Contact Name: Bridget Correa
Company/Organization/Agency: Student Conservation Association
Address: 1310 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 110, Arlington, VA 22201 United States
Email Address: bcorrea@thesca.org
Contact Phone:
Job Title: USFWS South Texas Restoration Leader
Job Description: Conservation Begins Here.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA), America's #1 conservation service organization seeks qualified applicants to lead, educate, and inspire students for the programs.
Leader Dates: 9/19/2022 - 4/16/2023
Team Dates: 10/3/2022 - 4/23/2023
Compensation:
Leaders: $700 per week salary
Travel Funds: $400 in travel funds to get to the site provided for the team members.
Project Description:
The South Texas Refuge Complex Corps Team, made up of one Project Leader and five Crew Members (ages 18+), will work on US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) lands in the southernmost areas of Texas for 26 weeks.
The South Texas Refuge Complex Corps Team will focus primarily on hands-on removal through chainsaw and treating invasive species across almost 5,000 acres. 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 tough projects. Herbicide application is a major part of this position. As an aside, there will be opportunities for this team to work on a separate Remote Sensing project to assist in 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 to work will reduce the risk of wildfire and improving the habitat for migratory birds on USFWS lands.
This team will work with USFWS staff to mechanically and chemically control invasive species. Invasive species can include Carrizo Cane, Salt Cedar, Athel, Brazilian Pepper-Tree, Chinaberry, Chinese Tallow, Tree Tobacco, and Castor Bean.
USFWS staff will train this team on species identification and treatment technique, GPS use, GIS data entry, and herbicide and environmental safety awareness. The crew will also have opportunities to be trained in other aspects of the Restoration Program and the Refuges Biology Program.
Other work opportunities include Nursery care & management, tree tube removals, plantings, and community engagement events.
Equipment Used:
The refuge will provide all herbicide and application equipment for the chemical treatment of invasive species. Any use of chemicals will require pesticide use training as well as a review of the label and safety data sheet for every chemical used. The use of personal protective equipment will be mandatory for any activity that requires it, especially for herbicide and chainsaw applications. Local training is allowed for small equipment such as lawn mowers, weed eaters, ATVs, and UTVs. The refuge will provide specialized tools such as brush cutters when modified treatment techniques become necessary.
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: Housing is provided near the Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR.
*All food for meals will be provided.
Work Breakdown (Work is %100 outside)
45% Chainsaw application
45 % Herbicide application
10 % Remote Sensing/ GPS/ GIS
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 as well as in the local community.
Specifically, the Project 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
Qualifications:
Experience working with youth or young adults, 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 most 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
Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
Must have the ability to legally work in the US
Must have a valid drivers license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards
Must be able to meet SCAs criminal background check standards
Must have personal housing arrangements in the program city
Must be available for the FULL program.
Applicants must be 18+
Must be comfortable working in the elements and walking 3 or more miles per day
Outdoor skills; experience working with diverse groups; ability to maintain a safe, productive, and enjoyable work environment.
Desired but not required skills:
Experience handling chemicals
Experience handling hand tools/ mechanized equipment like chainsaws
WFA/WFR certification preferred
Training opportunities:
Chainsaw Application
Herbicide Application
Wilderness First AID
Plant ID
Leadership
Invasive species management
Plant propagation
Seed collection
Germination techniques
Job Start Date: 10/3/2022
Application Deadline: 9/30/2022
Additional Information: To Apply Click Here: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=31414&clientkey=595E0C4F0C9492D99B0EC32A6B3F6415