Invasive Species Support Member - Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Invasive Species Support Member - Aransas National Wildlife Refuge   

Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 2 Members to contribute to invasive plant management, long term monitoring, and biology support projects under the mentorship of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: 8/3/2025
Estimated End Date: 1/31/2026
*a 26-week minimum commitment is required*

Location Details/Description: Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Austwell, TX

What is today known as Aransas National Wildlife Refuge first emerged 120,000 years ago during the Pleistocene era when a barrier island was born. The Pleistocene era passed into geological history; behind it was left the land and a few mementos of that era, including fossilized teeth and alligators. 

Today, this landscape is best known for its prominent place in the American wildlife conservation movement. In 1941, when only 15 whooping cranes survived in the wild, the iconic bird became an emblem of alarm and concern for all endangered and threatened species. Aransas became a focal point of the national and worldwide effort to rescue the species from extinction. 

Thankfully, due to the foresight of others, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 to serve as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife and as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds. The Matagorda Island Unit of the refuge is a 56,683-acre natural area that was established to support the national migratory bird management program and to conserve endangered species. The island has no public means of access. Its isolation provides an unparalleled opportunity for protection of its bountiful natural resources.  

For more information about Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, please visit the FWS website. 

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 Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the following tasks:

• Invasive plant management (80%)
  • Herbicide treatment of the invasive species Chinese tallow using backpack sprayers, handheld sprayers, and UTV mounted sprayers  
  • Safely and appropriately mix herbicides
  • Map treated areas using iPads, GPS coordinates, and Field Maps
  • Physical removal of invasive species utilizing hand tools, brush cutters, or chainsaws with the appropriate training
• Long term monitoring of the invasive species treatment (10%)
  • Survey off trail areas and identify invasive plant species
  • Follow protocols utilizing grids to document presence or absence of invasive species 
  • Collect data and map the plant populations using iPads, GPS coordinates, and Field Maps
• Other invasives and biology tasks as assigned (10%)
  • Herbicide treatment of other invasive species such as phragmites, mccartney rose, and salt cedar. 
  • Mottled duck banding potentially but not guaranteed
  • Assist with commercial crab trap clean-ups 
  • Assist with feral hog trapping such as checking traps, baiting traps, and checking game cameras
  • Operate 4WD trucks and UTVs safely

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.

Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday - Friday.  Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours.  A flexible work schedule may be required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends and/or holidays.  Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided shared FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term with some exceptions.

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes, work pants, work boots, outerwear, hiking backpack, etc., and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase. 

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training may include Defensive Driver, UTV, and herbicide training from a licensed applicator.

Qualifications 

Required:

• 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 criminal history checks 
• 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. 
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website. 
• Ability and willingness to work alone and in a small team environment. 
• Ability to safely hike long distances in varied terrain, hot and humid weather conditions, and around dangerous wildlife such as biting insects and venomous snakes.  
• Skills and ability to resolve a full range of problems or situations when performing a variety of tasks in the field or office setting.
• Hard working.

Preferred:

• 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 Biology, Botany, or Natural Resource Management.
• Knowledge of plant identification.
• Experience in invasive plant management using mechanical and chemical methods.
• Previous field work experience in hot, humid environments.
• S-212 Chainsaw certification.
• Experience driving 4WD trucks and/or ATVs/UTVs.
• Deep interest to enter the public service as a natural resource professional.
  
   

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• 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 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 50 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Mainly outdoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. When indoors, 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.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife such as venomous snakes. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the FWS or ACE.  Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the FWS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the FWS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it.  Strict adherence to FWS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.  

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE’s online application page for this position on our website at usaconservation dot org. Early consideration will be given as applications 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 Member Manager, Saige Ruleau.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO:  Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.