Job Type: Paid Internship
Salary Details: $300/week
Deadline: Jul 23, 2021
Required Experience: 0 – 1 years

See full internship details at https://www.conservationjobboard.com/job-listing-ace-wildlife-biology-invasive-species-removal-technician—arm-loxahatchee-national-wildlife-refuge-boynton-beach-florida/1104029030

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, FL is seeking 1 Wildlife Biology/Invasive Species Removal Technician to help with a diverse array of native and non-native flora and fauna related projects in Boynton Beach, FL. This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic young professionals with a deep interest in advancing their career goals in natural resources and/or wildlife management on our public lands.

The refuge consists of 145,188 acres, or 226 square miles, of Everglades ecosystems including a mosaic of wet prairies, sawgrass ridges, sloughs, tree islands, cattail communities, and a 400-acre cypress swamp that provides habitat ‘ food, water, shelter, and space ‘ for various wildlife species. More than 250 species of birds, 60 species of reptiles and amphibians, 40 species of butterflies, and 20 types of mammals are found on the refuge.

The refuge also provides habitat and protection for endangered and threatened wildlife such as the American alligator, snail kite, and wood stork. Migratory birds such as Neotropical songbirds, secretive marsh birds, shorebirds, raptors, and waterfowl winter at the refuge along with a great variety of year-round resident wading birds and other wildlife. Through refuge programs and facilities, visitors can enjoy a variety of educational and wildlife-oriented recreational opportunities such as guided birdwatching and interpretive wildlife tours.

Start Date: July, 2021

End Date: 28 weeks after start date

**28-week commitment required**

Location: Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Boynton Beach, FL

Project Website: To learn more about the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee NWR, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/arm_loxahatchee/

To learn more about ACE EPIC Program, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Compensation: The ACE member will receive a living allowance of $300/week for food and incidental expenses, paid bi-weekly.

Housing: No housing is currently available. Applicants should live in the local commuting area and will need to make their own housing arrangements.

PLC Competitive Hiring Authority: This position is authorized by the Public Land Corps (PLC) Act of 1993 and expanded by the Public Lands Service Corps Act of 2013. Individuals who meet basic requirements during their term of service may be eligible to receive their Noncompetitive Hiring Eligibility Certificate to be used when applying to future federal jobs. Requirements are: (1) Individuals must be between the ages of 18 to 30 and (2) Individuals must complete at least 640 hours on a federally approved PLC Project. More information can be provided upon request.

Position Description:

The individual placement at the ARM Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, duties include:

  • Invasive plant control (40%);
  • Other wildlife surveys (35%);
  • Environmental outreach and education (10%);
  • Refuge maintenance (trails, signs, buildings, etc.) (10%);
  • Administration, and other duties (5%).

South Florida has average temperatures in the 80’s-90’s during the summer months, with rainfall almost daily. This individual placement will require much time outdoors, in hot, humid, and buggy conditions. Field work is often done in remote areas, including wetlands.

Equipment Use and Training: The Refuge will provide a government vehicle and the tools required to accomplish the tasks the Intern is asked to do. Training will be provided for all equipment that the Intern is asked to use. Any use of chemicals will require pesticide use training, as well as review of the label and material safety data sheet (MSDS) for every chemical used. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Heavy equipment (tractors, dozers, graders, backhoes, front-end loaders, etc.) may not be used by Interns unless the Official U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service training and certification process is completed. Local training is allowed for small equipment such as lawn mowers, weedeaters, ATVs and UTVs. A valid state driver’s license is required for any (highway legal) vehicle use.

Qualifications: Applicants must have excellent communication skills and a degree (or actively pursuing a degree) in wildlife biology (preferred), zoology, biology, environmental science, ecology or other related disciplines appropriate to the position or equivalent job experience in the realm of wildlife biology.

Required:

  • U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • High School Diploma
  • Must be able to operate a Refuge vehicle. (Individuals must be 21-35 to apply for any ACE position that requires or anticipates operation of agency or ACE vehicles for duties.)
  • A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record are required (documentation to be provided upon request). Likewise, a refuge vehicle will be provided for refuge activities only but a personal vehicle is strongly recommended for getting around the local area.
  • Ability to work alone and in a group
  • Proficient in English
  • Effective communication skills
  • Able and willing to perform duties outdoors in varying weather conditions and capable of participating in sustained physical labor
  • Must take all measures possible to ensure the safety of yourself and others and understand all safety precautions involved
  • Ability to operate independently, and sometimes alone, in remote areas
  • Ability to undergo a federal criminal background check is required
  • Knowledge of natural sciences
  • Ability to work in very hot, humid, and buggy conditions
  • Willingness to work varying hours including weekends

Preferred:

  • Completion or actively pursuing a B.S. in wildlife biology or other relevant discipline
  • Knowledge of the USFWS mission
  • Experience applying herbicide to invasive plants
  • Experience conducting wildlife surveys
  • Knowledge of south Florida wildlife and plant species (native and/or non-native)
  • Experience accurately managing associated data
  • Basic GPS and GIS skills
  • Experience operating trucks and boats
  • Experience towing boats
  • Experience working with the public

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

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/. 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 FWS Division Support Specialist Danielle Ramsden at dramsden@usaconservation.org or (208) 869-3555.

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.