ACE: Invasive Species Assistant Project Manager - Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, KS - AmeriCorps Eligible

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a Nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is seeking ONE Assistant Project Manager (Invasive Species) individual placement to assist the USFWS in Kansas with the newly formed Invasive Species Strike Team.

National Wildlife Refuges serve as critical habitat for migratory birds as well as several species of threatened and endangered animals and plants. These pristine land lands are under constant threat by invasive species, which have effects on fish and wildlife resources. Several million acres of the National Wildlife Refuge System are impacted by invasive flora and fauna. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has partnered with American Conservation Experience (ACE) to combat these invasive plant species on the various refuges in Kansas. Coordination efforts will be needed to coordinate three ACE crews on five national wildlife refuges. The ACE Member will help with those coordination needs, as well as assist Project Partners with safety compliance, management action documentation, and reporting. 

This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic young professionals with a deep interest in advancing their career goals in natural resources and/or wildlife management on our public lands. This project supports the Mission of the Service by working with others to conserve, protect and enhance wildlife habitat for the continuing benefit of the American People.

Start Date: August 24, 2020 

End Date:  November 13, 2020 

Location: This position will be stationed at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) but will be required to travel to Kriwin NWR; Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District, Flint Hills NWR and Marias des Cygnes NWR.

Project Websites: For more information about these different National Wildlife Refuges and a Wetland Management District please visit:

Quivira NWR: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/quivira/

Kirwin NWR: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/kirwin/

Rainwater Basin WMD: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/rainwater_basin_wmd 

Marias des Cygnes NWR: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/marais_des_cygnes/

Flint Hills NWR: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/flint_hills/

To learn more about the ACE EPIC Individual Placement Program, please visit: www.usaconservation.org

Compensation: The ACE Member will complete 40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $500 week paid out biweekly for food and incidentals. On site housing is provided at no cost to the member. 

AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 450 hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($1638.89) upon successful completion of internship service hours. Additional enrollment is required.  

PLC Competitive Hiring Authority: These positions are authorized by the Public Land Corps (PLC) Act of 1993 and expanded by the Public Lands Service Corps Act of 2013. Interns who meet basic requirements during their term of service may be eligible to receive their Noncompetitive Hiring Eligibility Certificate to be used when applying to future federal jobs. Requirements are: (1) Intern must be between the ages of 18 to 30 and (2) Intern must complete at least 640 hours on a federally approved PLC Project. More information can be provided upon request. 

 Position Description: The ACE Member will perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to:

Equipment Use and Training: The Refuges will provide a government vehicle and the tools required to complete the tasks the Intern is asked to accomplish. Training will be provided for all equipment that the Intern is asked to use. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. A valid state driver's license is required for any (highway legal) vehicle use. The USFWS will provide trainings: project overview, invasive species identification, chemical application and safety, safety overview & PPE, radio operations, Collector for ArcGIS, and Defensive Driving. 

Qualifications:   Applicants must have a degree or be pursuing a degree in ecology, wildlife management, natural resource management, parks and recreation, rangeland management, other related disciplines appropriate to the position. A COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND APPROPRIATE EXPERIENCE IS ALSO ACCEPTABLE. Resume and Cover Letter must contain enough information to show that the applicant meets the experience needed, as defined in this announcement. 

Required:  

Preferred:

The member must be willing to represent ACE and the USFWS in a professional, positive and enthusiastic manner. ACE is a drug free workplace and reserves the right to test at anytime. 

To Apply: Please submit a thoughtful resume, cover letter, and academic transcript, along with 3 professional references using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right hand corner of the position listing on our website here: https://usaconservationepic.applicantpool.com/jobs/ 

EOE: 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.

NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact the ACE EPIC Recruitment and Member Manager, Melissa Early at (801) 573-8984 or mearly@usaconservation.org.