Overview

The Cadillac-Manistee Ranger District is seeking a motivated SCA member to assist with monitoring threatened, endangered, and sensitive wildlife species and their habitats in the Manistee National Forest.  The primary duty of this position is to monitor rare turtles, which will include trapping, applying radio-transmitters, conducting radio-telemetry, locating nests, and collecting data on Eastern box turtles and spotted turtles.  This position will generally require walking up to 5 miles per day over uneven terrain, working in swamps and marshes using waders or hip boots, operating a 4WD vehicle while working either alone or in a small group in remote areas.  Biting and stinging insects are plentiful, and it will be a physically demanding position at times.  In addition to turtle monitoring related duties, the member will gain experience conducting surveys for rare birds, snakes, and implementing wildlife habitat improvement projects.

This position is ideal for someone with a can-do attitude, who can solve problems and function independently in remote conditions, as well as in close quarters with others.  We’re looking for someone who is willing to work hard, and who can get the job done safely and with minimal instruction.  Position is a good match for someone interested in pursuing a career in wildlife biology.

Housing is provided in an on-site bunkhouse with kitchen and bathroom facilities in an adjacent building.  Personal vehicle is recommended for personal errands, but a government vehicle will be provided for field work.

This position provides:
– $125 weekly Living Allowance*
– $1100 one-time round-trip Travel Allowance*
– Housing on-site

The AmeriCorps Education Award available upon successful completion of this position is $1,678.57.

*All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

It is SCA’s policy that all AmeriCorps-required background checks must return cleared results prior to the position’s start; this includes being fingerprinted for the FBI check. Otherwise, the AmeriCorps award will be removed or the position’s start date will be delayed due to non-compliance.

Conditions of Employment:
Required to demonstrate full vaccination status for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized or FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine;
OR
Receive from SCA a reasonable accommodation granting an exemption from vaccine requirements based on a medical disability or because of a sincerely held religious belief. Additional information and instructions regarding how to request a reasonable accommodation will be provided at the time of selection.

This position will be based out of Wellston, MI and cover the 250,000 acre Cadillac-Manistee Ranger District of the Manistee National Forest.

Training on wildlife surveys, defensive driving, use of map and compass.

Experience surveying for and improving the habitat of endangered, threatened, and sensitive species.

Off-duty recreational opportunities include but not limited to; hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing,

Main Area of Focus: Wildlife Mgmt
Education, Training & Skills Expected

Biology: some coursework or experience

Field Research: some experience

GPS: some experience

Orienteering compass skills: some experience