Biology and Hunt Program Support Member, Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 1 Biology and Hunt Program Support Member to assist with facilitating the Public Hunt program, hunt program data collection and entry, feral hog control efforts, and a variety of other biological and administrative tasks alongside Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge Staff.

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

Start Date: 07/31/2023 (flexible)

Estimated End Date: 01/27/2024 (flexible)*a 26 week minimum commitment is required, approximately 1040 hours*

Location Details/Description:

Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge, Tallulah, LA

Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1980 to preserve one of the largest privately owned tracts of bottomland hardwoods remaining in the Mississippi Delta. The bottomland hardwood forest contains a diversity of plant and animal species. Over 400 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish can be found on the refuge. This includes the state's largest population of the Louisiana black bear which was formerly on the endangered species list.

Refuge staff manage and conserve habitat for wildlife while maintaining public access to various wildlife-dependent recreational activities including hunting, fishing, bird-watching, photography, and more.

For more information about Tensas River NWR, please visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/tensas-river

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 that mission at Tensas River NWR.

Members will primarily assist with facilitating the public hunting program, feral hog control efforts, and a variety of other biological and administrative tasks. Members will travel to nearby refuges to assist with work. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in other activities on the refuge.

Primary Duties include:

• Completing assigned tasks related to information and data collection, acquisition, entry, organization and management (Assist with facilitating the public hunt program by answering questions regarding Annual Public Use Permits, dispensing and collecting refuge brochures and self-clearing registration permits, entering visitor use data into Excel spreadsheets and answering hunting regulation questions.)
• Biological data entry into Excel worksheets and regional FWS databases
• Carrying out management activities (including assisting with water management for wintering migratory waterfowl).
• Supporting biological surveys and monitoring (including collecting white-tailed deer biological data during modern firearm lottery/special youth deer hunts and performing waterfowl counts.)
• Assisting with preparing deer hunting blinds for lottery youth hunts and transporting hunters to and from blinds.
• Assist with other refuge projects including biological surveys, refuge outreach events, and other refuge duties.

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: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday-Friday (6:30AM-4:00PM, every 2nd Friday of pay period off). 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 $625/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: ACE members will be accommodated in provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $1000 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, pants, outerwear, etc., and must be approved by 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: FWS ATV/UTV training, firearms training and mandatory FWS online training to use government computers.

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.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Holding or pursuing a 2-year or 4-year college degree (education or experience in natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject preferred)
• Able to walk and stand for long periods
• Ensure quality of the data collected
• Drive a vehicle and navigate to new destinations
• Familiarity with hunting or willingness to learn
• Ability to work in a team and accept guidance from supervisor and other refuge staff
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to live communally in a clean and respectful manner
• Willingness to participate in training
• Willingness to use firearms as necessary with proper training.

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 25 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.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
• 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.

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. The member may be required to discharge firearms while assisting with feral hog control efforts. The member will be thoroughly trained in the use of firearms by FWS staff. 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. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources. 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 Program Manager, Johannah McCollum at jmccollum@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 Biology and Hunt Program Support Member, Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC