BIOMONITORING TECHNICIAN (STREAM FISH AND MACROINVERTEBRATES)

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

North Biological Monitoring Unit

Brainerd, MN

We are looking for biologists to lead and assist with aquatic biomonitoring surveys on rivers and streams in northern Minnesota, during the summer and early fall of 2020.

Job duties include:

Lead a crew of 1-4 students to sample approximately 50 stream biomonitoring sites for fish, invertebrates, habitat measurements, and water chemistry in order to assess water quality and habitat conditions.

Help maintain field equipment, train students, and keep field records. Enter and manage data on Agency computers; Calculate summary data for each monitoring site and conduct QA/QC. Assist in conducting preassessment reviews of data.

Preferred qualifications include:

Field experience sampling fish, invertebrates using MPCA standard operating procedures Course work in ichthyology, fisheries science, aquatic invertebrates, water chemistry or habitat.

Leadership experience in prior work, civic or school projects Familiarity with biological indicators of water quality Experience with statistical packages and graphics Experience and or course work using GPS and or GIS equipment and software

The position requires extensive travel across northern Minnesota and the willingness to stay overnight (in motels) for up to three nights per week. The work may be carried out in remote areas, in inclement weather, and can be physically-demanding at times.  Candidates should be able to work well with others in small- and medium-sized field crews.

Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in water related science or environmental protection, or related field. OR a technical environmental degree (e.g., Natural Resources Technology A.A.S.) AND one year of technical/professional-level environmental protection experience; OR two years of technical/professional-level environmental protection experience. Applicants must pass a fish identification test and possess a valid driver’s license.

Pay rate:

$19.90 – $28.78/hourly

Motel lodging provided during work week, plus meal expense reimbursement.

Work hours are typically Monday-Thursday 10 hours per day with overnight travel.

Start/End Dates:

May through September, 2020

Location:

The position will be based in Brainerd, but will require extensive travel throughout northern Minnesota.  Brainerd is located just north of the geographical center of Minnesota.

To Apply:

Full position description and online application instructions are available via the State of Minnesota Careers website:

https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mn.gov%2Fcareers&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C29a82f5abb62435bb69308d78923063f%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637128655841047657&sdata=578osMwu%2FABLUGL0EfpHmEt1AJ7FZNqtmNtIjE182Lc%3D&reserved=0  Job ID: 36683

Applications accepted through January  13, 2020.

See this announcement for a Physical Scientist position on the federal USAJOBS website at https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usajobs.gov%2FGetJob%2FViewDetails%2F553960500&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C09ce3efe4fd14a929cfc08d78d10fc11%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637132976414671142&sdata=3sD8KxsWjQ2Afd6Be%2BLkpnAaTU%2Bbae2Xad4l3y2ugg4%3D&reserved=0.

Open & closing dates: 12/10/2019 to 1/3/2020

This position is located at U.S. EPA Headquarters, Washington, DC, in the Office of Air and Radiation, Office of Atmospheric Programs, Climate Change Division, Climate Science and Impacts Branch.

Announcement number: RTP-OAR-OT-2020-0012

Responsibilities:

– Identify, adapt and interpret climate change impacts research;

– Manage climate change impact and risk analysis projects;

– Develop materials to communicate climate science results, including strengths and limitations, of analyses to management and senior officials;

– Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on climate-change science, mitigation and adaptation, and communication issues.

Salary range: $83,398 to $128,920 per year

U.S. citizenship is required.

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

The Institute for Applied Ecology is currently hiring for a wide range of seasonal positions for the 2020 field season; these include internships as well as technician and crew lead positions.

Attached is the general announcement. Links to individual positions descriptions are below and on our website (

https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fappliedeco.org%2Fget-involved%2Fjobs%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C09ce3efe4fd14a929cfc08d78d10fc11%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637132976414671142&sdata=X%2Fo7LC9h3pH%2B4mYF3fIuTRIaC6JlQKQJ6pKvcJXdi6k%3D&reserved=0) . Application deadlines, pay rate and duration of each position vary.

Click on the descriptions below for details regarding each position.

To apply, follow the links in each of the position descriptions to complete a Google Form, and follow the instructions in the position description.

