 40 lbs; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching. Hand and finger dexterity and physical coordination may involve fine and precise procedures, delicate adjustments or exact measurements.  The selectee will work in close proximity to live and dead animals, must be able to identify waterfowl to species and sex (training will be provided), will work routinely several hours before sunrise and after sunset, and will frequent environments with dangerous animals (venomous snakes and invertebrates, alligators, feral pigs, ticks, mosquitos, etc.) and plants (i.e., poison ivy).  Member frequently will work alone in areas 30 to 45 minutes from the nearest staff member.

Position Environment:  Duties are performed both indoors and outdoors. Temperature and weather extremes can be encountered in the performance of outdoor duties. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff or resources.  Must be able to work while using/wearing protective clothing and equipment (safety glasses and goggles, ear muffs, leather gloves, masks, hard hat, etc.). 

Equipment Use and Training:  USFWS will provide a government vehicle and the tools required to accomplish the tasks the Member is asked to do. Training will be provided for all equipment that the Member is asked to use. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) will be mandatory for any activity that requires it.  A valid state driver’s license is required for any (highway legal) vehicle use.

Qualifications:   

Required:

• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• US Citizens and Permanent Residents only
• Must have a valid driver’s license and have a personal vehicle (recommended)
• Must take all measures possible to ensure the safety of yourself and others and understand all safety precautions involved
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills (e.g. structured decision making and issues identification skills) 
• Ability and willingness to undergo a Federal criminal background check

Preferred:

• Strong desire to enter the public service field as a conservation professional
• Experience and/or knowledge in the mission of the USFWS and other federal land management agencies
• Ability to begin work within the stated range of start dates will be strongly preferred
• Ability to work alone and be self-reliant. 
• Ability to work with the public in a professional, science-based manner.

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Internship. Job Tags: conservation and environmental education. Salaries: Less than 20,000.

286 total views, 0 today

Apply for this Job