Bee Lab Support Member - Patuxent Research Refuge
Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is seeking One Bee Lab Support Member to contribute to native pollinator research as part of the USFWS/USGS Native Bee Lab alongside Patuxent Research Refuge staff.
Start Date: May 2023
Estimated End Date: December 2023
*a 32-week minimum commitment is required*
Location Details/Description: Patuxent Research Refuge; Laurel, MD
Patuxent Research Refuge, established by Executive Order in 1936, is unique among U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuges. Patuxent is the only refuge established to support conservation research and habitat management. Research areas have included Whooping-Crane rearing techniques, DDT transmission in food chains, the effects of light and sound on diving ducks, and many more projects that have benefited the nation's wildlife. The refuge is the largest block of unfragmented forest between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, and has been called the “green lungs” of the region. Patuxent’s location in central Maryland, an area of high population density, makes this refuge ideally suited to introduce and support public interest in learning about wildlife and conservation practices.
For more information about Patuxent Research Refuge please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/patuxent-research
Position Overview: Contributing to projects with the USFWS/USGS Native Bee Lab will introduce the ACE member to the processes of native pollinator research and national conservation efforts. During their term, they will gain practical lab and field experiences, be responsible for scientific data, and engage in community education and outreach. They will be included in active projects with federal, state, NGO and academic partners and make valuable connections to future opportunities in natural resources.
Primary Duties include:
- Prep bees for identification (wash, dry, pin, label)
- Complete genus level identifications of bees
- Enter and manage analog and digital data
- Drafting of outreach materials and reviewing for 508 compliance
- Lead outreach and community science programs in partnership with Patuxent Research Refuge and local groups
- Process specimen photographs and publish to online guides
- Field days as required (occasionally may go out in the field to fill in when needed)
- Other duties as assigned (opportunities may arise to assist USGS with additional activities)
Please Note: The member must be willing to handle bee specimens in the lab as part of their duties. In addition, on occasional fieldwork days the member may be asked to conduct bee surveys. The surveys involve euthanizing bees by setting out colored soapy bowls of water for capture or by capturing with a net. This method is required in order to identify the species under a microscope (the bee specimens will be shipped to the lab for identification). This survey method is used later in the season so as not to capture queen bees; studies have been done which found that this method does not negatively impact bee populations. The member must be willing to conduct these surveys along with their other primary duties as needed.
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. 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 $775/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
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. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.
Housing: The ACE member will be accommodated in provided housing at no cost for the duration of the term.
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.
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 two-part criminal history check.
- 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.
- Members may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
- To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.
- Members must be willing to conduct the bee surveys and other duties as described in the position overview.
Preferred:
- Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing education and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as entomology, botany, ecology, or other related disciplines appropriate to the position.
- Experience with insect and/or native plant identification
- Strong attention to detail, can ensure the quality of collected data
- Ability to interact in a friendly and respectful manner with a diverse community audience
- Ability to work in a team and accept guidance from supervisor and other refuge staff
- Ability to live communally in a clean and respectful manner
- Willingness to work in field conditions which will include insects, heat, humidity, rain, etc.
- Effective communication and organizational skills
- Knowledge of the mission of the USFWS and other federal land management agencies
Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:
- Physical Demands: This position requires physical exertion such as hiking long distances over hot, wet and rough terrain while carrying up to 40 lbs.; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment and may involve fine and precise procedures, delicate adjustments or exact measurements.
- 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 40 lbs., ability to move up to 40 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 may require domestic travel.
Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE members 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 Fish and Wildlife Service. 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 here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/944950.html 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 feel free to contact ACE EPIC FWS Member Manager Danielle Ramsden at dramsden@usaconservation.org or (986) 217-2977.
EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.