ACE: Invasive Species Treatment Member, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge, CA
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nationwide Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Flagstaff, AZ and Salt Lake City, UT, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is seeking One Invasive Species Treatment member to work in support of the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
Tulelake and Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) are critically important refuges for migratory and breeding waterbirds utilizing the Pacific Flyway. Peak waterfowl populations have historically been as high as 1 million ducks, and these locations have long been premiere destinations for bird watchers and hunters alike. The Klamath Basin provides a variety of outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, birdwatching, canoeing, and hiking. The refuge contains numerous Wildlife Refuge and National Parks, including: Klamath Marsh NWR, Lava Beds National Park, and Crater Lake National Park.
Start Date: March 15th, 2021
End Date: 28-weeks later
**28-week commitment required**
Location: Klamath Basin NWR Complex, Tulelake, CA
Compensation: The ACE member will receive a living allowance of $680/week for food and incidental expenses, paid bi-weekly.
Housing provided: Refuge housing is available at no cost to the selected candidate
Project Partner Website: For more information regarding the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex, please visit their website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/lower_klamath/
Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. Eligible members must meet standard requirements of completing at least 640 hours and utilize their certificate before the age of 31.
Duties:
The selectee will work on-site at the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex conducting surveillance for and control of invasive plants through spraying and mechanical removal. Other duties may include but are not limited to assisting with waterfowl trapping and banding (goose banding, swim in traps, rocket netting, and night lighting ducks) and waterfowl disease clean up (botulism)
- Invasive Species Control (70%): Surveillance of roadways, ditch banks, and levees by foot, ATV/UTV, or from a vehicle. Chemical application on invasive plant species using hand pumps, ATV/UTV boom sprayers, and tractor mounted boom sprayers. Mechanical removal by hand pulling or shovel. Cleans and maintains spray equipment.
- Report Writing and Data Entry (20%): Documents species occurrence and chemical application on refuge using IPad and refuge spatial database. Provides monthly written summaries of accomplishments and chemical usage and a summary document at the end of the term to Refuge Integrated Pest Management Specialist.
- Waterfowl Banding and Disease Management (10%): Provides additional support when needed to help with waterfowl banding and disease management.
Obligations:
- Complete the training needed to perform the assigned duties safely and efficiently
- Provide own transportation to and from the workplace
- Volunteers are not authorized to operate private vehicles in the performance of duty for the Service
- If occupying refuge housing, abide by the rules and be willing to move out of housing if asked by the Refuge staff
- Report for work on time for dates stated above.
- Tour of duty is generally between 7:00 am to 4:30 pm but may change when needed to adapt to conditions to work within guidelines of chemical application.
- Follows the FWS and organizational guidelines
Qualifications:
Required:
- Must be a US Citizen and Permanent Resident
- Must be 21 years or older in order to drive an agency work vehicle
- Possess a valid driver's license and ability to drive USFWS vehicles (a check with the Department of Motor Vehicles regarding driving record will be required)
- Ability to lift 40 pounds and traversing difficult terrain (soft mud, loose and steep soil) by foot and ATV/UTV.
- Complete the training needed to perform the assigned duties safely and efficiently
- Organized, motivated, and able to complete tasks in a timely manner
- Ability to work on a team, assisting staff and visitors whenever needed, and will approach duties with a positive attitude
- Strong interpersonal communication, speaking, and writing skills
- Can work outdoors and hike refuge trails in adverse weather
Preferred:
- Pursuing or completion of a Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, botany, natural resource management, or other related discipline appropriate to this position
- Possess initiative to complete job duties with diligence and excellence
- Ability to work effectively with people of various perspectives and temperament
- Experience with the use of ATV/UTVs. A certification for the use of ATV/UTVs in the US Fish and Wildlife Service is preferred
- Must be willing to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner
Please note: Marijuana and other controlled substances are not allowed at any time during the performance of duties or while on federal property, regardless of State law or qualified medical marijuana card status.
To Apply: Please submit your resume, thoughtful cover letter, academic transcripts and contact for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/
NOTE: 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 Recruitment and Member Manager, Dave Hecker, 801.386.1629, or dhecker@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.