Camp Ripley and USFWS Field Specialist

Conservation Corps • Full-time • Various Locations MN & IA, Minnesota • 4d ago

Position: 2025 Camp Ripley/USFWS Biological Field Specialist (AmeriCorps, ages 18 – 35)
Location: Camp Ripley Training Center and the USFWS Sherburne NWR complex in MN
This is not a residential program; participants must secure housing preferably near the crew location

Service Term: 1700-hour AmeriCorps position; January/February – November/December
Living Allowance: $2,750/month
Housing Stipend: $1,000 pre tax

Position Summary: The Camp Ripley/USFWS Biological Field Specialist will share service activities between the Fish and Wildlife Service, (Sherburne, Rice Lake, Mille Lacs, and Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Complex) and Camp Ripley Training Center.
This project will enhance the ecological integrity of forests and grasslands that are threatened by the growth of non-native invasive species. Innovative partnerships will be used to identify, assess, map and coordinate removal of infestations of invasive common Buckthorn, Siberian elm, Black Locust, and other herbaceous non-native/invasive species that negatively impact military training sites and lands managed by the USFWS. The results of this project will ensure military training needs for multiple use demands can be met on a sustainable basis.
- Assist with updating distribution maps of target invasive plant species’ populations (Common Tansy, Spotted Knapweed, Leafy Spurge, Queen Anne’s Lace, and Baby’s Breath, Buckthorn, Siberian Elm, Black Locust and other new infestations of invasive species).
- Locate, cut, and treat the areas where Buckthorn, Siberian Elm, Black Locust is present. Assess, map, and treat Buckthorn Siberian Elm, Black Locust where applicable. Follow up on previous treatment areas to assess herbicide efficacy.
- Evaluate and retreat areas that were mechanically and chemically treated during previous seasons including species such as Spotted Knapweed, Common Tansy, and Leafy Spurge.

Hours & Schedule
Schedules can vary, depending on location and position. Members should expect to be scheduled for at least 40 hours of service per week.
A typical schedule may be Monday – Thursday, 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Tuesday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:30PM or Wednesday – Saturday, 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM. All schedules include a mandatory 30 minute lunch break which does not count towards service hours.
Overnight travel (4 – 12 consecutive days) is often required for service projects. Some special assignments (including wildfire response and other emergency response assignments) may require members to deploy for several weeks at a time.

Training & Development
The Corps provides orientation and skills training at the start of the program year, and additional region or project specific training throughout the service term that may include:

AmeriCorps benefits
Team building and conflict resolution
Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Leadership
Safety and risk management
Power and hand tool safety and maintenance
Certain Positions Only - S130 & S190 Firefighter training and red card certification training
First Aid/CPR/AED
MN Safety Council defensive driving
Trailer operation and safety
Invasive species management/herbicide application
Plant identification
Leave No Trace principles.

Benefits:

Education Award: $7,395.00, if eligible and upon successful completion of program requirements
Training, certifications, networking
Access to gear lending library
Access to Employee Assistance Program
Health insurance
Childcare assistance
Student loan forbearance (on qualifying student loans)

Qualifications

Working knowledge of conservation project management from a variety of disciplines such as timber stand improvement, trail construction, GIS/GPS surveying, rain garden installation, habitat restoration and prairie/forest management
Experience with hand and power tool safety, use and small engine repair.
Experience in tree felling and chainsaw operations, construction and mechanical skills.
Iowa locations only: Must possess or be able to acquire an Iowa Department of Agriculture Commercial Pesticide Applicator License. Corps will provide training and support to obtain license.
Current First Aid/CPR certificate or better
Previous experience in a leadership role, including coordinating and implementing training.
Effective communication skills and ability to multi-task and be flexible in responsibilities.
Flexible schedule to accommodate weekend programming, out of town assignments and emergency response
Willingness to learn and adapt to changing plans, work, and project needs
Commitment to upholding Corps values of safety, justice, stewardship, community and leadership.
Dedication to complete the full term of AmeriCorps service
Ability to perform the Essential Service Functions, which include but are not limited to:

Long (8-12 hour) days engaging in physically demanding work using various hand and power tools
Heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 50 pounds
Walking and working on steep or uneven terrain
Working in all weather conditions

Must be a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien of the US
Must pass a criminal history check consisting of a National Sex Offender Public Website check, a state criminal history check, and a fingerprint-based FBI check. Passing the criminal history check is defined as no positive hits on the NSOPW and no history of violent offenses on the state or FBI checks.
High school degree, GED, or willingness to work towards obtaining a GED
Valid driver’s license and safe driving record (no major moving violations or DUI’s in the past five years)

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualification
Veteran status
Leadership experience with youth and/or young adults preferred.
Previous AmeriCorps experience and previous education or experience in related field is preferred.

Other Information
Women, BIPOC, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Questions?
Contact our recruitment team at recruit@conservationcorps.org

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