Wildlife Control and Biology Member (Term Position) at American Conservation Experience (2024-09 – Present)
Theodore Roosevelt NWRC. 40 hours per week, $15.75 per hour (stipend). Supervisor: Seth Swafford (662-590-8003, seth_swafford@fws.gov)
- Conducted habitat restoration work to restore wetland herbivory and hydrology by removing an invasive species of rodent, nutria. Removal methods include via firearm (rifle and shotgun) and trapping (foot-hold and body grip traps)
- Conducted surveys to assess the presence and impact of local nutria populations, both on foot and via boat
- Conducted habitat restoration work to restore wetland herbivory and hydrology by removing nuisance beaver populations via the use of firearms and traps, as well as the removal of beaver dams and lodges
- Conducted habitat restoration work to restore wetland herbivory and hydrology by assisting USDA-APHIS in removing invasive feral swine through the use of live traps (net and steel drop traps) and firearms
- Conducted habitat restoration work to restore riparian herbivory and hydrology by removing invasive Chinese tallow trees via hand tools, herbicide application (backpack sprayer), and gas powered tools (pole saws and chainsaws)
- Operated UTVs and ATVs to transport equipment and supplies through bottomland hardwood forests and wetland environments
- Operated trailers to haul vehicles, such as UTVs and ATVs, as well as supplies and equipment
- Operated multiple models of tractors to mow roadsides and food plots (limited seat time)
- Collaborated with local land owners abutting Panther Swamp NWR to assess the impact of nutria and beaver populations their land and subsequently remove any species negatively impacting hydrology and herbivory
- Conducted multiple surveys and hunts via tiller-motored boats and air boats
- Conducted groundskeeping and maintenance on refuge property, including the operation of machinery such as a zero-turn lawn mower, and undertaking the cleaning and repair of water control structures
Invasive Species Member (Term Position) at American Conservation Experience (2024-06 – 2024-09)
Back Bay NWR. 40 hours per week, $12.50 per hour (stipend). Supervisor: Lauren Mowbray (703-919-1728, lauren_mowbray@fws.gov)
- Conducted sand dune restoration work via foliar application of pesticide targeting Asiatic sand sedge and Japenese stiltgrass using backpack applicators
- Participated in an experimental method for biological control of invasive alligator weed populations via the introduction of alligator weed flea beetles. This entailed assessing beetle population and dispersal, as well as the impact on alligator weed and its recovery or lack thereof
- Conducted surveys for the presence of sea turtle nesting, and assisted with the excavation, recording, and protection of loggerhead sea turtle nests
- Assisted with surveys for shorebird, seabird, waterfowl, and local bird populations
- Assisted the biologist with wetland hydrology, including maintenance of water control structures and the operation of the motorized pump
- Conducted groundskeeping and maintenance on refuge property, including the removal of nuisance plant species and the operation of machinery such as a weed eater, a brush cutter, and a zero-turn lawn mower
- Conducted data entry with ArcGIS via the Field Maps app
Invasive Species Member (Term Position) at American Conservation Experience (2022-06 – 2023-11)
Attwater Prairie Chicken NWR. 40 hours per week, $11.25 per hour (stipend). Supervisor: Brandon Melton (918-931-2077, brandon_melton@fws.gov)
- Conducted critically endangered habitat restoration via foliar pesticide application targeting invasive plant species, primarily McCartney rose and weeping lovegrass, using hand-pump, backpack, and UTV tank-mounted applicators
- Conducted mechanical removal of invasive shrub and tree species, primarily yaupon holly, baccharis, and Texas live oak, using hand tools and brush cutters
- Assisted with critically endangered species recovery work, the Attwater's prairie chicken, by constructing acclimation pens, handling animals received from captive breeders, feeding captive prairie chickens, and releasing them into the wild
- Operated UTVs across wet and dry environments for the transportation of supplies, equipment, and the application of pesticide
- Conducted prairie chicken nest surveys, and assisted with the construction of predator-deterrent fencing around located nests
- Conducted wildlife population surveys, including Attwater's prairie chicken mating call surveys (booming surveys)
- Utilized the Field Maps app to record invasive species treatment data in ArcGIS, and assisted with the analysis of pesticide data for reporting and Pesticide Use Permissions applications
- Assisted with Red imported fire ant surveys, measuring the invasive species' presence and impact on local ant and pollinator populations. Biodiversity surveys were conducted via the hot dog method (pioneered by Remy Sutherland) and through sweep-netting
- Assisted refuge staff with habitat restoration via seed gathering and native species planting