2020 Seasonal Positions:

*Conservation Research Internships *

(2-4

interns)

*Willamette Valley Pollinator Research Technicians *

(1-3

positions)

*Rare Plant Survey Crew Leader *

(2

positions)

*Rare Plant Survey Technician *

(4

positions)

*Seed Collection Crew Leads

*(3-4 positions)

*Seed Collection Technicians *

(3-6

positions)

*Prairie-Oak Habitat Survey Crew Lead *

(1

position)

*Prairie-Oak Habitat Survey Technicians

*(3 positions)

Job Title: Barred Owl Field Technician

Agency: San Jose State University

Location: Fort Bragg, California

Job Category: Temporary/Seasonal Position

Salary: $15/hr

Start Date: April 13th, 2020

Last Date to Apply: January 19th, 2020

Description:

Two field technicians are needed to assist in a study on barred owl distribution and dispersal in the coastal redwood region of Mendocino County, California. Positions will run approximately April 13th – August 28th 2020.

A typical work week is 40 hours. Shared field housing will be provided, but camping may be required during the work week. Schedules will be irregular with a lot of evening/nighttime work. Technicians will conduct surveys for barred owls, track them via telemetry, and may assist in banding and GPS backpack-tagging of owls. A large portion (~50%) of the work will involve deploying and retrieving autonomous recording units (ARUs) across the study area via ATV. Technicians will also record, transcribe, and enter data into databases.

This study is part of an effort to collect more information on the status of barred owls in the coastal redwood region of California. The barred owl (Strix varia), a species native to the eastern U.S., has been progressively invading the west coast over the last several decades and poses a major threat to the persistence of the federally threatened northern spotted owl (S. occidentalis caurina). This work aims to inform the management of barred owls and spotted owls in this region. Technicians will work under a graduate student from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Applicants must:

-possess a B.S./B.A. in Wildlife Ecology, Biology, or related field -have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record -have experience operating 4WD vehicles on rugged, unmaintained roads -be physically fit and able to traverse steep and rugged terrain while carrying a heavy pack -be willing and able to work in adverse weather conditions -have excellent hearing and the ability to identify colors on bird bands as required -be able to navigate with GPS, topographic map, and compass -be comfortable working alone and hiking off-trail for extended periods, often at night -be able to adapt to a flexible schedule involving both day and night work and occasional weekend work -have experience conducting field surveys and using VHF radio-telemetry equipment -have excellent communication and organizational skills -be able to live and work cooperatively with others

Some training can be provided. Preference will be given to applicants with experience capturing and attaching backpack transmitters to owls, and operating and maintaining ATVs in the field.

To Apply:

Please email a cover letter stating why you are interested in this position and a resume with at least three references and their contact information all in a single PDF file to Whitney Watson (wawatson@wisc.edu). Include “Barred Owl Tech Position” in the email subject line. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Field Technician positions on Eisenberg and Hibbs project, Restoring Fire, Wolves, and Bison to the Canadian Rockies

Location: Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Blood Timber Limit Principal Investigator: Dr. Cristina Eisenberg

Affiliation: Oregon State University; funded by Earthwatch Institute

Job Description: This position involves working in a fescue prairie and an aspen community in Waterton Lakes National Park, AB, and on the Blood Timber Limit (Blackfoot land), measuring fescue prairie, aspen, and wildlife habitat use response to both prescribed burning and a large, high-severity wildfire. The objective it to examine how fire, elk, bison, and wolves interact with fire in restoring the prairie. This project involves hazardous field conditions, including working in areas with high grizzly bear populations, moving through very rough terrain, mostly off-trail, to survey burn units. Must be available to work from April 5, 2020 – July 18, 2020 and from August 15, 2020 – September 20, 2020. Field work takes place on a ten days off, four days off schedule. Field crew is based out of the Waterton townsite. Will be supervised in the field by an ecologist and will be working in a group at all times.

