Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 3 Members to contribute to invasive species early detection surveys and mapping efforts alongside Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge Staff.

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

Start Date: April 2025
Estimated End Date: September 2025
*a 23 week minimum commitment is required*

Location Details/Description: Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - San Antonio, New Mexico 

Situated between the Chupadera Mountains to the west and the San Pascual Mountains to the east, the 57,331 acre Bosque del Apache was established in 1939 to provide a critical stopover site for migrating waterfowl. The extraordinary diversity and concentration of wildlife draws people from around the world and is well known for the tens of thousands of cranes, geese, and ducks who winter here each year. 

For more information about Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, please visit the USFWS 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 Bosque del Apache NWR. 

Primary duties include:

• Surveying for high priority invasives throughout the landscape (salt cedar, Russian olive, ravenna grass, perennial pepperweed, Russian knapweed, and others), utilizing Fieldmaps and Survey123.
• Field identification of plants using keys, books, or apps.
• Navigating terrain using a handheld GPS. 
• Estimating percent cover of plant species within an area. Estimating visual distances of 5 to 50 meters.
•  Data collected by this team will inform the development of an integrated pest  management plan for the refuge.
• Members may have an opportunity to contribute to reporting efforts and data management at the end of the season. Reporting could include but is not limited to written summaries of work, heat maps created in ArcGIS, summaries of acreage infested with invasives calculated in ArcGIS, and presentations to refuge staff. 
• Working effectively on a team and communicating daily plans with team mates and supervisors. Planning areas to sample each day and coordinating with teammates to maximize efficiency. 
• Decontaminating/washing vehicles and footwear following inventory work to prevent spread of invasives.
• Basic maintenance of refuge vehicles and UTVs, including checking fluids and cleaning the exterior and interior of vehicles.

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 on a 5-4-9 schedule (Monday-Friday, with every other Friday off). 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.  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 $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

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 usaconservation 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 field clothing, hiking shoes/boots, outdoor packs, or similar items, 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 invasive species identification local to the region, and procedures for removal and decontamination.

Scholarship Funding Opportunity: The selected candidate(s) for this position will be eligible to apply for ACE’s Access and Inclusion Scholarship. This is a $500 scholarship  which is intended to make participation in ACE positions more accessible to individuals who are underrepresented in the conservation field. Scholarship recipients will be able to allocate this funding to financial need(s) of their choosing. A limited number of scholarships are available. 

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.
• Ability to follow a written protocol and utilize data collection apps on a device.
• 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. 
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our usaconservation website.
• Willingness and ability to hike through rough terrain and work outdoors in inclement weather.
• Willingness to maintain a flexible work schedule and positive attitude. 
• Ability to operate 4 x 4 vehicles.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as ecology, botany, or natural resource management.
• Ability and willingness to learn plant identification skills.
• Deep interest in the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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. 
• 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 30 pounds, 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 does not require unique 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.

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.