<p>Senior Refuge Operations Specialist (Watercraft Operation and Field Biology)</p> <p>ID: FW5045-WI-001 Location: Mayville Program: FWS</p> <p>Wage/Hr: $30.50 Hours/Week: 40 Minimum Age: 55</p> <p>For over 25 years, National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) has specialized in connecting experienced workers (ages 55+) with full-time and part-time job opportunities that support the critical missions of Federal Agencies across the United States.</p> <p>NEW Solutions connects experienced workers (ages 55+) with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). These experienced professionals provide administrative, scientific, technical, and operational support to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Experienced Services Program (ESP).</p> <p>Positions listed here do not guarantee employment for any definite period. Enrollment in the Experienced Worker Programs administered by NEW Solutions is temporary. The enrollment relationship between NEW Solutions and the Enrollee is an ?at-will? relationship. This means that an Enrollee is free to terminate enrollment at any time during the enrollment period, and NEW Solutions and the Agency have the right to terminate the relationship with the Enrollee.</p> <p>PLEASE NOTE: An ?Enrollee? is not a federal employee, nor an employee of NEW Solutions. An ?Enrollee? is a participant in a grant program established through a Cooperative Agreement funded by the agency and administered by NEW Solutions.</p> <p>This opportunity applies to applicants legally eligible to work in the United States.</p> <p>Qualifications:</p> <p>BA/BS Degree with minimum additional experience of 5 year(s) in Boat operation on Lake Michigan</p> <p>Valid State Driver?s License, Autonomy: Ability to perform assigned work with very limited supervision. Communication: Implement, coordinate, and communicate effectively with supervisors, federal and state partners, tribal partners, volunteers, etc., Interpretive Skill: Ability to interpret complex safety policies, mechanical specifications, and biological survey instructions. MOCC Certification: Must be certified in watercraft operation and able to demonstrate safe operating techniques. Open Water Certification: Demonstrated ability to operate safely in large-lake or offshore environments. Specialized Knowledge: Deep understanding of DOI/FWS watercraft policies and Great Lakes wildlife biology. Leadership: Skill in recognizing and correcting hazards such as overloading, unsafe sea states, or improper gear deployment. Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Teams, MS SharePoint Duties:</p> <p>Enrollee serves as a high-level technical expert and mentor, bridging the gap between complex maritime logistics and critical wildlife biology. This role provides specialized Open Water vessel operations in the dangerous environments of Lake Michigan and its island chains while leading field-based biological surveys and habitat restoration. As a regional MOCC Instructor, the enrollee ensures the transfer of institutional safety and operational knowledge to federal and state partners, junior staff and volunteers.</p> <p>Advanced Watercraft Operation & Navigation 40% Biological Field Surveys & Habitat Restoration 30% Instruction, Safety & Volunteer Leadership 20% Vessel Procurement, Maintenance & Coordination 10%</p> <p>Other: Any refresher trainings required to maintain mandatory certifications. Required Certifications: ?Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC): Requirement for operating any Service-owned watercraft. ?Motorboat Operator Instructor Certification (MOICC): Prerequisite for serving as an MOCC instructor; requires periodic teaching to maintain proficiency. ?Open Water Module (SAF4OW2): Specific certification required for navigating the high sea states and unpredictable conditions of the Great Lakes. ?Heavy Equipment Safety Training: Requirement for operating any Service-owned heavy equipment. ?S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaw Training: Requirement for operating any chainsaws on federal land. This allows the enrollee to buck-up downed trees on islands that fall across hiking trails. ?First Aid & CPR/AED: Standard requirement for field staff, especially those leading volunteers or operating in remote island environments. Overnight travel: This position will execute approximately nine trips (9 weeks) to the islands with approximately 3-4 nights stayed per a trip. Or 60% of this position will require overnight stays. Government Vehicle Training: This enrollee should be coming with the needed knowledge, but if not, defensive driving is required. Health and Safety Considerations: Operating the boat will require safety procedures and this individual should come with all the needed skills, however, any refresher training will be provided as needed. Required Safety Gear: Life vests, gumby suits for cold water operations, etc. Physical requirements: Physical Exertion: Ability to perform frequent and heavy physical labor, including lifting and carrying field equipment, sampling gear, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds independently (and heavier loads with assistance).Terrain & Environment: Ability to hike several miles over rugged, uneven, and slippery island terrain, including rocky shorelines, dense vegetation, and steep banks, while carrying field equipment. Marine Conditions: Ability to maintain balance and perform technical tasks (such as operating winches or conducting surveys) on a moving vessel in rough "open water" sea states for extended periods. Exposure: Willingness to work in extreme and rapidly changing weather conditions typical of the Great Lakes, including high winds, heavy rain, intense sun, and fluctuating temperatures. Agility: Ability to safely embark/disembark vessels in non-improved areas (e.g., beaching a boat and wading to shore) and operate in confined spaces onboard a vessel. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.</p> <p>NEW Solutions is committed to promoting equal opportunity and to an environment free from discrimination and harassment in any form administering Experienced Worker Programs under cooperative agreements with federal agencies. It is NEW Solutions' policy to comply with all applicable laws that provide equal opportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in enrolling participants in the federal programs.</p>