Internship Habitat Restoration Support Members (2) – Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, KS
Job Description
Habitat Restoration Support Members (2) – Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, KS
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.
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, is seeking TWO (2) Habitat Restoration Support Members to contribute to a variety of projects including invasive species management, habitat management and visitor services projects alongside agency Staff.
For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.
Start Date: August 2022
End Date: December 2022
*18-week minimum commitment is required *
Location: Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, KS, and occasionally at the Great Plains Nature Center, KS.
Quivira National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1955 to provide and protect vital habitat for migratory waterfowl in the Central Flyway. It’s 22,135 acres feature a unique combination of rare inland salt marsh and sand prairie. Many opportunities exist for the visitor to explore this oasis of the Great Plains.
For more information about Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, please visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Quivira/.
Work Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday – Friday Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule may be required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends and/or holidays. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval.
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected 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: Housing will be provided at no cost for the duration of the term. Members will have housing available at one of the two stations bunkhouses. Members will have access to an entire 3-bedroom house but might need to share a room depending on housing conditions. When residing in FWS provided-housing or on FWS lands, strict adherence to site specific policies and/or regulations is required.
Travel: Most work will be conducted in and around Quivira NWR. Travel is expected on occasion to the Great Plains Nature Center. The selected candidate may also be asked to assist with work at the other three refuges in Kansas. Fuel will be provided by the refuges.
AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 675-hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($2,417.14) upon successful completion of service hours. Additional enrollment 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 and before the age of 31. More information can be provided upon request.
Position Description:
This individual placement is meant to facilitate personal growth and professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with agency professionals. This could include gaining experience in a variety of conservation fields and/or shadowing different work groups.
- Provide support to Refuge’s invasive species management program:
- Assist with surveying and treatment (mechanical and chemical) of invasive species.
- Provide a summary of pesticide application that can be used for the annual pesticide usage report.
- Document each management action area on each station using Collector for ArcGIS, and provide data needed for Refuge Annual Performance Plan (RAPP) report.
- Provide support to Refuge’s other habitat management programs:
- Assist with repair and removal of barbed-wire or electric fence.
- Assist with managing water movement and monitoring wetlands for proper water levels and depth.
- Provide support to the refuge complex visitor services staff to assist with the Kansas NWR complex visitor services program:
- Repair refuge signs.
- Conduct maintenance activities on trails on the refuge.
- (COVID restrictions permitting) Assist with environmental or interpretive programs at Quivira NWR or another station in the Kansas Refuge Complex.
- Provide assistance to the Refuge Manager and the Kansas Invasive Strike Team as needed:
- Complete Invasive Species Strike Team report that includes summary of management actions, chemical usage and program evaluation.
- Assist station Wildlife Biologist in support of wildlife program as needed:
- Assist in conducting bird surveys which may include waterfowl, shorebird, and/or whooping crane.
Training Opportunities:
- Safety Overview & PPE as required
- Project Overview
- Defensive Driving (Online)
- ATV/UTV Certification (Online & Hands on)
- Chemical Application and Safety
- ArcCollector Training
- Radio Operations
- Water management training
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.
Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The Members may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.
Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the FWS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the FWS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the FWS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to FWS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.
Qualifications:
Required
- 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.
- US Citizen or Permanent Resident
- A valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
- Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks.
- Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Preferred:
- Competitive applicants for this position will hold or be pursuing a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as Natural Resource Management, Biology, Ecology, or a related field of study.
- Knowledge of habitat restoration methods and principles
- ATV/UTV operation
- Sawyer qualifications
- Red Card Qualified (Fire)
- Experience with herbicides
- Experience with GIS and/or mapping
- Experience with Heavy Equipment
- Deep interest in wildlife/ habitat conservation and desire to advance career in the field of natural resource management.
How to Apply
To Apply: Please submit your resume, unofficial academic transcripts, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/. Note: Academic transcripts are required for verification of related coursework and professional development purposes, as opposed to evaluating prior academic performance. NOTE: Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC USFWS Division Support Specialist, Andrew Garcia, at agarcia@usaconservation.org or 928-419-7035. Vaccination Requirement: ACE Members must verify that they are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 or have requested and been granted a medical or religious exemption to vaccination by the time they start their term. EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.249 total views, 0 today