Job Description

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a Nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking 2 Fisheries Specialists to help with a variety of migratory fish studies and monitoring projects at the Connecticut River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office located in Sunderland, Massachusetts. This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic young professionals with a passion for natural resource management and an enthusiasm for fisheries management.

During this 22-week term, the ACE member will work alongside US Fish and Wildlife staff on a number of projects ranging from fish population surveys to fish handling and equipment maintenance. 

Start Date: April 4th, 2022

End Date:  September 2nd, 2022

**22-week commitment required**

Location: Connecticut River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office – Sunderland, MA

Connecticut River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office protects, restores, and helps manage migratory fish and their habitats in the Connecticut River Basin. In particular, restoring river herring, American shad, American eel, Atlantic sturgeon, and shortnose sturgeon are priorities, however all migratory and resident aquatic species benefit from the work conducted. The Connecticut River is the longest river in New England, stretching over 400 miles from the Long Island Sound to the Canadian Border. Over 142 species of fish, 14 of which are migratory, call the Connecticut River and its tributary streams home.

Project Website: For more information about the Connecticut River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/r5crc/ 

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

Compensation: The ACE Member will complete 40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $600/week, distributed biweekly. 

AmeriCorps:  This position may be eligible for a 675 hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($2,360.00) upon successful completion of service hours. Additional enrollment is required. 

Position Description:

The selected individual will work alongside the FWS staff on a number of projects during the summer. 

Primary duties include:

• Assist spring River Herring Population Assessment and acoustic tag monitoring;
• Assist Wild Fish Health Program (process American Shad and river herring);
• Assist Sea Lamprey nest counts;
• Gear preparation;
• General equipment maintenance including net repair, fish tanks, water pumps and small engines;
• Capture fish via electrofishing;
• Clean/mount fish scales on microscope slides;
• Read/evaluate mounted fish scales;
• Fish dissection;
• Collect accurate field data and prepare reports for FWS use;
• Support FWS partners such as the USGS Conte Lab.

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.

Work Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday-Friday, but may include some Saturday and holiday work during the summer. This member may have projects that begin very early and/or go late into the day and may have weekend duties as well. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours.  Time off will be granted on an as-needed basis.

Equipment Use: ACE and the FWS will provide a 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 work with. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) will be mandatory for any activity that requires it.  A valid state driver’s license is required.

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/members or resources. Field work is in wetland and forest communities, typically in hot, humid conditions with biting insects. 

Qualifications: 

Required: 

• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident;
• Must be willing to submit to a federal background check;
• A valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and ability to provide such documentation; 
• Strong communication and organizational skills;
• Commitment to completing tasks thoroughly and on time; 
• Ability to complete tasks independently and work well in a team;
• Ability and interest in working in the field with variable weather conditions and ability to lift 40 lbs. and walk long distances over uneven, wet surfaces; 
• Passion for natural resource and fisheries management.

Preferred: 

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Ability to multitask and shift schedule and priorities to meet changing conditions
• ACE Emerging Professionals must be willing to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. 

Please note: Marijuana and other controlled substances are not allowed at any time during the performance of duties or while on federal property, regardless of State law or qualified medical marijuana card status.

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Temporary. Salaries: 20,000 - 40,000.

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