Partners Coordinator – USFWS Louisiana Ecological Services Office
Recruitment began on November 4, 2024 and the job listing expires on January 6, 2025.
Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 1 Partners Coordinator to coordinate private lands work for the Gulf Coast Nutria Program alongside FWS staff.
Start Date: January 13, 2025
Estimated End Date: January 9, 2026
*Start and end dates are flexible, but a commitment of 52 weeks is required.
Location Details/Description: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Louisiana Ecological Services Office; Lafayette, LA.
The USFWS Louisiana Ecological Services Office is located in the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries building in Lafayette, LA. The field office emphasizes an ecosystem approach incorporating Strategic Habitat Conservation to address and prioritize habitat issues through partnerships with other federal and state agencies, conservation organizations, private landowners, and citizens to achieve the greatest possible benefits to fish and wildlife.
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.
The FWS Southeast Invasive Species Program is seeking a Partners Coordinator to oversee coordination with private landowners, refuge managers, and other agencies for the Gulf Coast Nutria Program. This position is part of the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, which offers free technical and financial assistance to landowners, managers, tribes, corporations, schools, and nonprofits that aim to enhance wildlife habitat on their properties. The Gulf Coast Nutria program focuses on managing the invasive nutria (Myocastor coypus), a large semi-aquatic rodent that causes significant harm to Gulf Coast ecosystems and infrastructure through its herbivory, burrowing behavior, and rapid reproduction.
Primary Responsibilities:
* Coordinating private lands work for the Gulf Coast Nutria Program with Partners for Fish and Wildlife staff, National Wildlife Refuge managers, other ACE members, and other federal and state partners.
* Identifying priority areas for nutria control.
* Meeting with private landowners and facilitating agreements.
* Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
* Assisting with site visits and field work for the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program throughout Louisiana, as time permits.
Training: Training will be provided, including ORUV (ATV/UTV) Certification. Members must be comfortable working outside and may be exposed to potentially dangerous wildlife and high temperatures in the summer. All required equipment and PPE will be provided.
Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday – Friday (7:30 am - 4 pm). 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 over 8-hour workdays and working on weekends and/or holidays. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to FWS and ACE for approval.
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $850/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or FWS. The selected individual will be provided a weekly housing reimbursement of $300/week with proof of housing costs.
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.
Preferred:
* Master’s degree or actively pursuing one in Wildlife Biology, Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Environmental Studies, Geography, or a related field; or a bachelor’s degree with relevant experience.
* Strong ability to communicate effectively and professionally with diverse individuals.
* Experience working with the public, specifically private landowners, related to conservation projects.
* Proficiency in ArcGIS, especially ArcPro, AGOL, and Field Maps.
* Capability to produce clear and professional written reports.
* Skills in researching, recording, and managing data.
* Genuine interest in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and natural resource management.
To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE’s online application page for this position on our website at usaconservation dot org. Early consideration will be given as applications 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, Cait Dunne.
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.
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