Service Position Summary
The Ohio Ecological Services Field Office will be hiring one individual placement member to serve on a variety of projects including implementation of conservation work, such as collecting data; assisting with consultation on projects potentially impacting threatened and endangered species; participating in fieldwork and land management activities; and contributing to outreach and education events to the public. This position will provide opportunities to learn field techniques, engage the public in environmental education, and implement data analysis and management for conservation.
Position Summary
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, and much more across the country.
This position is part of SCA's National Direct Opportunity Youth Service Initiative (OYSI). OYSI is a partnership between SCA, AmeriCorps, and The Corps Network which engages youth ages 18–24 who are disconnected from school or work in hands-on conservation service that protect and restore public lands, waters, and recreation resources nationwide. The program provides job-skills training, support, and career pathways in environmental stewardship and infrastructure fields, while prioritizing placements for participants who meet opportunity-youth eligibility criteria
Member Impact
Member will serve at a US Fish and Wildlife Wetland Ecological Services Office and the to gain experience working for a federal land management agency. The member's service will help execute the mission of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, while providing critical assistance in implementing conservation projects around threatened and endangered species.
Schedule
M-F, 8am-4:30pm with occasional Saturdays or Evening for special events.
Hours
40 hrs per week
A minimum 30-minute lunch break is required each service day. Lunch periods do not count toward the required minimum service hours.
Service Location
US Fish and Wildlife Service Ohio Ecological Services Office
Immediate Supervisor/Title
Jennifer Finfera, Wildlife Biologist
AmeriCorps Service Term Minimum Hours Requirement
1200 hour
Essential Functions
. Works as a team to evaluate the impact of proposed project on natural resources
. Assists with a variety of investigations including the design, collection, and analysis of biological data to assess the effectiveness of conservation management efforts for threatened and endangered species and pollinators;
. Develops and maintains biological databases; prepares spreadsheets or relational databases for purposes of data collection, evaluation, and analysis;
. Participates actively in field work which may include hiking through forests, prairies, and/or wetlands and wading in streams/rivers in remote areas;
The position functions will comply with all AmeriCorps Prohibited Activity restrictions specified in the SCA AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement and SCA Corps Member Handbook.
Marginal Functions
- Assists with outreach at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and at other public events by engaging with the public and providing educational materials;
- Responds to phone and email inquiries from the public;
Required Qualifications
- Completion of two years of college-level course work including several classes related to biology, ecology, and/or environmental studies.
- US citizenship or permanent residency. Intern must undergo a government background check if selected.
- Excellent written communication skills.
- Possession of a driver's license.
AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:
This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:
. Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;
. Being at least 18 years or older;
. Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete;
. Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check after acceptance of position, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks.
This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of or strong interest in biological field work, botany, and pollinators;
- Ability to work independently and with a team;
- Experience or strong interest in database management, data analysis and synthesis;
- Familiarity with GIS and GPS;
- Ability to work with people of all ages; experience working with the public desirable;
Commitment Required
8/24/26 – 4/16/27
Living Accommodations
No housing provided. The member will need to find housing.
Personal Vehicle Requirement
Required
Compensation
- Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $600/week
- One-time relocation allowance: $1,100
- Housing Allowance: $800/month (8 months)
- Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member term of service: $5,176.50
- All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
- Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps
- Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans
Training and Additional Benefits
- Training will not exceed 20% of total service hours
- AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation
- SCA Risk Management
- Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
- Professional Development & Job Readiness
Service Conditions
Service is performed primarily outdoors in various weather conditions. Service schedules and projects may change on short notice. Service settings require the ability to positively interact with people from varying perspectives. Inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, and lightning events; Decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.; Warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter; Cold temperatures and adverse winter weather which could include temperatures in some regions -20°F or colder with wind, snow, and sleet; Exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as, poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito -borne illness, snakes, and potential for other wildlife encounters; Exposure and potential contact to bear habitat and wildlife.
Equal Opportunity Statement
This program is available to all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, military status, familial status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants during the selection process and to members during service.
