Wildlife Control Member (Feral Hog Removal) – Southeast Louisiana Refuges Complex

Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 1 wildlife control member to contribute to feral hog removal at the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex. There may be opportunities to assist with additional invasive species management and biological projects under the mentorship of FWS Staff. 

For more information about ACE and to apply, please visit our usaconservation website:
https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1199884

Start Date: Early June 2025 (flexible)
Estimated End Date: September 2025
*a 15 week minimum commitment is required, approximately 600 hours*

Location Details/Description: Southeast Louisiana Refuges Complex, Lacombe, LA

Six Southeast Louisiana Refuges are part of a rich ecological system which includes marshes, pine and bottomland hardwood forests, lakes, barrier islands, swamps and bayous. Ranging from the marshy delta at the mouth of the Mississippi, to the wetlands that help protect New Orleans from hurricanes and provide a nursery to the fisheries that support the region’s food economy, to the wild bayous of the Atchafalaya Basin; the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges preserve wildlife, habitat, and recreation opportunities representative of this unique part of the country. 

All of the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges are open to public visits for nature-based recreational enjoyment. Priority public uses are hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education, and interpretation.
For more information about the Southeast Louisiana Refuges 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 that mission at the Southeast Louisiana Complex through invasive species duties, including feral hog removal. This position is part of a partnership with the Louisiana Dept of  Wildlife & Fisheries and the Atchafalaya NWR/Sherburne WMA and will involve on the job training with biologists and technicians. 

Duties will include the following: 

• Feral Swine trapping to decrease habitat degradation and remove invasive species.
• Removing Feral Swine from refuge lands. 
• Additional refuge projects within the complex as time allows/as needed.

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-Thursday, 6 am-4:30 pm.  A flexible work schedule may be required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends. Time off for federal holidays may be granted, and additional requests for time off 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 an 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 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.  
• 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 $500 to be used for relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process. 
• Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase. 
• 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 information on our usaconservation website.
• Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position-specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, networks for support, and a required defensive driving course in order to operate federal vehicles on the job. FWS may provide ATV/UTV 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 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. 
• Members 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 usaconservation website.
• Must have own personal vehicle for off-work transportation needs. 

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold a minimum of a high school diploma or GED and/or have an interest in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of and experience with baiting and checking traps.
• Ability and willingness to dispatch invasive species, specifically feral hogs.
• Deep interest in USFWS and/or invasive species management.

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 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. 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:  FWS will provide a vehicle for work duties. 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.