ACE: Environmental Outreach - Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, AL
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is seeking 1 Environmental Outreach Emerging Professional to help with a diverse array of wildlife related outreach projects as well as administrative, biological and maintenance projects in Gulf Shores, AL.
The Bon Secour NWR contains 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat for migratory birds, nesting sea turtles and the endangered Alabama beach mouse. The refuge was established by Congress in 1980 to preserve the coastal dune ecosystem, to protect threatened and endangered species, to provide compatible recreational opportunities, and to serve as a living laboratory for students and scientists.
The name Bon Secour comes from the French meaning "safe harbor," very appropriate considering the sanctuary for native flora and fauna that the refuge provides. The refuge serves the additional benefit of comprising one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land on the Alabama coast. Its dunes are a reminder of the Gulf Coast, as it once existed. As a consequence, the refuge has been named as one of the 10 natural wonders of Alabama.
The Refuge is home to the endangered Alabama beach mouse, which is associated with the sand dunes and sea oats. Refuge beaches serve as nesting sites for loggerhead, and Kemp's Ridley sea turtles. Habitats include beaches and sand dunes, scrub forest, fresh and saltwater marshes, fresh water swamps, and uplands.
More than 370 species of birds have been identified on the refuge during migratory seasons. The largest are usually ospreys and several species of herons. At the other extreme, seven species of hummingbirds have been identified. Mammals such as red fox, coyotes, and armadillos are also present.
Start Date: ~September 6th, 2020
End Date: ~March 20th, 2021
**28-week commitment required**
Location: Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Gulf Shore, AL
Project Website: To learn more about the Bon Secour NWR, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Bon_Secour/
To learn more about ACE EPIC Program, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.
Compensation: The ACE member will receive a living allowance of $250/week for food and incidental expenses, paid bi-weekly. Additionally, the selected candidate will receive a relocation allowance of $580 ($280 at the beginning and end of term).
Housing: ACE members will be provided housing at no cost near the Bon Secour NWR office. The provided housing is an air-conditioned bunkhouse that has 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms upstairs, and 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms downstairs. Laundry facilities are provided and pets are not allowed.
PLC Competitive Hiring Authority: This position is authorized by the Public Land Corps (PLC) Act of 1993 and expanded by the Public Lands Service Corps Act of 2013. Individuals who meet basic requirements during their term of service may be eligible to receive their Noncompetitive Hiring Eligibility Certificate to be used when applying to future federal jobs. Requirements are: (1) Individuals must be between the ages of 18 to 30 and (2) Individuals must complete at least 640 hours on a federally approved PLC Project. More information can be provided upon request.
Position Description:
- Environmental outreach and education (25%);
- Administration, volunteer management and other duties (25%).
- Sea turtle monitoring (10%);
- Shorebird surveys (10%);
- Invasive plant control (10%);
- Refuge maintenance (trails, signs, buildings, etc.) (10%);
- Other wildlife surveys (10%).
South Alabama has average temperatures in the 80's-90's during the summer months. This individual placement will require much time outdoors, in potentially hot, potentially buggy conditions.
Qualifications: Applicants must have excellent communication and outreach skills and a degree (or actively pursuing a degree) in wildlife biology (preferred), zoology, biology, environmental science, ecology or other related disciplines appropriate to the position or equivalent job experience in the realm of wildlife biology.
Required:
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- High School Diploma
- Must be 18-35 years of age (Individuals must be 21-35 to apply for any ACE position that requires or anticipates operation of agency or ACE vehicles for duties.)
- A valid driver's license and a clean driving record are required (documentation to be provided upon request). Likewise, a refuge vehicle will be provided for refuge activities only but a personal vehicle is strongly recommended for getting around Gulf Shores
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work alone and in a group
- Proficient in English
- Ability to undergo a federal criminal background check is required
- Knowledge of natural sciences
- Ability to work in very hot, humid, and buggy conditions
- Willingness to work varying hours including weekends
Preferred:
- Completion or actively pursuing a B.S. in Wildlife Biology
- Knowledge of the USFWS mission
- Experience in managing volunteers
- Experience leading environmental outreach/education programs
- Experience accurately managing associated data
- Basic GPS and GIS skills
- Experience working with the public
- Personal vehicle due to the nearest grocery store being approximately 8 miles from the provided housing.
ACE Emerging Professionals must be willing to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
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, thoughtful cover letter, and contact for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/
NOTE: 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 USFWS Division Support Specialist, Dave Hecker, 801.386.1629, or dhecker@usaconservation.org.
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.