Volunteer Team Lead - Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge

Volunteer Team Lead - Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge

Summary:

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, is seeking ONE Volunteer Team Lead to contribute to invasive species management and seabird monitoring projects under the mentorship of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: ASAP

Estimated End Date: 22-weeks after the start date

*a 22-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, Honolulu, HI

Located on the far northern end of the Hawaiian archipelago, Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial is located within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. It is one of the oldest atoll formations in the world, and it provides nesting habitat for millions of seabirds as well as being a touchstone for one of the most significant naval battles in our human history. Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff, volunteers and contractors live on Midway to support the recovery and integrity of wildlife habitat and species while balancing their own human impact on the land and seascape, and protecting historical resources.

For more information about Midway Atoll 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 Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. The position will serve as a volunteer crew lead for control of invasive plants, mice, and ants to benefit birds of conservation concern and build resilient ecosystems at Midway Atoll NWR.

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.

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

• Training a 6-month volunteer team consisting of up to four persons and actively participating and leading team activities to include: seabird and Laysan duck monitoring, native plant propagation, seed collection and processing, marine debris removal, data entry and proofing, invasive plant and rodent removal, manual and chemical applications of pesticides, equipment and wildlife water source maintenance, wildlife rehabilitation and short-term care of botulism cases, and other tasks depending on current project and Refuge needs.
• Leading the hiring process for 6-month volunteers to include: job posting, interviewing, and onboarding.
• Equipment used to carry out position responsibilities may include: herbicide spray backpack, hand-tools, plant clippers, pruning shears, machete, utility task vehicle and/or golf cart, government vessel up to 28' in length, government issued laptop and/or tablet.

Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday - Friday (generally from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm). 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 over 8-hour work days and working on weekends and/or holidays. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to FWS and ACE for approval.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $429/week to offset the costs of incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. Meals will be provided 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 (You must be between the ages of 16 and 30. Some agencies also interpret these guidelines to include veterans up to age 35) and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided 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 must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training which may include utv/atv and boat training. Training for this position will be provided by refuge staff as appropriate and will include practice conducting biological surveys and monitoring. The Volunteer Team Lead will work closely with staff at Midway Atoll NWR. Additional training on specialized equipment or tools, may be provided as deemed necessary by the Refuge Manager in accordance with USFWS policy. The Volunteer Team Lead is expected to be comfortable dispatching live mice and mixing and applying pesticides for invasive species and noxious weed control, if assigned by the Refuge Manager and with proper certified pesticide applicator supervision and training. An orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support will also be provided.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
• 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). Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.
• 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.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website located on our Indeed homepage.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as invasive species control, wildlife conservation biology, and habitat restoration .
• Knowledge of Biology, Drivers License, Fish/Wildlife, General Assistance, Office/Clerical, Weed/Invasive Species Control, Restoration, Ecosystem, Forest and NR Management, Maintenance.
• Ability and willingness to: Drive or ride in USFWS vehicles down dirt roads; Hike over uneven, burrowing seabird terrain for long distances; Perform field work in areas that, at times, lack cell service (a hand-held radio will be provided for team communications and emergencies); Carry and/or lift heavy equipment or material; Perform duties required to apply pesticides for invasive species and noxious weed control under supervision of a certified technician.
• Deep interest in wildlife conservation biology, invasive species control, and habitat restoration.

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.
• 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. When indoor, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to loud noise such as in a large seabird colony
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel on a small jet airplane with seating for nine persons

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. Additional potential hazards may include animal handling (sea turtles, monk seals, albatross) and boat use in open water marine environments.

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 ACE's online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact Program Manager Nicholaus Jackosky.

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 enrolled in a program 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.