Aquatic Invasive Species Technician- Amistad National Recreation Area

AIS Technician

Summary American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with NPS is seeking One Member to contribute to aquatic invasive species project alongside NPS Staff.

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

Start Date: July 10, 2023 Estimated End Date: September 8, 2023 *a 9-weekminimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Amistad National Recreation Area - Del Rio, TX

An oasis in the desert, Amistad National Recreation Area consists of the US portion of the International Amistad Reservoir. Amistad, whose name comes from the Spanish word meaning friendship, is best known for excellent water-based recreation, camping, hiking, rock art viewing, and its rich cultural history. Amistad is also home to a wide variety of plant and animal life above and below the water. Amistad National Recreation Area's natural features are primarily the result of two influences: geology and climate. The local flora and fauna has developed in response to these two factors. Despite Amistad's desert-like appearance, the park represents an interesting collection of plants and animals found at no other National Park Service site. Amistad National Recreation Area's flora contains elements from three major plant communities. This is due to our location in a transition zone between a more humid Gulf of Mexico-influenced climate, the drier Chihuahuan Desert, and the hills of the Edwards Plateau.

For more information regarding the Amistad National Recreation Area, please visit their website at: https://www.nps.gov/amis/.

Position Overview This project will directly benefit the public through the protection of public water bodies. The main duties will include a wide variety of biological science technician support functions, such as:

• Performing boat inspections to gather data on biological threat of invasive species introductions via watercraft
• Assisting with decontamination services to high-risk watercrafts
• Collecting and organizing aquatic invasive field data
• Installing, operating, and maintaining resource management equipment
• Providing information to visitors and performing outreach at boat ramps to inform boating public of aquatic invasive species threat
• Assisting with implementing scientific monitoring protocols for native species, invasive species and species of conservation concern - this includes, but is not limited to: Monarch Butterflies, Interior Least Terns, and Zebra Mussels
• Providing advice or assistance to other interns and volunteers
• Preparing project and season reports

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Full time; 40 hr week

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $750/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or NPS.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required byU.S. government contracts
• 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.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part criminal history check .
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position must have an interest in ecology, marine biology.
• Deep interest in conservation, ecology, public lands, and invasive species removal
• Skills in boat operation (paddling or motor)
• Basic spoken Spanish

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing]. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment]. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Travel: This position does not require unique travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) 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 NPS. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the site. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the site, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

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 Deanna Stark, at 719-822-8178 or dstark@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.

Current Openings for Aquatic Invasive Species Technician Amistad National Recreation Area Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC