Science in the Service Fellow, SCLTS and SBB Habitat Analysis- Pacific Southwest Region, Region 8

Science in the Service Fellow, SCLTS and SBB Habitat Analysis- Pacific Southwest Region, Region 8

SummaryAmerican Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking one Science in the Service Fellow to contribute to Santa Cruz long-toed salamander (SCLTS) and Smith's Blue Butterfly (SBB) Habitat Analysis projects alongside Pacific Southwest Region staff.

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

Start Date: September September 2023Estimated End Date: December 2023*a 640 hour commitment is required. May be completed in as little as 16 weeks if working full time but fellowship can extend 32 weeks or longer to meet hours requirement and fellow's schedule needs

Location Details/Description: Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office, Santa Cruz Sub-Office, Watsonville, CA (but can work virtually/teleservice- preferably located within Region 8)

In-Person Reporting Expectations: Projects 1 and 3, described below,, can be completed while the fellow is teleworking. Project 2 has a 1-2 week field component, and the fellow can telework the rest of the time.

Established in 1987, the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office works to conserve and protect threatened and endangered fish, wildlife and plants across the central and southern California coast, collaborating with communities and conservation partners to build a future that supports both people and our unique and diverse natural resources.

Based in Ventura, California, our team works across the southern and central California coast in Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties; portions of Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo counties; and the northern Channel Islands. The area is home to around 100 federally endangered and threatened species. We work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.

For more information about the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/office/ventura-fish-and-wildlife

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 8 is headquartered in Sacramento, California, and has federal fish and wildlife management responsibilities in California, Nevada, and the Klamath Basin in southern Oregon. The Region includes one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the United States, ranging from the arid sand dunes in the Mojave Desert to the snow-capped crags in the high Sierras; from rich farmland in the Central Valley to rain-soaked redwood forests along the Pacific coast. This highly diverse geography provides habitats for a vast array of wildlife. More than 42 million people live within the Region, and expanding population centers such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Reno, San Diego, and Las Vegas are increasing demands on natural resources, presenting unique challenges to the Region's conservation mission.

The Service is responsible for managing the National Wildlife Refuge System, operating fish hatcheries and fishery resource offices, enforcing federal wildlife laws, managing migratory bird populations, conserving and restoring habitats, and overseeing a federal aid program that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars to state, fish and wildlife agencies.

For more information about the Pacific Southwest Region, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/about/region/pacific-southwest

In-Person Reporting Expectations: Ideally over the course of the fellowship, the fellow will be able to have face-to-face visits with staff with the Migratory Bird Program. This may include traveling to Sacramento or some other appropriate location once or twice during the term of the fellowship.

Position Overview:

The US Fish & Wildlife Service strives to increase diversity in its workforce and maintain its relevance to a new generation of conservationists. Therefore, the Service's Region 8 has established the Science in the Service fellowship to promote job training and fellowship opportunities for students; expose students to the Service's conservation mission and develop in them an understanding of career opportunities in conservation; as well as to coordinate educational opportunities between affiliated colleges and universities and the Service to facilitate experiential opportunities that enhance student career development.

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.

The Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office (VFWO) identifies in this request three distinct projects, each of which should be completed if time and availability allows.

Project 1 consists of analysis of land use changes over time within the range of the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander (SCLTS) in southern Santa Cruz County. The fellow would be responsible for locating publicly available historical aerial maps of the project area and identifying land-use changes within the last 30-40 years. Land-use changes should be analyzed on 10-year intervals and describe the type of changes that have occurred (e.g., conversion of forest to grassland or development). The fellow should create one or more maps illustrating where and what type of habitat conversion have occurred. The fellow should also provide acreage of habitat conversion for each 10-year interval. This project can be done a fully remote fellow.

