Title: USFWS Biological Science Crew Leader (Fisheries) (1 opening)

Start/End Dates: May 15 – October 20, 2023 (anticipated dates)

Stipend: $680/week

Term: 23 weeks

Reports To: Zachary Jackson (USFWS)

Location: Arizona Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office (Whiteriver, AZ)

Status: Non-AmeriCorps Service Term

Benefits: Public Lands Corps Certificate with successful completion of the internship.

• To be eligible for a Public Lands Corps certificate, interns must be between the ages of 18-30, inclusive, at the time the individual begins the term of service.

Summary:

Arizona Conservation Corps (AZCC):

Arizona Conservation Corps, a program of Conservation Legacy, aims to continue the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930's. AZCC is focused on connecting youth, young adults, and recent era military veterans with conservation service work projects on public lands. AZCC operates programs across Arizona that engage individuals and strengthen communities through service and conservation. AZCC has program offices in Flagstaff and Tucson.

Position Summary:

The Biological Science Crew Leader (CL) will be responsible for facilitating a positive internship experience by setting an example of enthusiasm and positive leadership for the Biological Science Interns throughout the project’s duration. The CL communicates directions, project specifications, and constructive criticism to the crew throughout the term of service. The CL is expected to complete all paperwork in a timely manner and professionally represent AZCC in project relations.

The Biological Science Crew Leader will act as a leader and set a positive example for the Biological Science Interns serving with the Arizona Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office. The goal of these positions is to help the Arizona Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office support recovery actions for the threatened Apache Trout on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. The Biological Science Crew Leader and interns will be part of a seasonal field crew conducting backpack electrofishing surveys of headwater streams for the purpose of monitoring the status and trend of Apache Trout populations. The position will also include managing and removing non-native invasive trout species that prey on, compete with, and hybridize with Apache Trout.

The Fort Apache Indian Reservation is located in the White Mountains of Arizona and hosts the large majority of remaining Apache Trout habitat and populations. The typical schedule is Monday-Thursday from 6:00 am to 4:30 pm (four ten-hour work days each week, with a half-hour unpaid lunch break each day). Work days may shift during holiday weeks as needed.

Essential Responsibilities and Functions:

• Directly supervise all AZCC Biological Science interns, providing support, direction, guidance, feedback, and encouragement.
• Ensure the crew works safely, efficiently, completes all assigned tasks, and collects good records and data.
• Enforce and comply with all relevant AZCC and FWS policies.
• Communicate regularly with FWS and AZCC staff.
• Conduct regular check-ins with all AZCC Bio Science interns.
• Collection of fish primarily using backpack electrofishing gear.
• Perform water quality and habitat measurements.
• Prepare and maintain collecting gear for use in field surveys.
• Participate in field surveys on various bodies of water in Arizona, often in remote locations.
• Collect and record biological information and research project data such as species, size, weight, sex, age, and habitat use.
• Operate and maintain government-owned equipment and vehicles.
• This position includes a significant amount of physically strenuous labor.

Crew Leader Qualifications:

• Preference in hiring will be given to qualified Native American applicants.

• 21 years of age with a valid driver’s license and some leadership experience.
• Excellent communication and teaching/mentoring skills, as well as conflict resolution and team building skills.
• Ability to perform administrative duties, such as managing crew paperwork and utilizing Microsoft programs.
• Strong time-management skills and ability to work independently and in collaboration with a small group.

Crew Leader Preferred Qualifications:

• Native American candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Teamwork oriented with clear, direct communication and interpersonal skills.
• Degree in a related field (Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, etc.).

• Experience with backpacking, wilderness travel, camp management and outdoor leadership.

• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified.

Physical Requirements:

• To successfully perform essential functions, the individual is required to sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, etc. May be required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl for significant periods of time and be able to safely lift and carry 50 pounds on a routine basis.
• Ability to work, backpack, and live in varied outdoor conditions including exposure to adverse weather conditions. Ability to hike long distances over steep and rough terrain at high elevations.
• Camping for up to 4 days at a time with minimal cell phone service may be required of crewmembers on a recurring basis, due to the remoteness of some project locations.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Participant Essential Eligibility Requirements:

Participation and Expedition Behavior:

• Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem solving on an interpersonal or group level as well as a willingness to accept differences.
• Contribute to a safe learning environment, no harassment of others for any reason.
• Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training, and national service. Members must commit to participating in all crew/team activities, including service days in local communities where applicable.
• Effectively communicate ideas and concerns as they arise directly to supervisors, colleagues, and organization staff.
• Appropriately represent AmeriCorps, Arizona Conservation Corps, and the Arizona Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office at all times.

Safety and Judgment:

• Effectively communicate danger to others in the form of either a warning of danger others may be encountering or a notification of personal distress, injury or need for assistance. Must be able to do so at a distance of up to 50 meters and in conditions with limited visibility or loud background noise such as darkness or high winds.
• Effectively perceive, understand, and follow direction by others so that you will be able to successfully execute techniques to manage hazards.
• Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions.
• Respond appropriately to stress or crisis.
• If taking prescriptions medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self-medicating without assistance from others.

Environmental Ethics:

• Learn and practice 'Leave no Trace' techniques.

Substance Free:

• In accordance with a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and program activities and while on organization property.

To Apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter along with the online application using the application link below. If you have questions, contact AZCC’s Individual Placement Support Coordinator Preston Sands at psands@conservationlegacy.org .

For more information on the US Fish & Wildlife Service, please visit their website at www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/

For more information about Arizona Conservation Corps, please visit www.azcorps.org. Arizona Conservation Corps is a program of Conservation Legacy.