Invasive Species Member - Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
American Conservation Experience - EPIC
- Davis, WV
- $500 per week
- Permanent
- Full-time
Estimated End Date: 8/23/2024*
a 12-week minimum commitment is required*Location Details/Description: Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Davis, WVCanaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1994 and now encompasses 16,550 acres. The refuge works to preserve the unique wetlands and uplands of this high elevation, moist valley.The valley's high elevation and position in the Allegheny Mountains combine to create a cool, moist climate more typical in Maine and Canada. Visitors enjoy our snowy winters, cool summers and the expansive views looking over grasslands and wetlands. This climate supports species, like balsam fir, cottongrass, woodcock and fisher usually found far north of here. Many plants and animals are near their southern limits amidst the valley's rugged beauty. Rare species abound in the high elevation wetlands. The refuge is home to 580 species of plants and 288 different animals; quite a diversity of life.For more information about Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, please visitPosition 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 Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. 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.Members will primarily assist with mapping and management of invasive plants. Members may travel to nearby refuges to assist with work. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in other activities on the refuge.Primary Duties include:
- GIS mapping of invasive plants using a rapid protocol established in the North Atlantic-Appalachian Region
- Searching for new infestations (Early Detection Rapid Response)- methods may vary by refuge
- Physical removal of invasive plants including hand pulling or with tools (not including chainsaws). Work may be conducted by canoe or kayak (e.g., pulling water chestnut).
- Assisting with the application of General Use Pesticides
- Assist with other refuge projects including biological surveys, refuge festivals, and other refuge events.
- 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).
- Willing to undergo and must pass the required three-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.
- Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement or as defined by AmeriCorps.
- To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website:
- Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a 2-year college degree and/or have education or experience in natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject preferred
- Able to walk and stand for long periods
- Able to physically pull or remove invasive plants with hand tools
- Familiarity with GPS and iPads
- Ensure quality of the data collected
- Drive a vehicle and navigate to new destinations
- Willingness to apply General Use Pesticides with use of appropriate safety equipment, and training in the safe handling of General Use Pesticides
- Ability to identify plants and distinguish invasive plants from native plants and willingness to learn
- Ability to work in a team and accept guidance from supervisor and other refuge staff
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to live communally in a clean and respectful manner
- Willingness to work in field conditions which will include insects, heat, humidity, rain
- Willingness to participate in training in the mapping as well as pesticide use and safety
- Physical Demands: Requires frequent 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 potentially 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 40 lbs., ability to move up to 40 pounds.
- Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Mainly indoor, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
- Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools. Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
- Travel: This position may require domestic travel.