Qualifications: Seeking several experienced field technicians with expertise in grassland and forestry vegetation sampling methods. Only persons with previous paid field technician experience will be considered for this position. Only persons with previous experience working in prairie and aspen communities in the northern Rocky Mountains will be considered. Must have a BSc or be in the final stages of completing a BSc in Forestry or Rangeland. Wildlife ecology skills highly desirable. Must be in excellent physical condition, with no back, knee, or other injuries. Must be able to comfortably carry a 30 lb pack in the field all day and deal calmly with hazards, which include frequent close-range grizzly bear and elk encounters and bushwhacking through very rough terrain. Must have excellent people skills. Must be attentive to details and able to follow directions exactly. Must have a passport and a clean legal record. Must be able to bring own vehicle to the job, although fieldwork will take place using a vehicle owned by the project.

Application Instructions: To apply, please send CV, college transcripts, two letters of reference from persons who have supervised you doing fieldwork, and a cover letter explaining what you hope to gain from this position and why you would be a good fit for it. Please send all materials as e-mail attachments. Applications accepted between January 1, 2020 – March 1, 2020

Compensation: food, housing, salary commensurate with experience, starts at $15 USD per hour.

Contact: Dr. Cristina Eisenberg

            E-mail:cristina.eisenberg@oregonstate.edu

*Job Title:* Avian Field Technician

*Agency:* West Virginia University/U.S. Forest Service

*Location:* Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia

*Job Category:* Temporary/Seasonal Position

*Salary:* ~$2,000/month for 4 months. Housing and a field vehicle provided.

*Start Date:* 04/09/2020

*Last Date to Apply:* 1/31/2020 (but applications are accepted and reviewed

on a rolling basis, so you are encouraged to apply earlier)

*Description:* Seeking a highly motivated avian field technician to assist

with game bird surveys from April 15 to May 10, avian point count surveys

from May 15 to July 10, and post-breeding bird surveys from July 15 to Aug

15. The data will be collected as part of research on avian use of wildlife

openings in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. In addition,

the point count data will continue a 25-year dataset of breeding bird

surveys that is being used to assess long-term changes in avian communities

and abundance.

Fieldwork entails conducting evening modified singing-ground surveys for

American woodcock, morning modified drumming/gobbling surveys for ruffed

grouse and wild turkey, 10-minute morning point count surveys for breeding

songbirds, and morning transect surveys (and possibly mist-netting surveys)

for post-breeding songbirds. All survey protocols will be reviewed before

conducting the surveys, but the field technician should have prior

experience conducting point counts or identifying birds by sound.

Additional work will include deploying autonomous recording units and game

cameras, vegetation sampling, data entry, and data proofing. The technician

will be working closely with the supervisor, Hannah Clipp, or another

technician to access field site locations, but actual game bird and point

count surveys will be conducted alone. The technician should expect to work

6–8 hours per day; because we are counting birds, field days will start

early (before sunrise) and will involve work on weekends, with days off

during inclement weather. Free housing and a field vehicle will be

provided. The field technician should expect rugged housing accommodations

(just the basics, no Internet), ranging from bunkhouses and cabins to

campgrounds. First aid/CPR training and driver safety training will also be

provided at no cost to the field technician.

To apply, please email a cover letter, resume/CV (no page limit), and

contact information for 3 references to Hannah Clipp at hlclipp@mix.wvu.edu.

In your cover letter, please mention any experiences you have with birding,

camping, dealing with rugged field conditions, and/or navigating and

working alone in remote areas. Applications will be reviewed as they are

received.

*Qualifications:*

1.     Ability to identify eastern USA birds by sound and sight (required),

as well as previous experience with avian point count surveys (preferred)

2.     Earned (or are working towards) a Bachelor of Science degree in

wildlife science, natural resources, or a similar field

3.     Ability to navigate in the field and deal with challenging,

difficult terrain (a lot of steep slopes)

4.     Comfortable working alone in a remote outdoor setting

5.     Ability and willingness to work in a two- or three-person team and

individually during early morning and late evening fieldwork

6.     Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record

7.     Positive, upbeat attitude and strong work ethic

*Contact Person:* Hannah Clipp

*Contact Email:* hlclipp@mix.wvu.edu

Posted on behalf of Dr. Greg Houseman. See application instructions below.

