Aquatic Invasive Species Technician

Aquatic Invasive Species Technician

Summary American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Amistad National Recreation Area is seeking ONE Member to contribute to Aquatic Invasive Species control and monitoring projects alongside NPS Staff.

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

Start Date: May 29, 2023 Estimated End Date: October 13, 2023 *a 20-week minimum 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

Training: Member activities will be overseen and supervised by NPS staff to ensure compliance with current data protocols and ensure that clear, concise messages are given at boat ramps to the boating public and visitors. Training will be available on the following subjects: boat safety/trailer backing, border safety, defensive driving, FISSA, CPR, Arc GIS, and Watercraft Inspection.

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 hrs weekly

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.

Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $250 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.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 the position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as ecology, marine biology, botany, wildlife sciences, biology, natural resource management, environmental science, or related disciplines
• 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.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member 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 park or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the park. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the park service 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 Michael Knapp, Western Member Coordinator, at mknapp@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 Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC