Biological Field Support/Spatial Analyst Member - South Arkansas National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Biological Field Support/Spatial Analyst Member - South Arkansas National Wildlife Refuge Complex

SummaryAmerican Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking one Biological Field Support/Spatial Analyst Member to contribute to projects that involve evaluating, planning, appraising, acquiring, surveying, mapping, and managing federal lands which contain ecologically significant habitats, alongside South Arkansas National Wildlife Refuge Complex Staff.

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

Start Date: October 2023Estimated End Date: October 2024

*A 52-week minimum commitment is required, or approximately 2080 hours.*

Location Details/Description: South Arkansas National Wildlife Refuge Complex, AR

The South Arkansas Refuge Complex includes Felsenthal, Pond Creek and Overflow National Wildlife Refuges. The Refuge Complex headquarters is located at Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1975, Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located in southeast Arkansas, approximately eight miles west of the town of Crossett. Named for a small community located at its southwest corner, this 75,000-acre refuge contains an abundance of water resources dominated by the Ouachita and Saline Rivers and the Felsenthal Pool.

This low-lying area is dissected by an intricate system of rivers, creeks, sloughs, buttonbush swamps and lakes throughout a vast bottomland hardwood forest that gradually rises to an upland forest community. Historically, periodic flooding of the "bottoms" during winter and spring provided excellent wintering waterfowl habitat. These wetlands, in combination with the pine and upland hardwood forest on the higher ridges, support a wide diversity of native plants and animals.

For more information about the South Arkansas NWR Complex, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/felsenthal/about-us

Position Overview: The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. This position will help FWS realize its mission at the South Arkansas NWR Complex. The Biological Field Support/Spatial Analyst Memberwill support the South Arkansas NWR Complex through not only demonstrated expertise and proficiency using geospatial technologies and other related analytical tools, but also a willingness to assist with myriad daily field duties which are critical to ensuring the success of the NWR Complex in providing habitats for native species which collectively rely on its lands, some of which carry threatened or endangered federal designations and/or are migratory and rely on these lands for critical life stages. This position therefore represents a diverse blend of opportunities that are designed to not only capably support permanent staff while meeting a variety of otherwise potentially unmet FWS needs, but also aid in the development of a strong future professional in the natural resources field.

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

The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of:

• Developing, implementing, and maintaining Geographic Information System (GIS) databases and files for the NWR Complex, using computer hardware, software, and peripherals to acquire, collect, compile, transform, apply, analyze, and present cadastral, biological, natural resource, and other geographic data using GIS
• Creating maps, charts, graphics, statistical reports, etc. of Refuge boundaries, federal ownership status, animal and plant species distribution, and other pertinent cadastral, biological, and natural resource information for the Refuge managers, field biologists, and public
• Using GIS to identify, compile, analyze, and review information related to specific species and/or the ecological integrity and viability of the habitats and ecosystems upon which these species depend
• Documenting the sources and procedures (creates metadata) used in data collection, compilation, transformation, application, analysis, and presentation
• Assisting the wildlife biologist with the management and monitoring of endangered/threatened species and/or species with sensitive management implications utilizing FWS lands.
• Conducting migratory bird and waterfowl surveys in accordance with station objectives.
• Supporting upkeep of the biological program equipment, supplies, and field areas.
• Operating Refuge equipment including boats, kayaks, canoes, outboard motors, all-terrain vehicles, trucks and farm equipment
• Assisting with the control of invasive, exotic, and/or nuisance species. Identifies, maps, and treats areas with invasive plant species such as Chinese tallow tree and Japanese climbing fern. Carries out beaver and feral hog control activities, including removal of beaver dams to protect valuable timber/wildlife resources, and direct removal of feral hogs via trapping.
• Assisting with use of prescribed fire to achieve vegetation management goals.
• Assisting with the preparation of plans and reports on threatened and endangered species, migratory species, and other wildlife population surveys.
• Assisting with public use and outreach programs, which include fishing, wildlife observation, environmental education and recreation

Schedule: Duties will typically be carried out between 7:00 am and 3:30 pm Central Standard Time, Monday - Friday, typically 5 days/week (5/8s) with flexibility up to 10 hours/day. Given the nature of certain field or outreach activities, work hours may vary but bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. Therefore, 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 FWS for approval.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for a 1700-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2022/23 grant year program, valued up to $6,495.00 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 1700 hours.

Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.

Qualifying Child Care Coverage: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage. Additional enrollment steps are required.

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: ACE members will be accommodated in provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

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. Specific training may include the use of ATVs/UTVs, farm tractors, skid steer, and other equipment. Member can actively participate in wildland fire activities (prescribed burns only) after they receive the appropriate wildland fire training and receive quals/certification (a Red Card). Member cannot participate in active wildfire firefighting, even in situations where a prescribed fire breaks out and becomes a wildfire. They can however provide wildfire support from behind the fire line on those occasions.

Qualifications

Required:

• Member 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/independent, 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 three-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 or as defined by AmeriCorps.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Environmental Studies, Wildlife Biology, Forestry, Fire Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or other related field of study appropriate to this position
• Deep interest in biological field work, including reliability to collect scientifically sound data
• Responsible, including willingness to both learn and conduct routine equipment upkeep
• Knowledge of and familiarity with GIS, mapping, aerial photography, survey techniques, and global positioning systems (GPS)
• Knowledge of the USFWS mission
• Ability to use computer technology to maintain and retrieve information from automated data systems, develop spreadsheets, and use word processing and statistical software programs in order to develop reports
• Ability to effectively communicate in writing in order to assist in the preparation of wildlife management survey summaries and other USFWS reports
• Ability to effectively communicate orally with colleagues, cooperators, and the public regarding USFWS activities and programs

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.

• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 40 lbs., ability to move up to 40 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. When indoor, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools. Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position may require domestic 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. Site-specific hazards will be communicated onsite on a case-by-case basis by FWS.

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.

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 Member Manager, Nich Jackosky, at 628-888-9336 or njackosky@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.

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