Invasive Species Member – Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Invasive Species Support 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 2 Members to contribute to invasive plant management, long‑term monitoring, and biology support projects under the mentorship of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge staff. For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date:

February/March 2026. Estimated End Date:
August/September 2026.
* a 26‑week minimum commitment is required*

Location:

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Austwell, TX.

Background:
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge first emerged 120,000 years ago during the Pleistocene era. The refuge was established in 1937 to serve as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. The Matagorda Island Unit is a 56,683‑acre natural area with no public means of access, offering an unparalleled opportunity for protection of its natural resources.

This position will help FWS realize its mission to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats at the refuge. The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the following tasks:

• 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 using hand tools, brush cutters, or chainsaws with the 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
• Mottled duck banding (potentially but not guaranteed)
• Assist with commercial crab‑trap clean‑ups
• Assist with feral hog trapping such as checking traps, baiting traps, and monitoring game cameras
• Operate 4WD trucks and UTVs safely

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 outside normal work hours, including weekends or holidays. Time off may be granted; 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, 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 and 640 hours of service.
• 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 will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases (e.g., work pants, boots, outerwear, hiking backpack); purchases must be approved by ACE staff.
• Provided training/orientation:
  Position‑specific training and orientation covering ACE policies, prohibited activities, and support networks, including defensive driver, UTV, and herbicide training from a licensed applicator.

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• Professional, positive, and enthusiastic representation of ACE and the partner organization
• Self‑directed and able to work alone as well as a contributing team member
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record
• Willingness to undergo and pass required criminal history checks
• Ability to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation
• Completion of bi‑weekly timesheets, beginning‑term feedback forms, end‑term evaluations, and mid‑term evaluations for longer terms
• Ability and willingness to work alone and in a small team…