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ACE: Biological Member(s) – Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, MA – AmeriCorps Eligible

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 2 Biological Members to contribute to management of nesting shorebirds alongside Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge Staff. During this term, the ACE member will work in support of inventory, monitoring, and management of nesting piping plovers, common terns, roseate terns, least terns, and American oystercatchers.
For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: April 4, 2022

End Date: September 23, 2022

**25-week commitment required**

Location: Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, Chatham, MA

The refuge provides important resting, nesting and feeding habitat for migratory birds, including the federally protected piping plover, roseate tern, and red knot. At least 25 species of seabird, shorebird, waterfowl, and colonial waterbird nest on three offshore islands. The refuge also supports the largest nesting colony of common terns on the Atlantic seaboard, exceeding 14,000 pairs.

Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge's mission is to protect the habitats critical to migratory birds, spawning horseshoe crabs, and other wildlife while affording the public an opportunity to experience this unique wilderness refuge.

For more information about Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Monomoy/

For more information regarding the ACE EPIC Program, please visit: www.usaconservation.org

Age Requirements: Funding for many ACE positions is provided by a federal program designed specifically for the employment of youth and young adults and therefore is subject to minimum and maximum age requirements of 18-30 (35 for veterans).

Work Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out 7:30 - 4:00, typically 5 days/week (5-8s). Bi-weekly totals typically will not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule is required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours including early mornings, late evenings, weekends and/or holidays. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval.

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. Additionally a travel stipend of $500 will be distributed.

Housing: The ACE members will be accommodated in agency housing on the mainland, housed within a rustic camp setting on island, or a combination of both for the duration of the term at no cost to the members.

AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($3,097.50) upon successful completion of service hours. Additional enrollment and volunteer service is required.

Public Land Corps (PLC) Non-competitive Hiring Authority: Members serving on this project may be eligible to receive a Department of the Interior (DOI) PLC non-competitive hiring authority certificate upon completion of their term of service. Eligible members must meet standard requirements of completing at least 640 hours (16 weeks at 40 hours/week) and utilize their certificate when applying for qualifying federal positions within 2 years of receipt and before the age of 31. More information can be provided upon request.

Position Description:

This individual placement is meant to facilitate personal growth and professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with agency professionals. This could include gaining experience in a variety of conservation fields and/or shadowing different work groups.

Primary Duties include:

85% of the member's time will be spent focused on inventory, monitoring, and management of nesting piping plovers, common terns, roseate terns, least terns, and American oystercatchers including:
  • Conducting annual censuses of all species with established protocols
  • Monitoring productivity through repeated nest visits, chick banding, and visual observations
  • Lethal predator management including gull nest destruction
  • Posting areas closed to public use

The other 15% of the member's time will be spent helping with all other biological work possibly including horseshoe crab surveys, wading bird surveys, seal surveys, invasive species mapping and control, interacting with the public, entering data, maintaining facilities, and conducting routine office work. These positions require living on a remote island, in either a lighthouse keepers house (electricity and running water may be available) or a field camp (no electricity or running water) with other seasonal staff.

Physical Requirements: This position requires physical exertion such as walking long distances over wet and rough surfaces while carrying up to 40 lbs.; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching. Hand and finger dexterity and physical coordination may involve fine and precise procedures, delicate adjustments or exact measurements.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The Biological Member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, open water, biting insects, poisonous plants, sun exposure, 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.

Equipment Use/Safety: 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.

Qualifications:

Required:
  • 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.
  • U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks.
  • Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred:
  • Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, botany, natural resource management, or other related discipline appropriate to this position.
  • Knowledge of shorebird and seabird biology and identification, preferably plovers and terns. Previous experience monitoring terns and plovers is preferred.
  • Ability and willingness to walk approximately 10 miles per day carrying gear over sand.
  • Ability and willingness to work with the public of all ages in a professional manner regarding sensitive conservation issues.
  • Deep interest in bird conservation.
  • Comfortable traveling to various island locations via boat.
  • Comfortable living and working in field camps with remote conditions.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, unofficial academic transcripts, 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/. ***Academic transcripts are required for verification of related coursework and professional development purposes, as opposed to evaluating prior academic performance.

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 ACE EPIC USFWS Division Support Specialist, Danielle Ramsden at dramsden@usaconservation.org or 208-869-3555.

Vaccination Requirement: ACE Members must verify that they are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 by the time they start their term or request a medical or religious exemption.

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.