Summary:
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 1 Invasive Species Member to contribute to the mapping and management of invasive plant species as well as other biological projects under the mentorship of Northern Maine National Wildlife Refuge Complex Staff.

For more information about ACE, and to apply please visit our website: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1196327

Start Date: May 27, 2025 (flexible start/end date available with 13 week commitment)
Estimated End Date: August 23, 2025
*a 13-week minimum commitment is required*

Location Details/Description: Northern Maine National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Baring, ME

The Northern Maine National Wildlife Refuge Complex (NWRC) consists of four National Wildlife Refuges: Moosehorn NWR, Aroostook NWR, Sunkhaze Meadows NWR, and the Carlton Pond Waterfowl Production Area.

Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 to protect migratory birds, and contains over 4,500 acres of wetlands, including 28 functional impoundments or flowages that provide habitat for nesting and migrating waterfowl and marsh birds. The refuge has 18 miles of rocky shoreline along Dennys and Whiting Bays and 7 miles of shoreline on Meddybemps Lake. These small bays are part of the larger Cobscook Bay that supports the highest density of nesting bald eagles in the northeastern U.S. and has been essential to the recovery of the bald eagle in the east. The bay also provides critical migration and wintering habitat for the American black duck. There are two designated Wilderness areas on the Refuge. Moosehorn Wilderness was established in 1970 and now comprises more than 2,700 acres. The Baring Unit Wilderness was established in 1975 and now spans more than 4,600 acres.

Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1998, when 4,700 acres was transferred from the US Air Force to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge now consists of 5,252 acres in four divisions located in the towns of Caribou, Caswell, Connor, and Limestone. The refuge is also responsible for 1,464 acres of Farmer's Home Administration Conservation Easements located throughout Aroostook County.

Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge was established administratively in 1988 to ensure the ecological integrity of the Sunkhaze Meadows Unit peat bog and to conserve wetland, stream, and forest habitats, and associated wildlife. The Sunkhaze Meadows NWR also includes two smaller units, Benton and Sandy Stream, and four conservation easements scattered throughout central Maine.

The 1,068-acre Carlton Pond Waterfowl Protection Area includes most of Carlton Pond, the surrounding freshwater wetlands, and several small areas of forested lowlands and uplands. More than 84 percent of the site is open water or shallow freshwater marsh. Rare black terns nest in the emergent marsh, while bald eagles, bitterns, and marsh wrens forage amid the shallow open waters and emergent pickerelweed and wild rice.

For more information about the Northern Maine National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 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 further that mission at Northern Maine NWRC. Members will primarily assist with mapping and management of invasive plants. Members may travel to nearby refuges to assist with work. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in other activities on the refuge.

Primary Duties include:

• GIS mapping of invasive plant infestations and treatment of those infestations.
• Searching for new infestations (Early Detection Rapid Response)- methods may vary by refuge.
• Physical removal of invasive plants including hand pulling or with tools (not including chainsaws).
• Application of General Use Pesticides using hand, backpack or ATV-mounted sprayer.
• Assist with other refuge projects including biological surveys, refuge outreach programs, or events.
• Summarize data from invasive plant surveys and assist refuge biologists with writing reports.

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 8 hours a day, Monday-Friday, typically 7:30 - 4:00 with a half hour lunch break. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule will be required, which involves work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends to adjust for weather impacts. 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.

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

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.

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 USFWS training may include herbicide application and/or Defensive Driver Safety Training.

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.
• Members may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our usaconservation website.

Preferred:

• Holding or pursuing a minimum of a 4-year college degree (education or experience in natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject preferred).
• Able to walk and stand for long periods.
• Able to physically pull or remove invasive plants by hand or with hand tools.
• Familiarity with GPS and iPads.
• Ensure quality of the data collected.
• Drive a vehicle and navigate to new destinations.
• Willingness to apply General Use Pesticides with use of appropriate safety equipment, and training in the safe handling of General Use Pesticides.
• Ability to identify plants and distinguish invasive plants from native plants and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work in a team and accept guidance from supervisor and other refuge staff.
• Ability to work independently.
• Willingness to work in field conditions which will include insects, heat, humidity, rain.
• Willingness to participate in training in the mapping as well as pesticide use and safety.

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: Frequently moves up to 25 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(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.