National Wildlife Refuge Support Member – Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge Complex

American Conservation Experience is seeking a National Wildlife Refuge Support Member for the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Florida. The role involves habitat management, invasive species treatment, public outreach, and facility maintenance under the guidance of FWS staff. The position offers professional development opportunities and a living allowance of $500/week, with a flexible schedule that may include weekends.
SummaryAmerican Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking one National Wildlife Refuge support member to contribute to a variety of projects under the mentorship of Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Position Overview:

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. This position will help FWS realize the mission at Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge Complex.The position at the Everglades Headwaters NWRC will provide a well-rounded experience in the natural resource field. The member will work as part of a small team to help manage the Refuge completing such tasks as habitat restoration, public programs, facility maintenance, and administrative tasks.

The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of:
• Participating in habitat management, restoration, and monitoring/treating invasive plant species.
• Treatment of invasive species will require use of herbicides such as glyphosate, clethodim, triclopyr, and imazapyr.
• Organizing and conducting monthly public lands cleanups.
• Maintaining accurate and detailed field records, entering data promptly and accurately.
• Assisting with public outreach including visitor contact and environmental education.
• Assisting with general facilities and grounds work, including trail clearing.
• Managing Refuge social media accounts.
• Working with volunteers on a regular basis.
• Participating in weekly staff meetings and training.

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 Monday – Friday, normal business hours. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule may be required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends and/or holidays. The member will be expected to work 1-2 Saturdays per month (in exchange for a weekday to maintain 40 hours per week). 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 2024/25 grant year program, valued up to $2,817.14 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 and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.
• Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term.
• Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, socks, sturdy pants, outerwear, sunglasses, etc. 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. Funding and course availability permitting, FWS training may include ATV/UTV, heavy equipment operations, and herbicide application.

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.
• Member 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 ACE website.
• Ability to communicate effectively to Refuge visitors and staff, both orally and written
• Knowledge of natural sciences
• Ability to work in very hot, humid, and buggy conditions
• Willingness to work varying hours including weekends
• Proficiency in vehicle operations including towing trailers with pickup trucks

Preferred:
• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, environmental science, natural resource management, forestry, or other related discipline appropriate to this position
• Knowledge of USFWS mission
• Experience, professional or personal, with hand tools used for landscape and trail maintenance
• Experience conducting invasive plant management
• Basic GPS and GIS skills
• Basic plant identification skills
• Strong interest in public relations and conservation education

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:
• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: 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 may require 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. South Florida has average temperatures in the 80’s-90’s during the summer months, with rainfall almost daily. This position will require extended time outdoors, in hot, humid, and buggy conditions. Field work is often done in remote areas, including wetlands.

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, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to FWS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.