Invasive Species Member - Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Summary

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking two Members to contribute to invasive plant management, long‑term monitoring, and biology support projects under the mentorship of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge staff.

Start Date: September 2026
Estimated End Date: March 2027 (24 weeks after the anticipated start date)

Location: Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Austwell, TX

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is 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 Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

• Invasive plant management (80%)
  • Herbicide treatment of the invasive species Chinese tallow using backpack sprayers, handheld sprayers, and UTV‑mounted sprayers.
  • Safely and appropriately mix herbicides.
  • Map treated areas using iPads, GPS coordinates, and Field Maps.
  • Physical removal of invasive species utilizing hand tools, brush cutters, or chainsaws with appropriate training.
• Long‑term monitoring of the invasive species treatment (10%)
  • Survey off‑trail areas and identify invasive plant species.
  • Follow protocols utilizing grids to document presence or absence of invasive species.
  • Collect data and map plant populations using iPads, GPS coordinates, and Field Maps.
• Other invasives and biology tasks as assigned (10%)
  • Herbicide treatment of other invasive species such as phragmites, mccartney rose, and salt cedar.
  • Potential but not guaranteed mottled duck banding.
  • Assist with commercial crab trap clean‑ups.
  • Assist with feral hog trapping (checking traps, baiting, checking game cameras).
  • Operate 4WD trucks and UTVs safely.

Duties will primarily be carried out Monday through Friday. 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.

• Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi‑weekly.
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members may be eligible for federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. Hours accrued in multiple terms may be combined to meet the requirement. Eligibility includes age and citizenship; contact ACE staff for questions.
• Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided shared FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term with some exceptions.
• Gear Reimbursement: ACE members may spend up to $200 on eligible gear purchases (e.g., work boots, work pants, outerwear, hiking backpack). Gear must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.
• Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position‑specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies, procedures, prohibited activities, and support networks. Specific training may include Defensive Driver, UTV, and herbicide training from a licensed applicator.

Required

• Authorized to work in the United States; ACE does not sponsor employment visas.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to work independently and as a positive member of a group.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record (documentation provided upon request). Members must be 21+ to drive due to insurance and liability requirements.
• Willing to undergo and pass the required criminal history checks.
• Ability to perform the essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Completion of bi‑weekly timesheets, beginning‑of‑term feedback forms, end‑of‑term evaluations, and mid‑term evaluations for longer terms.
• Non‑participation in any prohibited activities listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• Ability and willingness to work alone and in a small team environment.
• Ability to…