Field/Lab Technician (~10 month)

The Houseman lab at Wichita State University is seeking a research technician to assist with several studies in Kansas grasslands. These projects funded by NSF, USDA, EPSCoR and state monies address: 1) restoration of plant diversity in prairies, 2) invasive plant biology in the Flint Hills of Kansas and 3) effects of pathogen-legume interactions in perennial grasslands.  More information on some of these projects is available on my webpage (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.wichita.edu%2Fbiology%2Fghouseman&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C7faa913bde04487cee2108d785ff0422%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637125202664236310&sdata=ihL8SRMuUWKyXL5oZ2ewH6t4E%2FYOKAzOxCkPdVHz6AU%3D&reserved=0).  During the growing season, the technician will focus on fieldwork related to several different studies/experiments.  These tasks include setup and maintenance of field and greenhouse experiments, plant identification, and other data collection efforts.  During the winter and late summer, time will be allocated to lab and greenhouse work.  The ideal person would be highly motivated, able to work outside in all conditions, have some experience with data collection, and be capable of operating vehicles (truck, UTV, etc).  Some background with grassland plant identification is strongly preferred but applicants with the ability to learn quickly would be acceptable.  Pay will be $12-14/hour depending on experience.  The position will begin  in January or February depending on applicant availability.

Please submit a cover letter, CV or resume, and the contact information for three references to Greg Houseman at greg.houseman@wichita.edu.  Review of applications will begin in early January 2020 and continue until the position is filled.

Do you love the outdoors and want to protect it? Thinking about a

career in the environment? Come join the movement!

Spend this field season protecting New York’s waters from aquatic

invasive species on the Aquatic Invasives Strike Force Crew (AISF)!

As part of the AISF Crew, members will conduct aquatic vegetation and

invertebrate surveys on various lakes and rivers throughout the Lower

Hudson Valley. These surveys are critical in early detection and rapid

response efforts in the region. The crew will assist in invasive plant

management in several lakes and make a tangible difference in

controlling the spread of invasives. The AISF Crew will also

participate in the Lower Hudson PRISM Watercraft Inspection Steward

Program, providing critical education and outreach to boaters on AIS

identification and spread prevention methods while performing

voluntary boat inspections and collecting data on boater habits.

We are seeking three crew members who share our passion for

conservation of freshwater ecosystems and the Lower Hudson Valley.

The crew member is responsible for working with the AISF Crew Leader

and program coordinator to perform successful completion of projects.

Aquatic plant and animal identification, survey training, and steward

training will be provided.

Program Overview:

Our AmeriCorps crews are trained by industry experts in sustainable

trail building, invasive species management, public outreach,

volunteer engagement, and outdoor leadership. You will receive a

living stipend for your service and are eligible for education awards

through our partnership with AmeriCorps.

TCCC members learn and serve in the greater NY metropolitan area in

one of the nation’s finest systems of public parks. From trail

construction to habitat restoration to visitor education, you can

provide vital resources to the public parks you enjoy. For more

information about our Corps, check out https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.nynjtc.org%2Fcorps&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C7faa913bde04487cee2108d785ff0422%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637125202664236310&sdata=ZgRn890n%2FDUROSBADeS8V7P5Z%2BSNUPBiUFet3dIiFZg%3D&reserved=0

Service Location: The Lower Hudson Valley of New York

Term of Service: A minimum of 900-hour term of service May 14 through

October 26, Thursday-Monday (hours may vary from 7:00 AM-7:00 PM).

Most workdays will be spent outdoors, in all weather, and will include

weekends and some holidays. While on duty, successful candidates will

wear a provided uniform.

Duties and Responsibilities:

* Conduct detailed field surveys of aquatic plants and invertebrates

(native and invasive) following specific procedures

* Perform manual invasive plant removals

* Educate boaters about aquatic invasive species and teach clean

boating practices, i.e. by distributing outreach and educational

material to watercraft users while performing voluntary boat

inspections

* Prepare reports on work completed and log data collected

* Work alongside leadership to fulfill responsibilities in supply and

equipment maintenance and data management

* Complete one seasonal research or education project (literature

review, develop outreach materials, update website AIS species

database, etc.)

