Invasive Species Removal Fellow – Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Summary:  American Conservation Experience, a Nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking one Invasive Species Removal Fellow to help with a burn area emergency restoration project treating and removing noxious weeds from Pixley National Wildlife Refuge under the mentorship of Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex Staff.

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

Start Date: June 2025

End Date: February 2026

*36 week commitment required*

Location Details/Description:  Pixley National Wildlife Refuge, Earlimart, CA (within Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex)

Kern National Wildlife Refuge consists of 11,249-acres of natural desert uplands, a relict riparian corridor, and developed marsh. The visitor center and office complex opened in late 1999. The refuge headquarters is at the junction of Garces Highway and Corcoran Road. Situated on the southern margin of what was once the largest freshwater wetland complex in the western United States, Kern Refuge provides optimum wintering habitat for migratory birds with an emphasis on waterfowl and waterbirds.

Through restoration and maintenance of native habitat diversity, the refuge also provides suitable habitat for several endangered species as well as preserving a remnant example of the historic valley uplands in the San Joaquin Desert. Approximately 8,200 visitors annually participate in refuge programs ranging from wildlife viewing to waterfowl hunting.

The spatial scope of the project focuses on four resources of concern at Pixley National Wildlife Refuge. These resources are the Remnant Tulare Basin Wetlands, Northern Claypan Vernal Pools, San Joaquin Valley Floor Uplands, and Tulare Basin Riparian Habitat. Deer Creek, which makes up the majority of the riparian habitat for the refuge, has been the main avenue for invasive plant species to establish. Management of riparian areas consist of the chemical treatment of established invasive species and subsequent monitoring for resprouts or new establishments. Whereas management of upland areas primarily consists of cattle grazing to help provide optimum habitat for blunt-nosed leopard lizards (Gambelia silus), Tipton kangaroo rats (Dipodomys nitratoides nitratoides), and San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis). Irrigation of the seasonal wetlands occurs to encourage the growth of beneficial foraging vegetation for migratory birds. The remaining acreage of the Refuge is made up of upland habitat, including a wide variety of plant communities such as nonnative annual grass and alkali playas with vernal pools scattered throughout.  Most of the upland units of the refuge are adjacent to agricultural fields, where farm workers and equipment can potentially spread invasive species.

For more information about the Kern 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 realize the mission at Pixley National Wildlife Refuge through invasive plant removal and habitat restoration projects in the upland units of the Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex.  The fellow will be led by a team lead to remove the invasive species using various mechanical and chemical methods, conduct biological monitoring, and help with endangered species trapping. Once the treatment of the invasive species has been conducted, the fellow will plant native seeds to restore the vegetation.

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.

The fellow will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the following tasks:

• Physical removal of invasive plants including hand pulling or with tools (shovels, loppers, and hand saw).
• Spot application of General Use Pesticides (with oversight by refuge staff).
• Assist with other biological work, and other Refuge work (e.g. maintenance) as opportunities and interest allows.
• Operation of Refuge 4WD vehicle 

Schedule: Duties will typically  be carried out between 7 AM and 4:30 PM Pacific, Monday - Friday. Work hours may vary due to extreme heat. 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 fellow  is expected to contribute approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $680/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Fellows 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 Fellows 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 at usaconservation dot org. 

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

Gear Reimbursement: ACE fellows 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 fellows will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. 

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 grant 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:

• Fellows 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 two-part criminal history check.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Fellows will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation. 
• A personal vehicle is required for off-duty hours due to the distance of housing to office and stores.
• Fellow may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website at usaconservation dot org. 

Preferred: 

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of an associate's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject.
• Experience and certification in herbicide application equipment.
• Experience in physical removal of invasive species using hand tools.
• Workplace experience following biological protocols and procedures. 
• Strong writing, communication, organizational, and problem solving skills in a field or office setting.
• Ability to multitask and shift schedule and priorities to meet changing conditions.
• Commitment to completing tasks thoroughly and on time.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: This position requires physical exertion such as hiking long distances over hot, wet and rough terrain while carrying up to 40 lbs.; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment and 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 40 lbs.
• Environmental: Primarily outdoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. 
• Noise Environment: Moderate outdoor noise.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: 

The ACE fellow may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, biting insects, high humidity, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The fellow is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/fellows or resources. Duties are performed primarily outdoors. Temperature and weather extremes can be encountered in the performance of outdoor duties. 

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. 

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position on our website at usaconservation dot org. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC USFWS Member Manager, Saige Ruleau.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO:  Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.