Refuge Support Member - Ouray National Wildlife Refuge
Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with U.S. Fish and Wildlife, is seeking 1 Refuge Support Member to contribute to various monitoring, mapping/surveying, refuge maintenance, and invasive species projects alongside Ouray National Wildlife Refuge and Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge Staff.
Start Date: 06/05/2023
Estimated End Date: 10/06/2023
*an 18-week minimum commitment is required *
Location Details/Description: Ouray National Wildlife Refuge, Randlett, UT
Located on the Colorado Plateau within the upper Colorado River drainage area, Ouray National Wildlife Refuge stretches along 16 miles of the Green River, 120 river miles downstream of Flaming Gorge Dam. Its habitats include lush bottomland areas along the Green River; high elevation upland benches containing grasslands interspersed with low shrubs; barren, highly eroded, clay bluffs on the slopes of upland benches; and alkali flats between the upland terraces and floodplains. The Green River provides a ribbon of life through a desert environment that receives only 7 inches of precipitation a year. Temperatures may range from a low of -35 degrees in winter to over 100 degrees in summer. Long stretches of dry weather may be broken by monsoon rains or substantial snowfall. The quiet stillness of winter is contrasted by the spring chorus of migrating birds and resident frogs.
For more information about Ouray National Wildlife Refuge, please visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ouray
The ACE Member will also assist on projects at Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge throughout their term. Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge encompasses a wide variety of habitat types from upland sage steppe and pinyon/juniper forests to wetlands and wet meadows. The Refuge provides valuable habitat for birds to rest and feed as they migrate each spring and fall, and forage for elk and mule deer that browse the uplands and grasslands each winter.
For more information about Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, please visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/browns-park
Position Overview: The Refuge Support Member will be assisting Ouray and Browns Park Refuge staff with mapping/surveying, monitoring, invasive species removal, native species planting, and other projects as needed. In addition, the member will also be given opportunities to learn from/shadow with staff contributing to the Upper Colorado Endangered Fish Recovery Program based in nearby Vernal, UT, and at the Ouray National Fish Hatchery, located at the Ouray National Wildlife Refuge.
Primary Duties:
- Mapping/surveying Ouray and Browns Park National Wildlife Refuges
- Mechanically/chemically removing invasive plants
- Planting native species
- Surveying for astray livestock onsite
- Replacing refuge signs
- Assisting refuge staff with other projects as needed
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: Duties will primarily be carried out in a “5/4/9” schedule; the member will work Monday through Thursday 7am to 4:30pm, with Fridays either working 7am to 3:30pm or having the day off (Ex: week 1 the member has Friday off, week 2 the member will work Friday 7am to 3:30pm, alternating through the term). Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule may be required, which could involve shifting the schedule earlier in the morning due to summer heat. 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 $500/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an 675-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2022/23 grant year program, valued up to $2,474.27 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 675 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. 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 housing at no cost for the duration of the term.
Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $815.23 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.
Gear Allowance: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes clothing and/or shoes that are appropriate for fieldwork, 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 CPR/First Aid and ORV certification.
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.
- Members 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 be pursuing education and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as biology, ecology, botany, natural resource management, parks and recreation, rangeland management, or other related disciplines appropriate to the position.
- Experience with plant identification
- Ability to work in a team and accept guidance from supervisor and other refuge staff
- Ability to live communally in a clean and respectful manner
- Willingness to work in field conditions which will include insects, heat, humidity, rain, etc.
- Effective communication and organizational skills
- Knowledge of the mission of the USFWS and other federal land management agencies
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 noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
- Travel: This position requires domestic travel.
Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE members 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 Fish and Wildlife Service. 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/943907.html 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 or (986) 217-2977.
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.