Skills and Attributes Required:

* Interest in aquatic invasive species education and management

* Ability to remain calm and be comfortable with insect and animal

encounters, including snakes (rare), spiders, and other aquatic

insects and invertebrates

* Strong organizational, interpersonal and written communication skills

* Ability to maintain a positive attitude in adverse conditions

* Must be able to conduct moderate physical field work in rugged

terrain, all weather, and aquatic environments

* Must hold and maintain a valid driver’s license with access to a

reliable vehicle for transportation of self, tools, and supplies to

field sites (including kayaks/canoes with racks provided)

* Must have reliable cell phone

* Must be willing to travel throughout the Lower Hudson Valley to

assigned launches and survey locations (some travel reimbursement

provided)

Desired Qualifications:

* College education in ecology, biology, natural resources management

or related field.

* Basic knowledge and ability to identify native and invasive aquatic

vegetation of New York

* Experience with ArcGIS software and with using a hand-held GPS to

perform vegetation surveys

* Demonstrated outreach skills and teaching experience

Member Benefits:

* Free, as needed, rustic cabin housing at a local park, on a first

come first served basis

* Bi-weekly pre-tax living allowance not to exceed $10,350 total

* Upon successful completion of the program, an education award of $3,097.50

* Opportunity for qualified student loan deferment and interest repayment

* Training in Wilderness First Aid/CPR/AED and Basic Kayak Safety

Enrollment Requirements:

An individual must be at least 18 years of age; have a high school

diploma or GED; be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien; pass a

three-part national service criminal history check of the national

sex-offender registry, state repository check, and FBI fingerprint

check; and complete all pre-service orientation and training

requirements.  Documentation of age, education and citizenship are due

by the first day of orientation. Criminal history checks will be

initiated before the start of service; an individual will be

ineligible if s/he is required to register on the National Sex

Offender Registry, has been convicted of murder, or fails to disclose

any previous conviction. Other convictions or pending charges will be

evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with program policy.

To Apply:

Go to https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nynjtc.org%2Fcorpsmembers&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C7faa913bde04487cee2108d785ff0422%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637125202664236310&sdata=TJLjsntFGxxp1Olz%2BSRwCseIyRTKtzcbRyLJf2TQeIE%3D&reserved=0

Applications accepted until the positions are filled, with preference

given to those received before February 17th.

For questions, email AIS Program Manager, Lindsay Yoder at

lyoder@teatown.org or Conservation Corps Manager, Tori Finn at

vfinn@nynjtc.org.

Trail Conference Conservation Corps

AmeriCorps Position Opening: Invasive Species Biocontrol Program Coordinator

Do you love the outdoors and want to protect it? Thinking about a

career in the environment? Come join the movement! The Trail

Conference Conservation Corps (TCCC) provides great opportunities for

outdoor lovers to become leaders in environmental conservation.

Spend your summer outdoors protecting natural resources, gaining

valuable experience in the field, and making a difference in

ecosystem-level conservation. The Invasive Species Biocontrol Program

Coordinator will be responsible for maintaining our on-going

biocontrol programs and planning for new programs addressing

additional invasive species. This position supports the regional

strategy of the Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species

Management. If you want to make a difference in environmental

protection, network with regional leaders in conservation, build field

botany and invasive species management skills, and gain experience in

independent research, a position as the Invasive Species Biocontrol

Program Coordinator might be right for you!

Program Overview:

The TCCC AmeriCorps crews are trained by industry experts in

sustainable trail building, invasive species management, public

outreach, volunteer engagement, and outdoor leadership. TCCC members

learn and serve outside of the greater NY metropolitan area in one of

the nation’s finest systems of public parks. The Biocontrol Program

started with a focus on managing mile-a-minute vine (Persicaria

perfoliata) through surveying, releasing biocontrol weevils, and

manual removals, and is expanding to utilize other biocontrol agents.

The Coordinator will work with a wide range of park partners at

multiple sites throughout southern NY. For more information about our

Corps, visit https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.nynjtc.org%2Fcorps&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C7faa913bde04487cee2108d785ff0422%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637125202664226315&sdata=m1apkPs1j9dHsE3GzkRDhL1LR%2FM4WdhcsevPu2fJquU%3D&reserved=0.