Project 2 would only apply if the fellow is available to travel and work within southern Santa Cruz County for approximately 1-2 weeks. This project consists of an analysis of the quality of existing forested habitat in southern Santa Cruz County. Forested areas provide "upland habitat" for SCLTS, in that these areas provide habitat where SCLTS reside during the dry summer months to avoid desiccation. The quality of habitat involves determining the species and quantity of tree and understory herbaceous vegetation which would provide insights as to the relative levels of soil moisture retention and occupancy of small mammals. Quality of forested habitat would be ranked from 1-3 based on the above analysis (i.e., greater the quality of habitat would get higher rank). The fellow would review existing forested areas via aerials maps, and subsequently visit the project area to determine the above habitat characteristics. The fellow would be required to drive and park throughout the project area, as well as traverse the project area on existing trails. The fellow should create a final map that delineates all forested areas, associated rank, and acreages.

Project 3 can be partially accomplished by a fully remote fellow, however, incorporates aspects that would allow the fellow to participate on the ground if available. With more than half of the Smith's blue butterfly (SBB) historic habitat destroyed, it is important to have an accurate accounting of the amount of habitat that remains and its conservation value to the species. The SBB spends its whole life within a few hundred yards of two native host plants, seacliff buckwheat and coast buckwheat - and is completely dependent on them. The amount of host plants in an area and the distance between each patch is important to better understand, because dispersing adults must travel to reach the next island of suitable habitat and the entire butterfly's metapopulation structure depends on the quality and spatial arrangement of habitat patches. Thus, the goals of the project are:

Review SBB survey and compliance reports submitted to VFWO per requirements of Service-issued incidental take permits and biological opinions, and use surveys and reports to determine status of SBB habitat and range;

Work with our Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office lead biologist on assessing the quality of habitat at different locations either through site visits with species experts or GIS information on habitat characteristics throughout the SBB's range; and

Develop a GIS map and a qualitative summary of findings that includes but is not limited to the amount of acres of available habitat, amount of habitat protected, current distribution of SBB, and an assessment of the conservation value of habitat patches.

The fellow will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the following tasks:

• The fellowship includes three distinct habitat analysis projects, each of which should be completed if time and work status (e.g., telework, remote) allows. However, we anticipate that the fellow would be able to complete at least Project 1 within the 640-hour fellowship.
• Project 1: (1) locate and use publicly available historic maps of the areas within the SCLTS range in Santa Cruz County and identify land-use changes within the last 30-40 years, using 10-year intervals, (2) describe land-use changes (e.g., conversion of forest to grassland or development) and provide acreage of habitat of conversion within each of the 10-year interval using GIS; and (3) using GIS, the fellow creates one or more maps to illustrate where and what type of habitat conversion has occurred.
• Project 2: (1) review existing forested areas via aerials maps, and subsequently visit the project area to determine the habitat characteristics, (2) use GIS information and information gain in take 1 to determine the quality of habitat for SCLTS, which involves determining the species and quantity of tree and understory herbaceous vegetation which would provide insights as to the relative levels of soil moisture retention and occupancy of small mammals; (3) rank habitat from 1-3 based on the above analysis (i.e., greater the quality of habitat would get higher rank; and (4) create a final map that delineates all forested areas, associated rank, and acreages.
• Project 3: (1) review SBB survey and compliance reports submitted to VFWO and use maps and GIS information determine status of SBB habitat and range; (2) develop a GIS map and a qualitative summary of findings that includes but is not limited to the amount of acres of available habitat, amount of habitat protected, current distribution of SBB, and an assessment of the conservation value of habitat patches.
• Deliverables:
• Project 1 - Develop one or more maps illustrating where and what type of habitat conversion have occurred for each 10-year interval. Provide acreage of habitat conversion for each 10-year interval.
• Project 2 - Develop one or more maps identifying all forested areas, associated rank, and acreages.
• Project 3 - Develop one or more maps including qualitative summary of findings that includes but is not limited to the amount of acres of available habitat, amount of habitat protected, current distribution of SBB, and an assessment of the conservation value of habitat patches.
• Delivery of an oral presentation to the VFWO on results of project(s).

