Biology Support Members - Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 2 Members to contribute to the Northern Forest Resiliency project alongside Tamarac NWR Staff.

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

Start Date: April 2025

Estimated End Date: September 2025

*a 20 week minimum commitment is required, approximately 800 hours*

Location Details/Description: Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, Rochert, MN

Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge lies in the heart of one of the most diverse transition zones in North America. Here eastern deciduous hardwoods, northern coniferous forests and western tallgrass prairie converge - creating a rich assemblage of both plants and animals. Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge was established as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife by Executive Order 7902, dated May 31, 1938. A portion of the refuge is congressionally designated wilderness and half of the refuge lies within the boundaries of the White Earth Nation Reservation. Though the landscape has been altered by the influences of human history and past management, the refuge remains largely intact with a functioning ecosystem and retains an untamed character for current visitors to enjoy, use and respect. From the vibrant emergence of spring woodland wildflowers to the rich colors of autumn to the quiet hush of winter, people come to revitalize their spirit and connect with a rich wildlife heritage. The refuge is home to a large population of nesting trumpeter swans. Habitat conservation efforts address species such as the nearly threatened golden-winged warbler, woodcock, and ring-necked ducks. You'll find Minnesota state icons including the common loon, showy lady's slipper, red pine tree, morel mushrooms, wild rice and walleye.

For more information about Tamarac 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 its mission at Tamarac NWR. This position supports our Northern Forest Resiliency project. Majority of the duties for this position will occur outdoors in forested environments where robust insect populations and warm humid conditions are common. Watercraft (both powered and paddling) are used for some of the work and training is provided. Team members will support biological staff and tribal conservation partners to accomplish goals that address a changing climate.

Duties and Responsibilities of this position may include:

• Collecting water quality samples on lakes and streams.
• Monitoring wild rice production using established protocols.
• Ensuring water quantity is adequate to support healthy wild rice beds by clearing water control structures of debris and removing other obstructions.
• Repairing and assembling beaver dam bypass equipment
• Conducting inventories of water control structures
• Monitoring for climate change using remote instruments
• Planting trees to support reforestation efforts in key habitats.

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 be primarily carried out on Monday through Friday from 7:30AM - 4:00PM. 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 Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $700/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 at usaconservation dot org.

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term if needed. Housing and rooms may be shared with other people.

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 motorboat operators certification course and a non-motorized watercraft certification course.

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 scholarship 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:

• 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.
• Must be atleast 21 years of age.
• 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.

To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website on usaconservation dot org.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing an Associates or Bachelors degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as wildlife management or forestry.
• Knowledge of biological science.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in areas with moderate supervision.
• Local to the refuge and area.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent walking, hiking, carrying, and using hands to complete tasks. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Operation of non motorized watercraft on lakes.
• 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., ability to move up to 40 lbs.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates with robust insect populations. Some indoor work occurs in air conditioned or heated environments with good air quality.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as outboard motors and other hand and power tools.
• 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: 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 at usaconservation dot org. 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 ACE EPIC FWS Member Manager, Mac Utter.

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 : $700