Summary: American Conservation Experience, a Nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking 1 Restoration/Invasive Species Fellow for a 16-week term to help with a large invasive plant removal and habitat restoration in the upland units of the Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The fellows will be led by a team lead to remove the invasive species using various methods, conduct habitat analysis, biological monitoring, and help with endangered species trapping. Once the treatment of the invasive species has been conducted, the fellows will plant native seeds to restore the vegetation.

Start Date: May 3rd, 2021 (or shortly after)

End Date: 16-weeks from start date

*16-week commitment required*

Location: Kern National Wildlife Refuge, California

Project Website: For more information about Kern National Wildlife Refuge, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/kern/

Housing: Refuge housing is available at no cost to the selected candidate.

Living Allowance: The ACE members will complete 40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $680/week, paid biweekly.

PLC Competitive Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. Eligible members must meet standard requirements of completing at least 640 hours and utilize their certificate before the age of 31.

Position Description:

• Physical removal of invasive plants including hand pulling or with tools (including chain saws, loppers, and hand saw).
• Spot application of General Use Pesticides (with oversight by refuge staff)
• Assist with other biological work, and other Refuge work (e.g. public outreach) as opportunities and interest allows.
• Operation of Refuge vehicle, skid-steer, ATV, UTV, and other small equipment.
• Other duties as assigned

Physical Requirements: This position requires physical exertion such as walking long distances over hot, dry, 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. 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.

Equipment Use: The Refuge 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 use, such as ATV/UTV and skid-steer. 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 primarily 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. The member will be working outdoors and may be exposed to heat or cold, high humidity, stinging and biting insects, and inclement weather.

Training: The individual NWRs staff will be responsible for developing the tasks for the members. Trainings on the methods of identifying, mapping, and controlling invasive species will be conducted by the Refuge. Each refuge will provide a review of pesticide safety procedures and the protocols specific to the refuge.

Qualifications: Applicants must have a degree (or be pursuing towards a degree) in ecology, botany, natural resource management, or other related disciplines appropriate to the position. A combination of relevant education and appropriate experience is also acceptable. Resumes must contain enough information to show that the applicant meets the experience as defined in the vacancy announcement.

Required:

• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident;
• At least 21 years of age (as required to operate ACE or Agency vehicles);
• A valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and ability to provide such documentation;
• A personal vehicle is required for off-duty hours due to the distance of housing to office and stores;
• Strong writing, communication and organizational skills;
• Ability to follow biological protocols and procedures
• Ability to multitask and shift schedule and priorities to meet changing conditions.
• 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 mostly hot but variable weather conditions and ability to lift 40 lbs. and walk long distances over uneven, dry surfaces.
• Skills and abilities to resolve a full range of problems or situations when performing a variety of tasks in a field or office setting.
• The member must be willing to represent ACE and the USFWS in a professional, positive and enthusiastic manner.

Preferred:

• Prior experience and certification in herbicide application;
• Experience using hand tools for physical removal of invasive species
• Experience and certification with: UTV/ATV and skid-steer or similar heavy equipment;
• Experience and certification using chainsaws;
• Workplace experience following protocols in support of biological surveys

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.

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 Recruitment and Member Manager, Dave Hecker, 801.386.1629, or dhecker@usaconservation.org

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.