We are seeking an individual who shares our passion for conservation

and the outdoors to become our seasonal Invasive Species Biocontrol

Project Coordinator. The Coordinator will be responsible for

independently managing the field and research aspects of this project

with guidance provided by the Director of Land Stewardship. Training

will be provided, however it is expected that the Coordinator will

have some scientific research experience already. In addition to

managing the existing mile-a-minute vine projects, this position

involves data management and reporting, volunteer engagement, and

preparation for new biocontrol programs, with a final analytical

report due at the end of the season. This position has an outdoor

focus but indoor office work is required. Weekend work is required

with Tuesdays and Wednesdays off.

Service Location: The Lower Hudson Valley of New York

Term of Service: A minimum of 900 hour term of service May 14 through

October 26, weekend work required. This is an independent project and

the majority of work will be done in an individual capacity.

Duties and Responsibilities:

* Independently manage the on-going mile-a-minute vine biocontrol program

* Conduct surveys of specified mile-a-minute weevil release sites as

detailed in protocol, including the use of hand-held GPS

* Release of biocontrol agent (weevils) at designated sites

* Conduct independent manual invasive removals where biocontrol has

not been released

* Validate new reports of invasive species

* Keep accurate, timely and detailed records of activities

* Record and enter data into the Trail Conference’s Invasives Database

and either iMapInvasives or EDDMaps public databases

* Plan and prepare for a new biocontrol program to be implemented in 2021

* Contact landowners, park managers, and others to coordinate releases

and volunteer workdays

* Train volunteers on invasive plant identification and removal and

lead volunteer workdays

* Conduct training workshops regarding mile-a-minute vine

* Create final report summarizing work season

* Work professionally at all times with NYNJTC staff, community

volunteers, and park partners

* Properly use and care for tools and equipment and follow all safety

precautions

* Manage Facebook page and e-mail addresses

* Members may not engage in any Prohibited Activities as outlined in

the AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement

Required Skills and Attributes:

* Self-starter with demonstrated independent work experience

* Research experience with lab protocols and statistical analysis

(especially biology or ecology)

* Experience using a hand-held GPS and ESRI ArcMap software

* Experience with spreadsheets and databases, such as Microsoft Excel or Access

* Able to conduct physically strenuous field work in rugged terrain

and strenuous environmental conditions (heat, cold, rain, ticks,

mosquitos, bees, bears, snakes, spiders, etc.)

* Demonstrated teamwork skills and/or experience leading volunteers

* Organized, responsible and detail-oriented

* Excellent oral and written communication skills

* Must hold and maintain a valid driver’s license

* Must have access to a reliable vehicle for transportation of self,

tools, and supplies to field sites

Preferred Skills and Attributes:

* Ability to identify native and invasive vegetation of the northeast

* Experience leading or training volunteers

* Demonstrated outreach skills and teaching experience

* Backpacking, camping, and/or outdoor field work experience

Benefits for Members

* Free, as needed, rustic cabin housing at a local park, on a first

come first served basis

* Bi-weekly pre-tax living allowance $13,110 total, pending USDA APHIS

program approval

* Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,097.50 available upon

completion of program

* Opportunity for qualified student loan deferment and interest repayment

* Eligible for SNAP (food stamp) benefits

* Mileage reimbursement

* Training in Wilderness First Aid/CPR/AED and Leave No Trace Principles

* Work in many parks and network with land managers and environmental

professionals

* Being recognized as a member of an accomplished AmeriCorps Program

Enrollment Requirements:

An individual must be at least 18 years of age; have a high school

diploma or GED; be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien; pass a

three-part national service criminal history check of the national

sex-offender registry, state repository check, and FBI fingerprint

check; and complete all pre-service orientation and training

requirements.  Documentation of age, education and citizenship are due

by the first day of orientation. Criminal history checks will be

initiated before the start of service; an individual will be

ineligible if s/he is required to register on the National Sex

Offender Registry, has been convicted of murder, or fails to disclose

any previous conviction. Other convictions or pending charges will be

evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with program policy.

To Apply:

Go to https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nynjtc.org%2Fcontent%2Fcorpsapplication&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C7faa913bde04487cee2108d785ff0422%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637125202664226315&sdata=mR9BsPCIqAwFStMhaEw%2FU35Sv9AiXRCFeiueSIud%2FXA%3D&reserved=0

Applications accepted until position is filled, preference given to

those received by February 17th.

