Biology Support Member - Caribbean Ecological Services
Summary:
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 1 Biological Support Member to contribute to restoration and conservation projects under the mentorship of FWS Caribbean Ecological Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service Staff.
For more information about ACE, please visit our website.
Start Date: 9/28/2026
Estimated End Date: 9/25/2027
- a 52 week minimum commitment is required
Location Details/Description: Caribbean Ecological Services Field Office (Bayamón, PR) and Natural Resources Conservation Service Office (HQ Office in San Juan, PR).
The Caribbean Ecological Services Field Office was established in 1974 as part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Southeast Region. We have jurisdiction on Federal Trust Species (i.e., at-risk species, federally listed species, migratory birds and inter-jurisdictional fish) in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI; St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix).
For more information about Caribbean Ecological Services, please visit the FWS website.
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. This position will help FWS realize that mission at Caribbean Ecological Services.
The ACE Members primary task will be to assist FWS and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) with restoration and conservation efforts within private lands throughout Puerto Rico by providing technical assistance to landowners and NRCS staff for new and on-going projects and landscape-level initiatives.
Primary duties include:
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Assist in the identification of private properties, contact landowners, coordinate site visits, identify conservation practices needed to protect, restore, develop, or enhance wildlife habitat within private lands as established in ongoing projects and initiatives in coordination with NRCS and FWS staff.
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Revise and approve certification practices conducted by FWS that are focused on wildlife, forestry, and wetlands.
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Delivery of soil health/regenerative practices through Farm Bill programs.
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Provide habitat recommendations on existing conservation contracts.
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Assist in delivering habitat restoration projects using Farm Bill, Coastal Partners for Fish and Wildlife Programs funding, and provide technical assistance to landowners in Puerto Rico and USVI.
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Promote landowner outreach, conservation planning, project development and implementation.
This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.
Schedule: Duties will be carried out Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm. A flexible work schedule may be required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends and/or holidays. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval.
Position Benefits
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute 32 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $450/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, 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. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.
Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or FWS.
Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position may include boots, work pants, socks, outerwear, sunglasses, socks, etc. and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.
Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training may include: NRCS Conservation Planning and Endangered Species Act Introduction.
Qualifications
Required:
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Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
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Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
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Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
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A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.
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Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
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Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
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ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
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Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
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To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.
Preferred:
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Current student, recent graduate, or individual interested in wildlife biology or related field.
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Excellent communication skills and demonstrated ability to work independently.
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Ability to work under adverse environmental conditions (heat, humidity, wind, biting insects).
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Ability to walk in uneven terrain and carry field equipment for long distances.
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Good communication skills, working well with others, and being an enthusiastic field worker.
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Interest and understanding for conservation and the mission of the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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Understanding of agricultural conservation practices a plus but not a requirement
Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:
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Physical Demands: Requires physical exertion such as walking long distances for extended periods of time over wet and rough surfaces; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching. Hand and finger dexterity and physical coordination may involve fine and precise procedures, delicate adjustments or exact measurements.
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Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Ability to move up to 40 pounds.
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Environmental: ACE Members may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat , rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.
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Travel: This position does not require unique travel.
Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.
Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the FWS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the FWS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the FWS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to FWS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.
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.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.
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 enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.
