Refuge Support Member, E.B. Forsythe NWR

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking ONE Refuge Support Member to contribute to a variety of maintenance and resource management projects alongside Edwin B. Forsythe NWR National Wildlife Refuge Staff.

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

Start Date: April 2025

Estimated End Date: August 2025

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

Location Details/Description: Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge; Galloway, NJ

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 work on a variety of facilities, maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive species management, visitor services and trail projects to improve access, maintain building function, protect nesting piping plover populations, and ensure a positive and safe experience for visitors. The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of:

• Assist with conducting and monitoring of habitat restoration work;
• Participate in special events to promote the refuge and its mission;
• Conduct on-site interaction with a variety of audiences to convey key information about the needs of wildlife and compatible recreational uses.
• Develop and conduct mission related interpretive and educational activities to engage a diversity of audiences on shorebird and habit protection, local wildlife, and other relevant topics.
• Perform light maintenance (painting, trail clearing, boardwalk repair, lawn care, spreading gravel/stone dust, etc.) and assist maintenance staff with larger scale projects as needed;
• Assist with various trail maintenance and restoration projects throughout the Refuge;
• Assist with biological work (plover and shorebird management), Salt Marsh monitoring and other Refuge work (e.g. public outreach and visitor service program) as opportunities and interest allows;
• Safely mentor and lead summer conservation stewardship field project programming for local high school students;
• Collect accurate and detailed project data as required;
• FWS certification on operating agricultural tractor, UTV, and small boats as opportunities and interest allows.

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 Mon-Fri, 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 $650/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 bird identification, data collection techniques, and survey skills.

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 three-part criminal history check.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members must verify that they are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 or have requested and been granted a medical or religious exemption to vaccination by the time they start their term.
• 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 can hold a minimum of a high school diploma or or be pursuing a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as ecology, wildlife management, natural resource management, parks and recreation, environmental education, and other related disciplines. A COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND APPROPRIATE EXPERIENCE IS ALSO ACCEPTABLE. Resume, Cover Letter and transcripts must contain enough information to show that the applicant meets the experience needed, as defined in this announcement.
• Enthusiasm for interacting with people and learning how to assist visitors to enjoy refuge resources responsibly through interpretation, customer service, and facility maintenance
• Ability to multitask and shift schedule and priorities to meet changing conditions

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 : $650