Flat-tailed Horned Lizard Demographic Surveys Member - Wildlife Monitoring

Flat-tailed Horned Lizard Demographic Surveys Member

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Bureau of Land Management, is seeking five members to contribute to two Flat-tailed Horned Lizard survey projects (two demography surveyors & three occupancy surveyors) alongside Bureau of Land Management Staff.

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

Start Date: June 2023

Estimated End Date: August 2023

*a [12-week]minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: El Centro Field Office El Centro, CA

The Bureau of Land Management, El Centro Field Office manages approximately 1.4 million acres of public lands spread across two counties: Imperial and San Diego. Approximately 95% of the public lands lie within Imperial County. The area is bordered by the U.S./Mexico International border to the south and the Riverside County line to the north.

For more information about El Centro Field Office, please visit https://www.blm.gov/office/el-centro-field-office

Position Overview:

The ACE member will survey and monitor for Flat-tailed Horned Lizards (FTHL) as part of either the demography survey crew or the occupancy survey crew. FTHL have the most limited distribution of any horned lizard species in the USA. There have been multiple attempts to have the species listed at both the State and Federal level which resulted in a multi-agency partnership, development of a Conservation Agreement, and the development and implementation of the FTHL Rangewide Management Strategy (RMS). The RMS provides a framework for the securing and management of sufficient habitat for self-sustaining populations of the FTHL throughout the species range. A central component of the RMS is the designation of five management areas, and the agreement of land management agencies to minimize disturbance within these conservation areas. Three of those management areas are managed by the BLM El Centro Field Office (ECFO). They are the East Mesa Management Area, West Mesa Management Area, and Yuha Management Area.

The ECFO needs demographic surveys completed on 4 plots following the interagency agreed upon survey protocol. The purpose of FTHL demographic surveys is to gather information on population dynamics that can be used to characterize local populations through time. These surveys can aid in the detection of year-to-year trends in abundance, recruitment, and survivorship. The data gathered in demographic surveys supports the management strategies outlined by RMS whose primary objective is to "maintain self-sustaining populations" of FTHLs.

Additionally, the ECFO needs occupancy surveys completed throughout one of the three Management Areas following the approved occupancy survey protocol. The purpose of conducting occupancy surveys for Flat-tailed Horned Lizards (FTHL) is to detect long-term changes in their spatial distribution. If monitoring is conducted regularly, managers working towards interagency coordination for resource management will know when and where range expansions and contractions occur. If the managers have access to additional information (i.e. environmental conditions) they may be capable of determining the causes of change, thereby making it easier for them to resolve and evaluate any reductions to the range of the FTHL and avoiding any action that may ultimately result in endangering this species further.

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Locate and capture Flat-tailed horned lizards on 4 demographic monitoring plots or on occupancy monitoring plots located throughout a FTHL management area.
• Collect demographic information such as sex, weight, snout-to-vent length, age, and location.
• Inject Passive Integrate Transponder (PIT) tags into captured adult lizards for year-to-year tracking and comparison.
• Humanely collect genetic samples from captured lizards by clipping either the tail or toe and collecting a blood sample.
• Organize and submit demographic and occupancy survey datasheets, GPS survey data, and GPS survey track logs.
• May be required to operate a motor vehicle.

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 resource areas, assisting with additional biological projects, and shadowing different work groups within the ECFO.

Schedule: The typical schedule will be Monday to Friday from 5am-12pm in the field. There may be some time at the office at the end of each day. Members can generally expect to serve for 35-40 hours each week on this project.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $700/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the Bureau of Land Management and ACE and is not flexible.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or Bureau of Land Management. ACE Members will be eligible for reimbursable housing assistance up to $200 per week. The ACE Member will only be reimbursed for approved and demonstrated housing expenses.

Relocation Assistance: ACE members will have access to up to $500 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. Specific training may include implementation of monitoring protocols, PIT tagging methods, wildlife handling and genetic sampling, animal tracking, 4x4 driving, data collection, and appropriate safety protocols.

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.

BLM Requirements:

• Ability to withstand somewhat rigorous physical conditions and inclement weather, particularly in desert ecosystems where temperatures are regularly above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Pass a federal background check.

Preferred:

• Applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in wildlife biology, land management, ecology, or population genetics.
• Knowledge of studying and documenting site usage.
• Experience with wildlife identification and handling.
• Ability and willingness to use GPS equipment and maps.
• Familiarity with field notes methods, data collection, and preparation techniques.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the Bureau of Land Management or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the Bureau of Land Management. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the Bureau of Land Management, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to Bureau of Land Management 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 Recruitment & Division Support Coordinator, Anna Calliham at acalliham@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 Flat tailed Horned Lizard Demographic Surveys Member Wildlife Monitoring Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC