Overview

LRGNWR 6 Month Restoration Team
PO-00732043

Leader Dates: 2/7/2022- 9/18/2022
Team Dates: 3/7/2022- 9/4/2022

Pay Information:

  • Leaders: $700 per week salary
  • Members: $10hr x 40hrs per week with Americorps Eligibility
  • Travel Funds: $400 in travel funds to get to the site provided for the team members.
Project Description:
The South Texas Refuge Complex Corps Team, made up of one Project Leader and five Crew Members (ages 18+), will work on US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) lands in the southern most areas of Texas for 26 weeks.

The South Texas Refuge Complex Corps Team will focus primarily on hands on removal through chainsaw and treating invasive species across almost 5,000 acres. This team is for those who love a physical challenge! This team can expect to work regularly in an extremely hot and humid environment on tough projects. Herbicide application is a major part of this position. As an aside, there will be opportunities for this team to work on a separate Remote Sensing project to assist in mapping invasive species across almost 9,554 acres in Hidalgo, Starr and Cameron Counties. This is a research project with two higher education partners and it is important work that will reduce the risk of wildfire and improve habitat for migratory birds on USFWS lands.

This team will work with USFWS staff to mechanically and chemically control invasive species. Invasive species can include Carrizo Cane, Salt Cedar, Athel, Brazilian Pepper-Tree, Chinaberry, Chinese Tallow, Tree Tobacco, and Castor Bean.

USFWS staff will train this team on species identification and treatment technique, GPS use, GIS data entry, and herbicide and environmental safety awareness. The crew will also have opportunities to be trained in other aspects of the Restoration Program and the Refuge’s Biology Program.

Other work opportunities include: Nursery care & management, tree tube removals, plantings and community engagement events.

Equipment Use:
The refuge will provide all herbicide and application equipment for chemical treatment of invasive species. Any use of chemicals will require pesticide use training as well as a review of the label and safety data sheet for every chemical used. Use of personal protective equipment will be mandatory for any activity that requires it especially for herbicide and chainsaw application. Local training is allowed for small equipment such as lawn mowers, weed eaters, ATVs and UTVs. The refuge will provide specialized tools such as brushcutters when modified treatment techniques become necessary.

Schedule: This team will work a 4-day work week for 40 hours per week. Please note the schedule is expected to change depending on partner needs, inclement weather days and COVID-19 protocols.

Housing: Housing is provided near the Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR.

  • All food for meals will be provided.

Work Breakdown (Work is %100 outside)

  • 40% Chainsaw application
  • 40 % Herbicide application
  • 20 % Remote Sensing/ GPS/ GIS

* Work breakdown scheduled to change dependent on USFWS STX Refuge Complex needs and weather*

Site Description:
The South Texas Refuge Complex (STRC) protects 67,088 acres in extreme southern Texas, comprised of:

  • Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge (LRGV NWR)
    • The LRGVNWR aims to connect fragmented habitats to achieve corridors for wildlife movement, seeking to conserve biodiversity through land acquisition, habitat restoration, and conservation education.
  • Santa Ana NWR
    • Santa Ana NWR, located along the Rio Grande, was established for the protection of migratory birds. It is also included as an Urban Refuge through the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program, seeks to engage the local community in conservation, both at the local refuges as well as in the local community.

Training/Education Opportunities:

  • Chainsaw S212
  • Herbicide application
  • Plant identification
  • Invasive species management
  • Plant propagation
  • Seed collection
  • Germination techniques
  • Leadership
  • Wilderness First Aid

Qualifications:

  • Must be available for the FULL program.
  • Applicants must be 18+
  • Leader applicants must be 21+
  • Must be comfortable working in the elements and walking 3 or more miles per day
  • Outdoor skills; experience working with diverse groups; ability to maintain a safe, productive and enjoyable work environment.