Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Earlimart, CA

Position Title: Invasive Species Removal Fellow

Organization: US Fish and Wildlife Service

Location: Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Earlimart, CA

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 the mission at Pixley National Wildlife Refuge through invasive plant removal and habitat restoration projects in the upland units of the Pixley National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The fellow will be led by a team lead to remove the invasive species using various mechanical and chemical methods, conduct biological monitoring, and help with endangered species trapping. Once the treatment of the invasive species has been conducted, the fellow will plant native seeds to restore the vegetation.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate personal growth and professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with agency professionals. This could include gaining experience in a variety of conservation fields and/or shadowing different work groups.

Duties: 

• Physical removal of invasive plants including hand pulling or with tools (including chainsaws, loppers, and hand saw).
• Spot application of General Use Pesticides (with oversight by refuge staff)
• Assist with other biological work, and other Refuge work (e.g. maintenance) as opportunities and interest allows.
• Operation of Refuge vehicle, skid-steer, ATV, UTV, and other small equipment.

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.
• If driving is required: A valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part criminal history check.
• 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.
• A personal vehicle is required for off-duty hours due to the distance of housing to office and stores;
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website here https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of an associate’s degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject.
• Strong writing, communication and organizational skills;
• Ability to follow biological protocols and procedures
• Ability to multitask and shift schedule and priorities to meet changing conditions.
• Commitment to completing tasks thoroughly and on time.
• Skills and abilities to resolve a full range of problems or situations when performing a variety of tasks in a field or office setting.

• Prior experience and certification in herbicide application;
• Experience using hand tools for physical removal of invasive species
• Experience and certification with: UTV/ATV and skid-steer or similar heavy equipment;
• Experience and certification using chainsaws;
• Workplace experience following protocols in support of biological surveys

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: This position requires physical exertion such as hiking long distances over hot, wet and rough terrain while carrying up to 40 lbs.; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment and may involve fine and precise procedures, delicate adjustments or exact measurements.
• 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 40 lbs., ability to move up to 40 lbs.
• Environmental: Primarily outdoor conditions.. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as hand and power tools.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

Start/End Dates: March 4, 2024 for 12 weeks

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