Masked Bobwhite Recovery Members- Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge

Summary

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, is seeking two Masked Bobwhite Recovery Members to support a captive breeding project under the guidance of USFWS staff.

The role contributes to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mission by caring for a captive population of the federally endangered masked bobwhite. Members will aid in the day‑to‑day management of outdoor and indoor bird pens, maintain health and records, and assist with habitat and vegetation management.

• Change food and water, clean pens, and observe birds for signs of injury.
• Provide basic medical care under supervision of the facility manager or a wildlife veterinarian.
• Work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Manage vegetation around outdoor pens, including planting and weeding.
• Maintain accurate records for the quail facility and outdoor pens.
• Collect eggs for incubation.
• Follow instructions and ask questions to maintain a healthy bird population.

Duties are primarily 6 am to 2:30 pm, totaling no more than 80 hours bi‑weekly. A flexible schedule may be required, including overtime, weekends, or holidays. Time off requires approval from FWS and ACE.

• Living Allowance: $640 per week to offset food and incidental expenses (paid bi‑weekly).
• Housing: Provided housing with utilities and a vehicle for work use at no cost; pets not allowed.
• Gear Reimbursement: Up to $100 for approved gear purchases.
• Training/Orientation: Position‑specific training, OSHA online respiratory assessment for N95 clearance, and ACE policy orientation.
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Eligible for federal hiring authority upon completion of a 16‑week term and 640 hours of service (subject to age, citizenship, and eligibility restrictions).

Required:

• Authorized to work in the United States; no visa sponsorship.
• Professional, positive representation of ACE and partner organization.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record; 21 + required to drive.
• Pass required criminal background checks.
• Ability to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Complete bi‑weekly timesheets, beginning‑term feedback, and end‑term evaluations.
• Abide by the Member Service Agreement prohibiting disallowed activities.

Preferred:

• High school diploma or related experience in biology, wildlife conservation, zoology, or animal caretaking.
• Knowledge of avian biology, habitat assessment, or animal handling.
• Strong observational skills and clear communication.
• Deep interest in animal care, wildlife conservation, or veterinary sciences.

Frequents sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking, and hearing. Manual dexterity required for tools, computer keyboard/mouse, and other office equipment. Must stoop, kneel, climb stairs, or crouch as needed.

• Vision: requires close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception.
• Weight: may move up to 25 lbs.
• Environment: outdoor and indoor conditions; frequent weather changes, heat, cold, rocky terrain, swamp, wetland, biting insects, and wildlife.
• Noise: moderate office‑type noise.
• Travel: domestic travel may be required.

Personnel must complete OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation and fit testing. The ACE Member receives all related medical and PPE costs. N95 masks are mandatory during dust, dander, or other respiratory hazards.

Vehicles and tools necessary for duties are provided by USFWS or ACE. Personal protective equipment, typically supplied by USFWS, is mandatory. Strict adherence to equipment training, certification, and safety protocols is required.

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.