Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Folkston, GA

Position Title: Biology Support Member

Organization: US Fish and Wildlife Service

Location: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Folkston, GA

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 Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. The selected member will primarily work with the refuge biologist on management of red-cockaded woodpecker populations. The related duties include but are not limited to installing artificial cavities, banding adults and chicks, determining success of breeding groups, and completing the annual cavity assessment. The biotech will also contribute technical support by performing assignments critical to the success of wildlife surveys, studies, and investigations that are incorporated into on-going projects or program operations.

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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).
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation, including being able to climb trees up to 50 ft with sectional ladder system and hike up to 10 miles in varied terrain and environmental conditions.
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part criminal history check.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science degree in wildlife biology, botany, natural resource management, or other related discipline appropriate to this position.
• Knowledge of birding and banding
• ATV/UTV certified (training may be available)
• Chainsaw use certified (training may be available)
• Ability and willingness to work 10 hours in a day with flexibility in start and end times
• Deep interest in management of wildlife populations

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. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
• 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: 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.

Start/End Dates: January or February 2024- January or February 2025

How to Apply: Please use the online application to view the full job description as well as how to apply.