ACE: Invasive Species Technician – Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, CO – AmeriCorps Eligible

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge is seeking 1 member to work in support of all aspects of the refuge invasive plant control program. Primary duties include invasive species management via mapping with GPS/GIS technology, mechanical removal and herbicide application. Support of native cottonwood tree restoration efforts and a variety of tasks ranging from structural upkeep to grounds maintenance. Additionally, the selected candidate may provide direction for another seasonal employee.

This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic individuals with a background in natural resources who possess an interest in gaining experience in the field of natural resource management, habitat restoration, biology, botany visitor services and grounds maintenance.

Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge is located along the Green River in northwest Colorado. Situated between the Cold Springs and Diamond Mountains, this remote river valley has long been an oasis to both wildlife and humans seeking shelter from the surrounding harsh, semi-arid environment.

Start Date: April 26th, 2021 (some flexibility – no later than 5/10/21)

End Date: October 22nd, 2021

**26-week commitment required**

Location: Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge – NW Colorado

Project Website: For more information about Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, please visit:https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Browns_Park/

For more information regarding the ACE EPIC Program, please visit: https://www.usaconservation.org/.

Compensation: The selected candidate is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $480/week to cover the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: Refuge housing is available at no cost to the selected candidate. The Bunkhouse is located 13 miles from the Refuge Office. The bunkhouse is located 150 feet from the Green River and has a fire pit and picnic tables available to the residents. Selected candidate may be sharing a residence with another person. Residence includes separate bedrooms and shared common areas such as kitchen and living room.

*Remote Location & Amenities: Browns Park NWR is a remote refuge located in NW Colorado. The Refuge Office is located within 1.5 miles of the Utah border and 10 miles of the Wyoming border. There are three cities with full services in the general area. The nearest are Craig, CO (pop. 9,000) and Rock Springs, WY (pop. 24,000), both of which are 90 miles from the Refuge and require a 1.5-hour drive. Vernal, UT (pop. 10,000) is 80 miles away and requires a 2-hour drive, although there is an alternate route that is approximately 50 miles and 1.5 hours for a high clearance 4×4 vehicle. The selected candidate must bring a personal vehicle to drive to town for groceries and other personal necessities. This Refuge is remote and therefore does not have convenient access to stores or social events. The Refuge can provide a cell phone with a Wi-Fi hotspot, but no TV services, for the resident(s). Cell coverage is limited to AT&T and Union Wireless, Verizon does not receive any signal in Browns Park.

AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 900 hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($3,097.50) upon successful completion of service hours. Additional enrollment is required.

Position Description:

• Applying herbicide to invasive species through the refuge (ATV, backpack, and hand sprayers);
• Mechanical methods (pulling, digging, and cutting) to control invasive herbaceous and woody plant species;
• Mapping vegetation communities using GPS and GIS software;
• Support cottonwood restoration efforts such as transplanting cottonwood saplings from existing nurseries to riparian locations throughout the Refuge;
• Constructing wire barriers to protect young cottonwood trees from wildlife;
• Assisting Refuge staff with routine work such as repairing fences, vehicle and structural upkeep, grounds maintenance, and other related tasks

Qualifications:

Required:

• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age – ACE requires members to be 21 or older for positions that require driving ACE or agency vehicles.
• A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record are required (documentation to be provided upon request)
• Must have a personal vehicle
• Ability to work independently in a self-led work environment
• Comfortable working in a remote, largely unpopulated location without common ammendaties.
• Ability to conduct work that requires moderate to strenuous physical excretion in variable weather conditions with stinging and biting insects, nettles and other noxious plants.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy items (e.g., packs and equipment up to 50 pounds) on a routine basis.
• Ability to undergo a federal criminal background check is required

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold a minimum of a high school diploma or GED and/or have interest in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject.
• Knowledge and experience managing invasive species by use of herbicide and mechanical methods
• Field mapping experience using GPS and GIS technology
• Basic plant identification skills
• Experience towing trailers
• Experience and certification(s) operating ATV and UTV

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, 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. 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 FWS Division Recruitment and Member Manager, Dave Hecker at dhecker@usaconservation.org or (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.