Biological Science Support Member

SummaryAmerican Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking to extend TWO Biological Science Support Members to contribute to the biology program under the mentorship of Cape May National Wildlife Refuge Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit usaconservation dot org.

Start Date: April and May 2026

Estimated End Date: September and October 2026

*21 week commitment is required - start date may have 1 to 2 week flexibility; one member will begin in April and one member will begin in May*

Location Details/Description: Cape May National Wildlife Refuge; Cape May Court House, New Jersey

Established in 1989, Cape May National Wildlife Refuge provides critical habitat to a wide variety of migratory birds and other wildlife. Its value for the protection of migratory birds and their habitat will continue to grow as wildlife habitat along the Jersey Shore is developed into roads, shopping centers and housing developments.

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

Position Overview: During this term, the ACE member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of wildlife surveys, invasive plant management, and GPS/GIS projects. The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff to:

• Assist with various wildlife surveys, such as for shorebirds and horseshoe crabs
• Control invasive plant species including, searching for new infestations (Early Detection Rapid Response)
• Physical removal of invasive plants including hand pulling or with tools (not including chainsaws)
• Application of General Use Pesticides
• Learn the fundamentals of a biology program on a national wildlife refuge
• Assist with GPS and GIS mapping projects

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is "Working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats the the continuing benefit of the American People". The ACE Members will work closely with the Refuge biology and management staff to perform on-the-ground conservation work to improve wildlife habitat, and monitor the populations of species of management concern important to the local ecosystem. Day to day operations will often be conducted in a field environment where the ACE Member will need to be able to walk over uneven ground while carrying field equipment. In this field environment, ACE Members may be exposed to hot and humid weather, biting insects, and poisonous plants (i.e., poison ivy). These hazards can be mitigated, but will not be completely avoidable. However, Members will gain first hand experience implementing habitat management actions and learn how and the work the Members perform will be instrumental in allowing the Refuge to meet its goals and fulfill the mission of the Service.

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 Mon-Fri, 8:00am - 4:30pm. 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, and early mornings and/or late evenings. 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 approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $500/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 at usaconservation dot org.

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

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 training, computer security training and on the job training in plant identification, bird identification, and coastal ecology.

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 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.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website: usaconservation dot org.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a degree in natural resources, wildlife biology, ecology, etc. and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines.
• Knowledge of Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Conservation, Interpretation and Environmental Education
• Ability and willingness to learn new things, work with the public, ask questions, work in a team, work outdoors
• Deep interest in connecting with the public, community engagement, nature

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires 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 25 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Indoor work includes office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise is to be expected such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic, or outside such as wildlife and effects from weather.
• 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. 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 and/or ACE, 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 the online application page for this position on our website at usaconservation dot org. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC USFWS Member Manager, Claire Barnwell via email at cbarnwell at usaconservation dot org or at (585) 484-7626.

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.