Biological Support Member

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking one biological support member to support a grant-funded project entitled "Tidal Marsh Migration Research and Restoration at Bombay Hook and Prime Hook Refuges (DE)" alongside U.S. Fish and Wildlife Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date : April / May 2025 (some flexibility)

Estimated End Date : August / September 2025

• a 15 week minimum commitment is required, approximately 600 hours

Location Details / Description : Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge (Smyrna, DE) and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge (Milton, DE)

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge protects one of the largest remaining expanses of tidal salt marsh in the mid-Atlantic region. The refuge, located along the coast of Delaware bay, is mostly marsh, but also includes freshwater impoundments and upland habitats that are managed for migratory birds and other wildlife. Bombay Hook was established in 1937 as a link in the chain of refuges extending from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. It is primarily a refuge and breeding ground for migrating birds and other wildlife. The value and importance of Bombay Hook for migratory bird protection and conservation has increased through the years, primarily due to the management of the refuge and the loss of high quality habitat along the Atlantic Flyway.

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1963 under the authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or any other management purpose, for migratory birds. Situated along the marshes of the western Delaware Bay, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge protects more than 10,000 acres of valuable habitat for wildlife of all kinds. Roughly 80% of the refuge is a mix of fresh and saltwater wetlands stretching from Slaughter Beach in the north to the Broadkill River in the south.

For more information about these refuges, 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 Coastal Delaware refuges.

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

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 : The ACE member will be expected to work a standard 40-hour week with 5 days on and 2 days off, consistent with other biological program staff. A small amount of holiday and / or weekend work may be required due to program needs. Workday start and end times may vary based on weather and other conditions, and may include early mornings. Reasonable time off requests will be honored with advance notice.

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 website.

Housing : Although details are still being finalized, the FWS intends to provide shared refuge housing near Dover, DE, for the ACE member. More information will be available at the time interviews are conducted for selected candidates.

Gear Reimbursement : ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, outerwear, work pants, socks, etc. 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 may include use of survey equipment, plant identification, and herbicide application .

Qualifications

Required :

Preferred :

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions :

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.

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, Claire Barnwell and 585-747-

ACE values an inclusive workforce - 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.

Salary : $600