Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife, is seeking One Assistant Turtle Technician to contribute to wood turtle monitoring projects alongside Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge and US Fish and Wildlife Service staff. During this term, the ACE member will assist with wood turtle population assessment surveys, nest site surveys, tracking via radio telemetry, managing data, and producing an annual summary report. Field work will be conducted in remote locations throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. This position will require a motivated individual with big woods orienteering skills, a tolerance for bugs and challenging field conditions, balanced with solid computer skills (competency with ArcGIS), and the ability to assist with the implementation of all aspects of the Wood Turtle Population Assessment Protocol as outlined here:
http://www.northeastturtles.org/uploads/3/0/4/3/30433006/glin_monitoring_protocol_2018.pdf
The wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) is an at-risk species that is being evaluated for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Population assessment surveys, nest site surveys, and tracking (both vhf and gps) are being conducted to monitor population status, seasonal distributions, and coarse scale habitat selection at multiple sites.
For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org
Start Date: April 26, 2021
End Date: October 23, 2021
**26-week commitment required**
Location: This position is administered out of Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, New Hampshire. Field sites are distributed across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge incapsulates upland spruce-fir northern hardwood forests, boreal and riverine wetlands, and lake habitats. These habitats provide important breeding grounds for migratory land birds, waterfowl, and regionally significant species such as the common loon and bald eagle.
For more information about Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Umbagog//about.html
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $440/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in refuge housing at no cost for the duration of the term.
Public Land Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a PLC non-competitive hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. Eligible members must meet standard requirements of completing at least 640 hours and utilize their certificate before the age of 31. More information can be provided upon request.
Position Description:
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.
Primary Duties include:
- Conducting wood turtle population assessment surveys
- Nest site surveys
- Tracking via radio telemetry
- Data management and summary
Physical Requirements: This position requires physical exertion such as walking long distances over wet and rough surfaces while carrying up to 40 lbs.; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching. Hand and finger dexterity and physical coordination may involve fine and precise procedures, delicate adjustments or exact measurements.
Work Schedule: Duties will be carried out on an irregular work schedule to take advantage of appropriate weather conditions. Work may be completed in early mornings (dawn), late evenings (dusk), and weekends. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. Time off may be granted with supervisor approval.
Equipment Use: A government vehicle is required to accomplish position duties and will be provided by the USFWS. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the FWS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) will be mandatory for any activity that requires it.
Qualifications:
Required
- 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.
- This position is funded through a federal grant program for youth engagement, education, and employment, which has specific program requirements.
- Must be 21-30 years of age to apply
- Military Veterans up to 35 are encouraged to apply.
- US Citizen or Permanent Resident
- A valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
- A personal vehicle is required for personal use due to the remote setting.
- Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks.
- Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Preferred:
- Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, botany, natural resource management, or other related discipline appropriate to this position.
Please note: Marijuana and other controlled substances are not allowed at any time during the performance of duties or while on federal property, regardless of State law or qualified medical marijuana card status.
To Apply: Please submit your resume, unofficial academic transcripts, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position by clicking on the green Apply Externally button.
***Academic transcripts are required for verification of related coursework and professional development purposes, as opposed to evaluating prior academic performance.
NOTE: 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 USFWS Recruitment and Member Manager, Dave Hecker, dhecker@usaconservation.org, 801.386.1629
EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.