Schedule: Duties will tentatively be carried out between 6am and 6pm Pacific, flexible within Monday-Friday, with schedules built around fellow's availability. Supervisor and member will collaborate together on setting member schedules. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. 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 between 15-40 hours/week, depending on fellow availability and will receive a living allowance adjusted based on education level and work schedule to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

For example, a graduate student working 20 hours/week would receive a stipend of $340/week. An undergraduate student working 20 hours/week would receive a stipend of $320/week.

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

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 here.

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.

Developmental Opportunities:

The VFWO will provide access to SCLTS and SBB references and materials to help inform the habitat analysis for these two species. We also have a GIS team that would help the fellow with questions on GIS and advice about approaches to analyzing spatial information. The VFWO's SCLTS lead biologist will provide direct supervision on the project related to SCLTS and the VFWO SBB lead biologist will provide support on the SBB habitat analysis.

Please note that the Science in the Service working group will assist stations in developing fellows via the following mechanisms:

• Virtual orientation
• Resume workshops
• Individual resume reviews
• Career advising
• Bi-weekly facilitated calls (near peer forum, leadership Q&A, career overviews, etc.)
• Informational interviews
• Mentorship program
• Administrative support
• Special Hiring Authority and USAJOBS training
• Regional symposium for final presentations
• Gain real-world experience working side-by-side with VFWO staff to develop tools that help facilitate species conservation;
• Participate with other VFWO biologist in "Mapping Mondays" and other training sessions geared at enhancing GIS capabilities;
• Learn about the Service's role in conservation by becoming a member of the VFWO and participating in discussions, lectures, and field trips (if possible) that provide a glimpse into the day in the life of a Service employee; and
• Exercise oral presentation skills by developing a final presentation, refine your delivery through coaching of an experienced mentor, and present the results of your work during a final presentation to staff.

In addition to the opportunities listed above, the VFWO supervisor will provide opportunities for the fellow to accompany other VFWO biologists in the field to learn more about native species and their habitats. This is dependent on the fellow's work schedule (e.g., remote, telework).

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• Candidates must meet all eligibility requirements for Public Land Corps Hiring Authority. Please see the following link for more information on eligibility requirements: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.
• 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 current and valid form of ID (will be required to provide copies of ID's upon hiring)
• If eligible to drive, 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.
• If the fellow chooses Project 2, then fellow would be required to drive and park throughout the project area, as well as traverse the project area on existing trails.
• Candidates will not be evaluated based on prior work experience, as none is expected.

Preferred:

• Projects are developmental opportunities and should be suitable for undergraduate students. Applicants will be solicited primarily from 3rd and 4th year undergraduate students, and we may receive applications from graduate students, including Master's and Ph.D. Eligible areas of study include:
• Biological Sciences- i.e., Natural Resources Management, Biology, Wildlife Conservation, Fisheries, Zoology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Genetics, Microbiology, Chemistry, Land Management, Botany, Soil Science, Forestry, Invasive Species management, Plant Development
• Geographic and Information Sciences-i.e., GIS, Cartography, Geography, Hydrology, Statistics, Modeling, Engineering, Land Survey, Geology, Spatial Analysis, Remote Sensing

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

Physical Demands: Position is based indoors and outdoors.. Demands may include stooping, lifting, reaching, talking, hearing, regular and recurring hiking, walking, and bending. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment, and may involve fine and precise procedures, delicate adjustments or exact measurements.

• 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 40 lbs., occasionally moves up to 40 lbs.
• Environmental: When outdoors, work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. When indoors, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Outdoors- moderate to high noise such as hand and power tools. Indoors- moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position may require domestic 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), 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 Nich Jackosky at njackosky@usaconservation.org or 628-888-9336.

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 Science in the Service Fellow, SCLTS and SBB Habitat Analysis Pacific Southwest Region, Region 8 Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC