Habitat Restoration Support Member - Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

Habitat Restoration Support Member - Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

SummaryAmerican Conservation Experience a nonprofit Conservation Corps in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is seeking two Members to contribute to invasive species management habitat management and visitor services projects under the mentorship of Quivira National Wildlife Refuge Staff.

For more information about ACE please visit our website.

Start Date: 7/7/2025 or 8/4/2025

Estimated End Date: 18 weeks later

*an 18-week minimum commitment is required*

Location Details/Description: Quivira National Wildlife Refuge Stafford Kansas

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1955 to provide and protect vital habitat for migratory waterfowl in the Central Flyway. Its 22135 acres feature a unique combination of rare inland salt marsh and sand prairie. Many opportunities exist for the visitor to explore this oasis of the Great Plains.

For more information about Quivira 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 Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.

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

• Contribute to Refuges habitat and invasive species management program (70%)
  • Assist with surveying and treatment (mechanical and chemical) of invasive species.
  • Provide a summary of pesticide application that can be used for the annual pesticide usage report.
  • Document each management action area on each station using Field Maps for ArcGIS and provide data needed for the Refuge Annual Performance Plan (RAPP) report.
  • Assist with repair and removal of barbed-wire or electric fence.
  • Assist with managing water movement and monitoring wetlands for proper water levels and depth.
• Provide support to the Refuges visitor services program and occasionally the Great Plains Nature Center (10%)
  • Repair refuge signs.
  • Conduct trail maintenance activities on the refuge.
  • Assist with environmental or interpretive programs at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge and the Great Plains Nature Center.
• Assist with the Refuges biological and wildlife management programs (20%)
  • Assist in conducting bird surveys which may include waterfowl shorebird and/or whooping crane.
  • Assists with bumblebee atlas survey.
  • Assists with monarch mania and monarch tagging.
  • Complete Invasive Species Strike Team report that includes summary of management actions chemical usage and program evaluation.

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 - Friday 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 $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: ACE members will be accommodated in provided FWS 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 for this position includes work pants work boots gloves backpack 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 Defensive Driving Safety Overview & PPE Project Overview ATV/UTV Certification Chemical Application and Safety Arc Field Maps Training Radio Operations and Water management training.

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 drivers license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). Members must be 21 to drive due to ACEs 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.
• 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.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position will hold or be pursuing a minimum of a bachelors degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as Natural Resource Management Biology Ecology or a related field of study.
• Experience in habitat restoration invasive species removal and/or herbicide application.
• Experience with GIS and/or mapping.
• Experience with Heavy Equipment.
• ATV/UTV operation.
• Sawyer qualifications.
• Deep interest in wildlife habitat conservation and desire to advance career in the field of natural resource management.
• Comfort living and working in a remote environment

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. Ability to hike over sandy and marshy terrain.
• 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 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Mainly outdoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. When indoors office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws 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 ACEs 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 ACE EPIC FWS Program Manager Johannah McCollum.

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.