Invasive Species Members - National Elk Refuge

Summary:

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 2 members to contribute to invasive species management at the National Elk Refuge alongside FWS staff.

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

Start Date: 5/20/24

Estimated End Date: 8/9/24

*a 12-week minimum commitment is required*

Location Details/Description: The National Elk Refuge, Jackson, WY

Located in the heart of the 22-million-acre Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the National Elk Refuge provides critical habitat for a number of species, including elk, bison, pronghorn, swans, eagles, and trout.

The Refuge is six miles wide at its widest point and ten miles long from southwest to northeast. The elevation varies from 6,200 feet to 7,200 feet. The Teton Range, visible to the west, rises to 13,775 feet at the summit of Grand Teton. The valley and surrounding mountains show classic examples of glaciation.

The northern half of the Refuge consists of steep, rolling hills. The southern half is glacial washout material, with one resistant formation -- Miller Butte -- rising approximately 500 feet above the valley floor.

Much of the Refuge consists of grassy meadows and marshes on the valley floor. The flood plain forest along the Gros Ventre River contains blue spruce, narrowleaf cottonwood, aspen, and willow as major species. There are extensive areas of big sagebrush and rocky outcroppings. The forested areas of lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, and aspen are mostly on the northern slopes of the Gros Ventre hills.

For more information about the National Elk Refuge, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/national-elk/about-us

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.

Invasive Species members will primarily be performing invasive species treatment within the National Elk Refuge, and may be asked to assist with occasional special treatment projects off the refuge, such as on public lands.

Primary duties consist of:

• Spot treatment of invasive species via UTV spray unit, backpack spraying, and hand or tool removal.
• Utilizing GIS and GPS technology and equipment to navigate to project areas and collect species and treatment data while in the field.
• Regularly and effectively communicates, verbally or in writing, with supervisors and with Teton County Weed and Pest field staff working on the refuge.
• Minor maintenance and upkeep of spray equipment and vehicles as needed.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promote exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. As such, members will also be provided opportunities to experience other conservation and visitor services activities on the refuge and potentially on adjacent public lands (Grand Teton national Park and Bridger Teton National Forest).

Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday - Friday, 7am - 3:30pm. 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 $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2023/24 grant year program, valued up to $1,824.07 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 450 hrs.

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 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. The housing will consist of a camper on an RV pad (electric, water and sewer provided), pets are not permitted.

Relocation Allowance: The ACE member will have access to up to $300 to be used for relocation expenses.

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $100 to spend on eligible gear purchases (boots, pants, sun gear, 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 will include instruction on invasive species removal, ATV/UTV training, and Defensive Driving certification.

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 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 degree in Natural Resource Management, Biology, Botany, Wildlife Ecology & Management and/or have relevant experience in these areas of study.
• Experience with basic maintenance and operation of UTV/ATVs, backpack sprayers, and basic hand tools.
• Experience/knowledge of invasive species removal and plant identification.
• Ability and willingness to drive UTVs on rough terrain and in inclement weather conditions when necessary.
• Deep interest in Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Ecology, and/or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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 is required for use of various tools. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, 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 45 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. 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), 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, Danielle Ramsden at dramsden@usaconservation.org.

EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

Current Openings for Invasive Species Members National Elk Refuge Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC