Forestry and Biology Support Member - Illinois River National Wildlife Fish and Refuge Complex

Forestry and Biology Support Member - Illinois River National Wildlife Fish and Refuge Complex

Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking one member to contribute to the forestry program and other biological projects alongside FWS Staff at several Midwest region refuges.

For more information about ACE and to apply, please visit our usaconservation website: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1181222 

Start Date: 4/14/2025
Estimated End Date: 4/10/2026
*a 52-week minimum commitment is required, approximately 2080 hours*

Location Details/Description: 
Illinois River National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge, Havana, IL

Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1936 for the main purpose of providing sanctuary for the millions of birds that migrate along the Illinois River. Today, the refuge provides sanctuary and breeding ground for migratory birds, fish and other wildlife. The refuge has been designated as an Important Bird Area, accepted into the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network and designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. The refuge is part of the traditional homeland of the Illinois people, past and present. Today, the Illinois people are recognized as the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, a confederation of Kaskaskia, Peoria, Piankeshaw and Wea tribes of Illinois and Indiana. They are descendants of those who created the great mound civilizations in the central United States. Subsequent tribes that also lived here were the Kickapoo and Potawatomi. We honor with gratitude their past and present as we continue stewardship of these lands, waters, fish and wildlife. The refuge is managed as part of the Illinois River National Wildlife and Fish Refuges Complex, which stretches along 124 miles of the Illinois River in west central Illinois, and consists of three refuges: Emiquon, Chautauqua and Meredosia. For more information, please visit the FWS 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 FWS realize that mission at Illinois River National Wildlife Fish and Refuge Complex.

The Forestry Members will gain a variety of experiences from forestry practices and procedures to biological surveys, facilities maintenance and visitor services. Conducting forestry surveys/inventories, shadowing biologists, foresters and natural resources managers, landscaping, sign and trail maintenance, community engagement, staffing a visitor center and assisting with educational programs are all examples of the types of experiences and duties the member may perform.

Primary duties will include:  

• Supports forest habitat improvement work, such as site prep and timber stand improvement (TSI) actions.
• Conducts tree plantings in river floodplains; organizes and maintains planting equipment and supplies
• Map and treat invasive species following the integrated pest management approach.  Treatment will involve both mechanical and herbicide.
• Conducts forest inventories, including GPS and GIS technology and the integrated application of forest management software
• Collects ecological and volume-related forest metrics to develop ecological forestry prescriptions
• Compiles maps of forest management units and navigates to specific forest stands.
• Provides assistance in identifying needed forest habitat improvement projects
• Coordinate and collaborate with partner foresters and wildlife biologists on the Refuge and with partners (Army Corps of Engineers, Audubon, States of Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota)
• Uses iPads and Field Maps app to collect data in the field
• Uses instruments to take measurements.
• Assisting with performing biological projects/surveys
• Potential for motor boat operation, chainsaw safety, UTV training and natural areas herbicide applicator training  to become able to operate these within project sites

Secondary duties may include:

• Providing forestry information for public materials and participates in informational and/or environmental education programs to individuals, local organizations and schools.
• Assisting Refuge staff with general tasks around the duty station/office related to core position functions

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 Monday - Friday, typically 5 days/week, with flexible scheduling between primary hours. 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.

Position Benefits

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.

AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for a 1700-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2024/25 grant year program, valued up to $7,395.00 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 1700 hrs. 

Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.  

Qualifying Child Care Coverage: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage. Additional enrollment steps are required.  

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 usaconservation website. 

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge (Illinois River NWRC).

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200  to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes, boots, sturdy pants, socks, outerwear, etc., and 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 and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training may include chainsaw or ATV/UTV use. 

Scholarship Funding Opportunity:  The selected candidate(s) for this position will be eligible to apply for ACE’s Access and Inclusion Scholarship. This is a $500 scholarship  which is intended to make participation in ACE positions more accessible to individuals who are underrepresented in the conservation field. Scholarship recipients will be able to allocate this funding to financial need(s) of their choosing. A limited number of scholarships are available. 

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 criminal history checks 
• 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 usaconservation website.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a degree and/or have relevant experience in forestry, wildlife management, or other relevant subject areas such as ecology or natural resource management.
• Previous experience or a strong interest in learning about forestry procedures/policies, habitat management, and/or wildlife management.
• Ability to identify trees and willingness to learn.
• Ability to identify plants and distinguish invasive plants from native plants.
• Ability to work in a team and accept guidance from supervisor and other refuge staff.
• Ability to work independently.
• Willingness to work in field conditions which will include insects, heat, humidity, rain, etc. 
• This position requires adaptability, as work plans can change at the last minute. Ideal candidates will be able to multitask and shift priorities to meet changing conditions.
• Being open to potential training opportunities which may include motor boat operation, chainsaw safety, UTV training and natural areas herbicide applicator training.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions: 

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent 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.
• 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 30 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic. 
• Travel: This position does not require unique 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, 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: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1181222  

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 contact ACE EPIC FWS Member Manager, Shannon Borowy.

ACE values an inclusive workforce - 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 with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee 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, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, 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.