Conservation Planning Assistant

The mission of the US Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) Refuge System is to manage a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitat.  The Refuge System maintains these natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.  Caring for fish, wildlife and plant populations and their habitat is the essence of the science of wildlife management as well as the newer disciplines of conservation biology and ecosystem management.

Position Overview:

The Conservation Planning Assistant will serve within the Division in the Pacific Regional Office providing support to Comprehensive Conservation Planning teams who are developing plans and conducting public involvement and complying with NEPA processes.

Under the National Wildlife Refuge System Administrative Act as Amended in 1997, all national wildlife refuges are required to develop a Comprehensive Conservation Plan by 2012.  CCP's guide management of national wildlife refuges; therefore through support of the timely completion of CCPs, the positions will contribute towards enhancing public lands; increasing awareness of environmental issues and concepts; and increasing resource conservation.  Please visit our websites for further information regarding U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 1 and Planning and Visitor Services.

Responsibilities:

To include, but not limited to:   

• Assist with the development, revision, and review of products related to NWRS CCP's including preplanning, planning updates, refuge planning website, NEPA compliance, and publications related to CCPs.
• Provide database management, writing and editing, research and meeting support with regards to comprehensive conservation, under the supervision of a Branch Chief within the Division.
• Work with Planners, landscape architects, visual information specialist, and field staff to obtain information necessary to complete work related to comprehensive conservation planning.
• Support NWRS staff by attending and participating in planning team meetings and performing related tasks such as writing, note-taking, organizing, and web support.
• Complete and submit all necessary FWS, NWSA and AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner.
• Wear an NWSA uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of ecological principles and processes.
• Knowledge of natural and cultural resource management and conservation biology concepts.
• Skill in operating a computer, primarily for work processing, spreadsheets, database management (e.g. maintaining mailing lists).
• Knowledge of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures, analysis of actions and assessment of impacts and benefits of actions on environmental, cultural, and socio-economic resource values.
• Ability to work independently, collect data and manage information, check work for errors, make decisions about workload priorities and estimate length of time to accomplish time-critical tasks.
• Ability to inventory, analyze and evaluate lands and resources for national wildlife refuge management activities, including conservation management, recreation management and facilities development.
• Knowledge of the mission and goals of the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Wildlife Refuge System and a demonstrated interest in wildlife conservation and public land management for the benefit of natural and cultural resources.
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal skills, including presentation and public speaking skills.
• Positive and flexible attitude with strong work ethic.
• Willingness to work outside, often on uneven terrain and in inclement conditions.
• Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record and ability to provide documentation.
• Applicant must be between18-25 years of age at beginning of service term.
• U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
• Ability to commit to the full term of service for which you are applying.
• In addition to contract agreement between NWSA and the Fish and Wildlife Service, applicant may be asked to sign a volunteer agreement to provide additional ability to travel.
• Successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check provided through NWSA and/or Project Sponsor Agency.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Have not previously served two terms in an AmeriCorps*State or National program. Members may serve up to three terms in a National Service Program, but only two terms may be within an AmeriCorps*State or National program. Members are only eligible for an education award for their first two terms of service, regardless of the type of term (full or part-time) and regardless of the successful completion of that term.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Computer literacy in Microsoft Programs (i.e. Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and Publisher).
• High level of customer service with a variety of individuals.
• Possess strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Independent, self-motivated, cooperative person who can work in a team and individually.

Compensation:

Member benefits to include: 

• A taxable, monthly living allowance (before taxes, approximately $1,250).
• Training fund of up to $500.
• Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members receive an education award of $4,725. The education award can be used to repay qualified student loans, for further education in an accredited institution of higher learning, vocational or trade schools. The education award is taxed in the year that it is used.
• Loan forbearance (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable).
• Basic medical insurance (covers members only, not dependents; vision and dental not included).
• Child care allowance for those who qualify.
• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides the opportunity to become part of a team of individuals equally committed to service to the environment and to the community.