Contact Name: Jamila Jackson
Company/Organization/Agency: Student Conservation Association
Address: 1310 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 110, Arlington, VA, Arlington, VA 22201 United States
Email Address: jjackson@thesca.org
Contact Phone: (603) 543-1700
Job Title: USFWS LRGNWR Remote Sensing Corps Project Leader
Job Description: USFWS LRGNWR Remote Sensing Corps Project Leader
Leader Dates: 8/2/2021- 2/5/2022
Team Dates: 8/30/2021- 1/30/2022
Pay Information:
Leaders: $700 per week salary
Project Description: The South Texas Refuge Complex Corps Team, made up of one Project Leader and four Crew Members (ages 18+), will work on US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) lands in the southernmost areas of Texas for 22 weeks.
The South Texas Refuge Complex Corps Team will focus primarily on mapping invasive species across almost 9,554 acres in Hidalgo, Starr, and Cameron Counties. This is a research project with two higher education partners, and it is important work that will reduce the risk of wildfire and improve habitat for migratory birds on USFWS lands. This team is for those who love a physical challenge! This team can expect to work regularly in an extremely hot and humid environment on challenging projects.
This team will work with USFWS staff to:
USFWS staff will train this team on species identification techniques, GPS use, GIS data entry, and environmental safety awareness. The crew will also have opportunities to be trained in other aspects of the Restoration Program and the Refuge’s Biology Program.
Specifically, the Crew Leader will:
· Act as a Crew Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics
· Serve as an Advisor, by training members in technical conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship
· Act as a Project Manager, by communicating with agency park partners, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA
· Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing a budget, and communicating with SCA staff
Schedule: This team will work a 4-day work week for 40 hours per week. Please note the schedule is expected to change depending on partner needs, inclement weather days, and COVID-19 protocols.
Housing: This team will be stationed and housed at the Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR.
All food for meals will be provided.
Work Breakdown (Work is %100 outside)
70 % Physical Mapping and Data Collection
10 % Team Building
10% Invasive plant species management
10% Habitat Restoration
Site Description:
The South Texas Refuge Complex (STRC) protects 67,088 acres in extreme southern Texas, comprised of: Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge (LRGV NWR)
The LRGVNWR aims to connect fragmented habitats to achieve corridors for wildlife movement, seeking to conserve biodiversity through land acquisition, habitat restoration, and conservation education.
Santa Ana NWR
Santa Ana NWR, located along the Rio Grande, was established for the protection of migratory birds. It is also included as an Urban Refuge through the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program, which seeks to engage the local community in conservation, both at the local refuges and the local community.
Training/Education Opportunities:
Plant ID
GIS/ GPS
Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
Leadership
Qualifications:
·Experience working with youth or young adults [Enter preferred age range here], teaching or environmental education a plus
Experience with conservation work skills or related skills preferred – i.e., trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, chainsaw, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening
Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more
Current First Aid and CPR certification required by the start of training
Must be able to attend Crew Leader training: Dates TBD
Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
Must have the ability to work in the US legally
Must have a valid driver’s license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards
Must be able to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards
For more information: Contact Valeria Casas, SCA’s TX Community Programs Manager at vcasas@thesca.org
For more about the GulfCorps program, visit https://www.thesca.org/serve/program/gulfcorps-conservation-crew.
To Apply: Click Login or Sign Up. Create a profile, complete the basic application, and then select Leader Application when prompted. Please be sure to upload your cover letter, resume, and three (3) references. Once your application is complete and submitted, you must email leaders(at)thesca.org and Valeria Casas at vcasas@thesca.org with the subject line: “GulfCorps TX Crew Leader” so we know to review your application. Interviews will being late June to mid July.
Job Start Date: 8/2/2021
Application Deadline: 7/16/2021
Additional Information: https://www.thesca.org/usfws-lrgnwr-remote-sensing-corps-project-leader