This opportunity is curated through the UF TESI Environmental Leaders Network. Opportunities posted through the Network may not be affiliated with the Florida Museum or TESI, but are shared with UF undergraduate students who want to learn more about environmental research, education and outreach, and civic engagement. 

Host Organization

American Conservation Experience in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)

Type of Position

  • Full time
  • In person at St. Marks, Florida
  • $530/week stipend with provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term and $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases
  • 45-week commitment from January 13th – November 22nd

Description

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 North Florida Refuges Complex.

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.

Primary duties may include:

  • Resource monitoring of the frosted flatwoods salamander. This would entail working with crews to conduct a complete survey of all the known ponds as well as searching for new ponds, or it may entail completing a subset surveying of all ponds and a more thorough pond search across the Refuge.
  • Habitat monitoring for the frosted flatwoods salamander (which may include assisting with feral hog impact monitoring as well). The ACE member would conduct vegetation/duff/water surveys of all known ponds. The ACE member may work with the biologist to draft up a document comparing occupied versus unoccupied ponds.
  • Habitat management/restoration work for the frosted flatwoods salamander habitat monitoring. The ACE member will help conduct some of the active management on the Refuge that they will be monitoring the impacts of. This will likely be using herbicides or tools to remove dense understory.
  • Additional projects may include assisting with monitoring of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and/or assisting with refuge reports.

ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support.

This position may potentially be eligible for an 1700-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2024/25 grant year program, valued up to $TBD upon successful completion of a complete service term and 1700hrs.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology, or a related subject.
  • Previous experience with wildlife or habitat surveying techniques.
  • Experience in writing scientific reports.
  • Experience or willingness to learn how to use ATVs, UTVs, herbicides, or chainsaws.
  • Ability and willingness to work in variety of environmental conditions such as heat, humidity, dangerous wildlife, and prevalent insects.

Eligibility

  • 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.
  • Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
  • A personal vehicle is required for getting groceries off-site of the Refuge.

Deadline to Apply

Saturday, November 9th

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

*Please note that if this link is inactive that we have closed the application period for this position.