Description:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking volunteers for six

months at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge for the biological program

from April 21, 2020 to November 3, 2020. The biological program focuses on

controlling and removing non-native species and to maintain, conserve, and

restore quality habitat to meet the needs of indigenous plants, seabirds,

water birds, monk seals, and sea turtles. In addition to being a National

Wildlife Refuge, Midway Atoll is also designated as the Battle of Midway

National Memorial and is part of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National

Monument. Midway Atoll is a remote field site located over 1,300 miles from

the main Hawaiian Islands and is inhabited by a small community of ~50

residents comprising FWS staff, volunteers, and contractors.

*Duties and Responsibilities:*

Volunteers work 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday with additional nights, early

mornings, and weekend work as needed. Volunteer work includes invasive

plant and rodent removal using manual and chemical applications of

pesticides, native plant propagation, seed collection and processing,

seabird and Laysan duck monitoring, marine debris removal, data entry and

proofing, equipment maintenance, and other tasks depending on current

projects and refuge needs.

A large part of this year’s volunteer work will be associated with a mouse

eradication project. Mice have been documented attacking nesting albatross,

and have been responsible for several albatross deaths and abandonment of

nests. Volunteers will be helping with mouse eradication for 3-4 months.

Work during this period will include spreading mouse bait on land and in

buildings and helping with the care of non-target birds. Work may include

camping on Eastern Island to take care of captive Laysan ducks for one-week

stints.

*Special Considerations: *

Midway Atoll is an extremely remote site and receives supplies occasionally

by plane or ship. However, this can be not be reliable and due to weight

restrictions, volunteers must be prepared to have all necessary amenities

(i.e. toiletries and medications) with them upon arrival. Communication is

limited to landline phones and slow internet access. Transportation on

island will primarily be by foot or bicycle. Weather conditions can be

harsh with strong winds, tropical storms, and hot sun. Safety is of primary

concern. Volunteers should be aware that evacuation for emergencies or

medical issues can typically take at least 24 hours and can be very

expensive. All volunteers will need to carry medical-evacuation insurance.

Any medical concerns should be discussed prior to arrival to Midway (i.e.

adverse reactions to jelly fish or bee stings, food allergies, asthma,

etc.). If an issue is of concern, we can work with the incumbent and their

medical provider to determine if being on a remote, isolated island is in

the best interest of the volunteer and the Service.

Selected applicants will be sent a packet of additional information on the

island, duties, and suggested items to bring, as well as required forms.

These required forms must be submitted before the volunteer arrives for

duty in Honolulu. Volunteers are required to obtain a government PIV card

before arriving to Honolulu which can take up to one month. A current

physical, tetanus shot, and TB test are also required. The Service will

provide transportation between Honolulu and Midway Atoll, and housing and

meals while on Midway Atoll.

*Desired Skills/Experience:*

·         Remote field experience in the Hawaiian archipelago with a focus

on:

o   invasive species control

o   plant identification and plant propagation

o   avian identification, handling, and reproductive monitoring

·         Ideal candidates will possess:

o   strong interpersonal skills

o   able to work well independently as well as closely in a small group

o   easy-going with a good sense of humor

o   flexible to changing conditions

o   boating, kayaking, and snorkel experience

*Qualifications:*

·         Must be willing and able to work 40+ hours per week.

·         Must be in excellent physical and mental condition; able to walk

10 miles a day over variable terrain, lift and carry 25 lbs., ride a

bicycle, swim, and be able to perform repetitive stooping and bending

motions.

·         Must be able to perform all duties in inclement weather including

high heat and humidity, strong winds, and heavy rain.

·         Must be able to pass a swim test (100 m swim, 100 m snorkel, and

2 minutes treading water).

·         Must be comfortable with the use of pesticides and herbicides.

·         Must have a valid driver’s license and current passport that does

not expire for at least one year.

*To Apply: *

Please email a single PDF file in the following format:

YourLastName_Spring2020.pdf that includes your cover letter, resume/CV,

relevant certifications, and at least three references. You may send your

application materials with the subject line “Midway Atoll Volunteer

Application” to Tim Clark at timothy_clark@fws.gov. Please direct any

questions to Tim Clark as well. Applications are due by January 5, 2020.