Conservation Technician jobs in New Bedford, MA

SummaryAmerican Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking ONE Invasive Species Member to contribute to mapping and management of invasive species as well as other biological projects alongside Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge Complex Staff.

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

Start Date: Mid-June 2024

Estimated End Date: Early-September 2024

*11 week minimum commitment is required - start date may have 1 to 2 week flexibility *

Location Details/Description: Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, Chatham, MA

Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge is one of the eight refuges that comprise the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex. This refuge protects habitats critical to the survival of migratory birds, horseshoe crabs, tiger beetles, gray seals, and other wildlife.

Sand, dunes, and marshes stretch for eight miles off the elbow of Cape Cod, forming the barrier islands of North and South Monomoy, along with numerous islets and shoals. The Refuge consists of varied habitats of oceans, salt and freshwater marshes, dunes, and freshwater ponds. Nearly half of Monomoy's 7,921 acres is designated as Wilderness. The Wilderness designation recognizes areas where the earth is undeveloped, its community of life are untrammeled, and humans are visitors which leave no trace that they had been there so that the next visitor may have the same experience as the first.

For more information about Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, please visit

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/monomoy

Position Overview: Members will primarily assist with mapping and management of invasive plants, and may travel to nearby refuges to assist with projects. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in other activities within the refuge complex.

Primary Duties include:

• GIS mapping of invasive plants using a rapid protocol established in the Northeast Region
• Searching for new infestations (Early Detection Rapid Response)
• Physical removal of invasive plants including hand pulling or with tools (not including chain saws).
• Assisting with other refuge projects including biological surveys.

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: The schedule may vary and is weather dependent. The ACE member will have 2 days off per week though those two days off may not be back to back. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule will be required, which will 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 approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $650/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 here: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Housing: The member will be stationed at a remote island field camp or lighthouse keepers house with other seasonal staff for the majority of the term. FWS will provide camping gear while on island. If the ACE Member chooses they can stay the entire 11 weeks on island. FWS staff will bring food and supplies ordered weekly by field staff to the island. If the ACE Member chooses to come off island for their days off, housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or FWS.

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.

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.

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.
• 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.
• 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 and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology, wildlife management, natural resource management, parks and recreation, rangeland management, or other related disciplines appropriate to the position.
• Strong desire to enter the public service field as a natural resource professional.
• Experience and/or knowledge in the mission of the USFWS and other federal land management agencies.
• Able to walk and stand for long periods
• Able to physically pull or remove invasive plants with hand tools
• Familiarity with GPS and iPads
• Strong attention to detail, can ensure the quality of the data collected.
• Ability to identify plants and distinguish invasive plants from native plants and 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 work in field conditions which will include insects, heat, humidity, rain
• Willingness to participate in training in the mapping as well as pesticide use and safety

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: This position requires physical exertion such as hiking long distances over hot, wet and rough terrain while carrying up to 40 lbs.; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching, talking and hearing. 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., 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. 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 and/or ACE, 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 USFWS Member Manager, Claire Barnwell at cbarnwell@usaconservation.org or (585) 484-7626.

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.