Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking ONE Biology Support Member to contribute to invasive species control and biological & wildlife surveys alongside Necedah NWR staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website at usaconservation dot org.

Start Date:  May 5, 2025
Estimated End Date: August 29, 2025
*a 17-week minimum commitment is required (approx 680 hours)*

Location Details/Description: Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, Necedah, WI

Necedah NWR is recognized as an official Important Bird Area internationally by BirdLife International and the United States National Audubon Society. These areas provide essential habitat to one or more bird species of conservation concern that are threatened or endangered.

Suk Cerney Flowage is recognized as a Wisconsin Wetland Gem by the Wisconsin Wetlands Association for its ecological importance and high quality wetland diversity. The accompanying upland community types surrounding wetlands like these represent a fully functioning ecological system.

Necedah NWR is home to more than 230 bird species, black bears, gray wolves, American badgers, Boghaunter dragonflies, Karner blue butterflies, Blanding’s turtles and many more common to endangered plants and animals. The refuge promotes the recovery of whooping cranes and Karner blue butterflies has been named Endangered Species Recovery Champions for these efforts and for hosting the largest wetland complex in the state, as well as the largest population of Karner blue butterflies in the country.

The refuge, as a whole, and its trails are part of the Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail. These sites and trails around Wisconsin showcase a commitment to environmental stewardship and offer areas for the public to observe the fascinating diversity nature holds and the wildlife that call Wisconsin home.

For more information about Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, please visit the FWS 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 that mission at Necedah NWR. 

The Biology Support Member will assist the biological program with conducting invasive plant species control and wildlife monitoring and surveys, and assist with general refuge duties and programs.

Duties Include:

• Invasive plant species monitoring and control
• Assisting with wildlife surveys such as red-headed woodpecker, Karner blue butterfly, and freshwater mussels
• Assisting with Blanding’s turtle monitoring and trapping
• Whooping crane monitoring and possibly assisting with captures

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: Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. Typical work schedule is Monday - Friday (6:30am - 4pm).  A flexible work schedule will be required, as work will take place on weekends and some federal holidays and may include early start times and evenings. 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 $400/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for a 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2024/25 grant year program, valued up to 1,956.35 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 450 hours.

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.

Housing:  ACE members will be accommodated in provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term. 

Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $800 to be used for eligible relocation expenses ($400 at the beginning of the term and $400 at the end of the term).

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position 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 may include UTV/ATV operation.

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 criminal history checks.
• 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 the ACE website.

Preferred:

• Holding or pursuing a minimum of a 4-year college degree (education or experience in natural resources, biology, ecology, wildlife management, or a related subject preferred)
• Some experience with or a high interest in learning about conducting surveys, monitoring and collecting biological data
• Some experience with invasive plant removal (mechanical or chemical)
• Willingness to work in field conditions which will include insects, heat, humidity, rain

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions: 

• Physical Demands: 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.  
• 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 50 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 does not require unique travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards:  The ACE member 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 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.