Invasive Species Specialist
AmeriCorps Internship
Location
Liberty, Texas, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Internship
Experience
0-1 years
Compensation
$16 - $16 per hour
Posted
11h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
This AmeriCorps internship involves assisting staff with invasive species control and wildlife surveys at the Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge. Participants will survey, monitor, and treat invasive plants like Giant salvinia and water hyacinth, map tawny crazy ant populations, and conduct surveys for forest birds, bats, and colonial waterbirds. The role requires fieldwork in varied outdoor conditions and offers hands-on experience in refuge biology and conservation.
Invasive Species Specialist - AmeriCorps
Key Responsibilities
Survey and treat invasive trifoliate orange across Hirsch, Luce Bayou, and McGuire Tracts.
Hike and use UTVs to locate invasive plant populations.
Remove plants by hand and apply herbicide using appropriate field methods.
Use iPads, GPS, and compasses to navigate sites and record treatment data.
Monitor tawny crazy ant populations at Champion Lake and the Refuge Office.
Map ant populations and deploy and collect bait stations.
Communicate with the public about invasive species surveys and their potential impacts.
Conduct forest bird and colonial waterbird surveys using visual and listening techniques.
Navigate refuge lands and waterways using GPS and compass.
Conduct mobile acoustic surveys for forest bats, including nighttime driving.
Use Anabat software and acoustic equipment to record and monitor bat calls.
Assist with wildlife monitoring, trail management, habitat projects, and other refuge activities.
Work alongside refuge staff and gain practical experience in multiple aspects of wildlife biology and conservation.
Qualifications
U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident.
At least 18 years old.
High school diploma or equivalent, or eligibility under AmeriCorps education requirements.
Able to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
Valid U.S. driver’s license. Drivers must be over 21 or have held a license for at least three consecutive years.
Must be 18-30 years old at the start of service, or up to 35 for veterans, as required by the federal grant.
Positive attitude and willingness to perform physically demanding field work in challenging outdoor conditions.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and communicate with supervisors, colleagues, partners, and the public.
Flexible and adaptable in changing work environments.
Preferred Qualifications
Education or coursework in agriculture, natural resources, wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field.
Interest in invasive species management, wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, or refuge operations.
Experience with GPS, field data collection, wildlife surveys, or related fieldwork is helpful.
Work Environment and Safety
Work may involve alligators, snakes, wasps, fire ants, and other wildlife.
Field conditions may include extreme heat, sun exposure, dehydration, difficult terrain, waterways, and potential drowning hazards.
Ability to remain alert, recognize hazards, communicate safety concerns, and respond appropriately to emergencies.
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods and perform physically demanding tasks.
Periodic overnight travel and non-traditional work hours may be required, including nighttime bat surveys.
Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds occasionally.
Must follow substance-free program requirements and all safety procedures.
Department of the Interior background clearance may be required.
Benefits
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,697.50.
Living allowance of $640 per week.
Free onsite housing.
Student loan forbearance and interest payments for qualifying loans.
Additional leave hours for personal, holiday, and sick time while completing the required service hours.
Eligibility for Public Lands Corps Hiring Authority upon successful completion of the term.
Technical training, mentorship, and hands-on experience with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff.
The position offers practical experience in invasive species control, wildlife monitoring, habitat management, field navigation, data collection, and public engagement while supporting conservation efforts at a national wildlife refuge.
Updated 11h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
0-1 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Internship
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$16 - $16 per hour
Benefits and perks
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Conservation Corps New Mexico
Team size
Growing team
Location
Liberty, Texas, United States
Conservation Corps New Mexico (CCNM) is part of Conservation Legacy and an AmeriCorps program, focused on connecting youth, young adults, and recent era military veterans with conservation service projects on public lands across New Mexico and western Texas/Oklahoma. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) manages the Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge, a 30,000-acre bottomland hardwood forest habitat established in 1994 for the protection of emergent wetlands and their species.
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Invasive Species Specialist
Liberty, Texas, United States • Internship