Summary: American Conservation Experience, a Nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is seeking TWO Invasive Species Removal and Habitat Restoration Fellows to help with a large invasive plant removal and habitat restoration project alongside Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex staff.
For more information about ACE, please visit our website at usaconservation dot org.
Start Date: September 30, 2024
End Date: March 1, 2025
**22 week commitment required**
Location: Kern National Wildlife Refuge, Delano, CA
The Kern National Wildlife Refuge was established on November 18, 1960 and consists of 11,249 acres of natural desert uplands, a relict riparian corridor, and developed marsh. The visitor center and office complex opened in late 1999. The refuge headquarters is at the junction of Garces Highway and Corcoran Road. Situated on the southern margin of what was once the largest freshwater wetland complex in the western United States, Kern Refuge provides optimum wintering habitat for migratory birds with an emphasis on waterfowl and waterbirds.
Through restoration and maintenance of native habitat diversity, the refuge preserves a remnant of the historic valley uplands in the San Joaquin Desert, an ecosystem known to provide habitat for several endangered species. Approximately 8,200 visitors annually participate in refuge programs ranging from wildlife viewing to waterfowl hunting.For more information about the Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex, please visit the Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex website.
Position Overview:
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 promote the FWS mission through invasive plant removal in the upland units of the Kern National Wildlife Refuge.
The refuge has removed over 500 acres of invasive salt cedar from desert uplands in the past three years. For the last phase of the salt cedar removal project, we will be using chainsaw crews to mechanically remove salt cedar from the final 110 acres of infested area. To ensure effective treatment of the invasive species, we need two fellows to follow-up the chainsaw work with chemical applications of herbicide. Under the guidance of a team leader, the fellows will apply the herbicide, triclopyr, to the stumps of cut salt cedar trees.
If time permits, the fellows may also be able to participate in biological monitoring surveys to assess how endangered species are responding to the invasive plant removal. Currently, we are conducting remote camera trap studies of the San Joaquin kit fox and the Buena Vista lake ornate shrew. In the fall, we will also be conducting a mark-recapture study of the Tipton kangaroo rat. The fellows may have the opportunity to assist with camera checks, data processing, vegetation surveys, and trapping efforts.
This individual placement is meant to facilitate personal growth and professional development. The fellow will become familiar with land management agencies and have the opportunity to network with agency professionals. Position responsibilities will likely involve exposure to a variety of conservation fields and the ability to shadow different work groups.
The fellows will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the following tasks:
- Chemical treatment of invasive plants using spot application of General Use Pesticides (with oversight by refuge staff).
- Geospatial documentation of herbicide treatments using GPS and Avenza.
- Operation of 4WD vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, and other small equipment.
- Assistance with biological surveys (e.g., wildlife camera surveys, den/burrow searches, vegetation surveys, waterfowl counts, live trapping) and other Refuge work (e.g., maintenance) as opportunities and interest allow.
Schedule: Duties will typically be carried out between 7am and 4:30pm PST, Monday - Friday. Work hours may vary due to extreme heat. 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. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval.