Insect Fellow - Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking one Insect Fellow to contribute to various research projects during the 2023 field season alongside NPS Staff.

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

Start Date: As early as April 3 (flexible)

Estimated End Date: November 24 (flexible)

*a 34-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Williamsport, Maryland

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park traverses 184.5 miles across four physiographic provinces, five counties in Maryland and West Virginia, as well as into the District of Columbia. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures.

For more information regarding Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, or the National Park Service, please visit: www.nps.gov/choh/

Position Overview: This position will focus on insect trap deployment and monitoring; collecting insect and associated plant samples; active insect sampling; identification of insects; and various other duties, depending on interests of the incumbent.

The position will contribute to various research projects during the 2023 field season including:

• Sampling epigeic and aerial insects after prescribed fire management
• Collecting and identifying floral visitors on Pycnanthemum virginianum, an imperiled plant species
• Assisting in experimental set up and sample collection to examine insect communities at river otter latrines
• Sampling for floral visitors in managed meadow habitats

Additionally, this individual will be involved with a pollinator-friendly farming program, which will involve restoring agricultural lands to native meadows that promote pollinators. The incumbent will address the feasibility of converting agriculture lands to native meadows by working with local farmers, completing maps using ArcGIS, and reporting findings. If possible, implementation of the plan will begin under this position.

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: This position will alternate schedules. One week will be Monday-Thursday 7:00 am - 4:30 pm, Friday 7:00 am - 3:30pm. The following week will be Monday - Thursday 7:00 am - 4:30 pm, Friday off.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $782.50/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Individuals 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 here.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or NPS.

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 pesticide training.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required byU.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:

• Competitive applicants for this position may hold a bachelor's or graduate degree and/or experience in entomology, ecology, or a related discipline.
• Experience with various insect sampling methods, including pitfall traps, sweep nets, malaise traps, and other methods
• Experience identifying insects or related taxa using established dichotomous keys
• Ability and willingness to learn how to apply pesticide application

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

Physical Demands: Requires 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, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.

• 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 20 lbs., ability to move 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 noise is to be expected such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic, or outside such as wildlife and effects from weather.
• Travel: This position will require day travel along the C&O Canal.

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. Hazard specifics should be provided on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the Partner site.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the NPS. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the NPS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the NPS, 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 Recruitment and Outreach Specialist, Shannon Borowy at sborowy@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 Insect Fellow Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC