Biology Member - Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery

Biology Member - Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery

Summary:

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 1 Member to contribute to the management and production of trout alongside FWS Staff.

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

Start Date: December 2023/January 2024

Estimated End Date: June/July 2024

*a 26-week minimum commitment is required*

Location Details/Description: Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery (Vernal, UT)

Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery provides management and production of trout for mitigation of Colorado River Storage Project waters of the Upper Colorado River System and to meet Tribal trust responsibilities on Native American land.

For more information about Jones Hole NFH, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/fish-hatchery/jones-hole

Position Overview: The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is to work 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 that mission at Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery by performing all phases of trout culture activities, as directed, including:

• Feeding fish and cleaning tanks and raceways
• Egg care and fry and fish handling
• Sampling and splitting
• Daily record keeping
• Assisting staff with data collection to complete fish culture reports (HPS, LH, feed inventory, and use)
• Observing fish for abnormal behavior and reporting suspect problems
• Assisting with fish distribution activities
• Assists with maintaining hatchery grounds, equipment, and buildings.

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.

Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday - Friday. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. 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 the FWS for approval.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $450/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 and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. 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.

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $1,000 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes, Waders, PPE, safety toe boots,and must be approved by FWS/ACE staff prior to purchase.

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 ATV/UTV training and Defensive Driving.

Grant Funding Opportunity: The selected candidate(s) for this position will be eligible to apply for ACE's Access and Inclusion Grant. This is a $500 grant which is intended to make participation in ACE positions more accessible to individuals who are underrepresented in the conservation field. Grant recipients will be able to allocate this funding to financial need(s) of their choosing. A limited number of grants are available.

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 this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, fish and wildlife management, ecology, aquaculture, general biology, or animal husbandry.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of fish and wildlife management, basic biology principles, fish ecology, scientific terminology, and techniques of fish propagation.
• Ability and willingness to perform strenuous physical activities, work outdoors in all weather conditions, follow instructions and complete assigned tasks, use power and hand tools and collect biological and water quality data.
• Deep interest in ecology, natural resources, fisheries management, or aquaculture.

Physical Demands, Work Environment, and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent lifting, standing, walking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing, and manual dexterity for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse, and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently lifts up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered lawn mowers, weed trimmers, chainsaws, and other hand and power tools.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, 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 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, Andrew Garcia, at agarcia@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 nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Current Openings for Biology Member Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC