Temporary Invasive Species Fellow, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
Job Description
Invasive Species Fellow, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
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 (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking one Invasive Species Fellow to assist with management of invasive species programs as well as other biological projects alongside John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Staff.
Start Date: Flexible May 2022
End Date: 16 weeks after start date
**12-16 week commitment required, 16-week preferred**
Location: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, Philadelphia, PA
Celebrated as America’s First Urban Refuge, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum was established in 1972 for the purposes of preserving, restoring, and developing the natural area known as Tinicum Marsh. In addition, the refuge was established to provide environmental education and an opportunity to study nature.
For more information about John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, please visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/john_heinz/
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 $550/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
Housing: ACE members might be accommodated in agency housing for the duration of the term, but housing may be limited or unavailable due to Covid-19. Local applicants are encouraged to apply.
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 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.
The member will primarily assist with the management of invasive plants, assisting with the Weed Warriors program, and educating the surrounding community about invasive species. Members may travel to nearby refuges to assist with work. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in other activities on the refuge.
Primary Duties include:
- Physical removal of invasive species including hand pulling or with tools (not including chainsaws). Work may be conducted by canoe or kayak (e.g., pulling purple loosestrife).
- GIS mapping of invasive plants using a rapid protocol established in the North Atlantic-Appalachian Region.
- Supporting the Weed Warriors program.
- Working with refuge staff and community members on invasive species environmental education projects.
- Searching for new infestations (Early Detection Rapid Response)- methods may vary by refuge.
- Application of General Use Pesticides .
- Assist with other refuge projects including biological surveys, refuge festivals, and other refuge events.
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 member may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, wet and windy weather, rocky terrain, muddy, swamp, or wetland conditions, biting insects, dense vegetation, poison ivy, pollen, and potentially dangerous wildlife. Hazards also include mixing herbicides according to product labels, trailering a UTV, loading and unloading the UTV, and operating battery powered hand tools including saws, drills, etc. 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.
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- 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
- Holding or pursuing a 2-year college degree (education or experience in natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject preferred)
- Able to walk and stand for long periods
- Able to physically pull or remove invasive plants with hand tools
- Familiarity with GPS and iPads
- Ensure quality of the data collected
- Drive a vehicle and navigate to new destinations
- 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
- Ability to work in a team and accept guidance from supervisor and other refuge staff
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to live communally in a clean and respectful manner
- Willingness to work in field conditions which will include insects, heat, humidity, rain
- Willingness to participate in training in the mapping as well as pesticide use and safety
- A valid driver’s license, an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request), and a personal vehicle.
How to Apply
To Apply: Please submit your resume, 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/749266.html NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications 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, Johannah McCollum, jmccollum@usaconservation.org, 701-389-2152. 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.142 total views, 0 today