Biology Support Member

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking ONE Biology Support Member to contribute to the Biological program alongside Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit: usaconservation dot org.

Start Date: May 2025

Estimated End Date: September 2025

*17 week commitment is required - start date may have 1 to 2 week flexibility*

Location Details/Description: Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Oceanville (Galloway) NJ

The Biological Assistant (ACE member) will perform support functions for the biological program and other programs of the E.B. Forsythe NWR on both the Brigantine and Barnegat Divisions on the coast of southern New Jersey, stationed out of the refuge's headquarters office at Oceanville, NJ. Habitat types the Biological Assistant may work in include salt marsh, barrier beaches, dunes, freshwater wetlands, fields, woods, and brushy areas.

Edwin B. Forsythe was named in honor of the late conservationist Congressman from New Jersey. The refuge protects more than 48,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats and is actively managed for migratory birds. More than 82 percent of Forsythe refuge is wetlands, of which 78 percent is salt marsh, interspersed with shallow coves and bays. The refuge's location in one of the Atlantic Flyway's most active flight paths makes it an important link in seasonal bird migration. For more information about Edwin B. Forsythe NWR, please visit the FWS website.

Position Description: During this term, the ACE member will contribute to a wide range of biological projects, such as monitoring for Federally threatened black rails and piping plovers, candidate species saltmarsh sparrows, and other wildlife; conducting vegetation surveys and other assessments of habitat restoration success; conducting surveys and control efforts for invasive plant species; managing and monitoring water levels in wetlands; and assisting with habitat restoration activities, particularly in relation to salt marshes. The member will also assist with visitor services programs such as festivals, fishing events, and educating the public about threatened species, other wildlife and habitats, and the NWR system. The member may occasionally assist with maintenance projects such as bird strike prevention measures, trail clearing, and responding to refuge emergencies. The member will be supervised by a staff biologist and will be expected to carry out work independently and as part of a small team. Work will require walking up to 4 miles a day on rough terrain, traveling to/from field sites by boat and kayak, and carrying loads up to 40 lbs over long distances. The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of:

Biology

• Assist with various wildlife surveys including migratory shorebirds and other rare plants and animals
• Assist with habitat management and habitat restoration activities such as addition of organic material to salt marshes, monitoring and managing water levels, and mechanical management of vegetation.
• Survey and control invasive plant species
• Assist with GPS and GIS mapping projects
• Learn the fundamentals of a biology program on a national wildlife refuge

Visitor Services

• ​​Assist with the management of wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities such as wildlife observation, wildlife photography, recreational fishing.
• Assist with public outreach events such as children's fishing events, wildlife festivals, astronomy event, etc.
• Conduct on-site interaction with a variety of audiences to convey key information about the needs of wildlife and compatible recreational uses, on occasion.
• Assist with engaging local communities and developing partnerships.

Maintenance

• As needed, assist with special maintenance activities to function as part of the refuge team such as:
  • Implementing bird strike prevention measures on buildings
  • Roadside and beach cleanup during special events
  • Trail and other cleanup events following severe weather events
  • Respond to refuge emergencies

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 through Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm. 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, and early mornings and/or late evenings. 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 approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $750/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. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility.

Housing: Depending on availability, housing may be provided onsite at no-cost to the member. Otherwise, housing will be the responsibility of the member.

Gear Allowance: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, socks, pants, 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 biological survey training, pesticide application training, public engagement training, boat and UTV operation, etc. Professional development opportunities such as cross training days with other divisions and staff, attending online training and in-person workshops are encouraged.

Qualifications

Required:

• U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident status, as required by U.S. government contracts
• Willingness and ability to represent ACE and the USFWS 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).
• Willingness 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.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website usaconservation dot org.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position should have relevant experience and/or education in subject areas such as biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines.
• Knowledge of Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Conservation, Interpretation and Environmental Education.
• Ability and willingness to learn new things, work with the public, ask questions, work in a team, work outdoors.
• Deep interest in connecting with the public, community engagement, nature.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires 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 25 lbs.
• Environmental: Outdoor work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Indoor work includes office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise is to be expected such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic, or outside such as wildlife and effects from weather.
• Travel: This position may require domestic 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 and/or ACE, 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 via email at cbarnwell at usaconservation dot org or at (585) 484-7626. 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 with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee 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, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, 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 : $750