United States Department of the Interior

FWS CABO ROJO NWR

C/O CARRIBEAN ISLANDS REFUGES

POST OFFICE BOX 510

BOQUERON PR 00622-0510

SCOPE OF WORK for Biological Support

1. INTRODUCTION & MISSION

The Contractor shall provide high-level biological technical support and public safety oversight for the Cabo Rojo NWR. While primarily stationed at the Cabo Rojo NWR, the

Contractor will support the entire Complex, as needed, to ensure the protection of both federally listed species and the visiting public. The Contractor is required to maintain an advanced working knowledge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) mission regarding the protection and conservation of natural resources.

Primary duties involve assisting Refuge Managers (RM) with the monitoring, complex data analysis, and restoration of resident and migratory species across the nine refuges within the Complex. A core component of this role is mitigating operational risks in environments characterized by extreme heat, high humidity, and rugged terrain. To ensure a secure environment for staff and visitors, the Contractor must strictly adhere to

USFWS safety practices, utilize mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE), and ensure all field actions are consistent with Service safety policies.

2. QUALIFICATIONS

The Contractor must meet one of the following:

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Biology, Wildlife

Management, Ecology, Natural Science).

• Specialized Experience: This includes experience in performing standardized biological seasonal surveys, using GPS for data collection, and maintaining biological databases.

• Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of standard biological field techniques; ability to identify local flora and fauna; and experience using GPS/GIS tools for habitat mapping and site navigation.

3. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Biological Monitoring & Field Surveys

• Design & Conduct Surveys: Execute complex field surveys for migratory/resident wildlife and plant species; assist in developing sampling protocols.

• Vegetation Monitoring: Establish and analyze permanent transects for vegetation monitoring following the completion of species eradication projects.

• Coastal Bird Breeding Program: Lead the ongoing monitoring of shorebird reproductive success at the Cabo Rojo NWR (Salt Flats) and manage the deployment of floating platforms and social attraction equipment.

Data Management, Analysis & Reporting

• Analytical Reporting: Analyze biological data to identify trends and provide management recommendations. Draft reports and conduct comprehensive literature reviews for management plans.

• Database Management: Oversee the integrity of biological data entered into

USFWS internal systems.

• GIS/Mapping: Produce high-quality habitat maps and spatial data products for use in refuge planning and environmental compliance.

Restoration & Project Management Support

• Technical Leadership: Provide technical guidance for habitat restoration projects, including salt flat restoration, invasive species exclusion, and native plant re-establishment.

• Regulatory Compliance & Technical Leadership: Draft NEPA consultation documents and provide technical reviews for Special Use Permits (SUP) to ensure that researcher activities and large-scale restoration projects involving heavy machinery are executed safely.

• Field Monitoring & Resource Protection: Execute complex field surveys and maintain invasive species exclusion fencing to prevent uncontrolled interactions between native wildlife and visitors or adjacent agricultural lands.

• Safety Logistics: Coordinate field logistics and troubleshoot equipment for remote site visits via vehicle or boat, ensuring all multi-agency field operations follow Service safety policies.

• Invasive Species Coordination: Coordinate the logistics, partner meetings, and implementation of invasive species removal strategies.

Public Engagement & Visitor Services

• Cabo Rojo Visitor Center Support: Provide essential support for the Visitor

Center operations, including greeting visitors at the information desk, providing accurate resource information, and ensuring interpretive materials are stocked and available.

• Public Safety & Visitor Orientations: Serve as a primary safety officer at the Cabo Rojo Visitor Center and Salt Flats, providing mandatory resource briefings and safety orientations to school groups, tourists, and researchers to prevent medical emergencies or lost person incidents.

• Education Assistance: Support the delivery of environmental education programs and outreach activities for school groups, local communities, and the general public.

• Community Outreach: Participate in community events and volunteer workdays to promote the refuge's mission and conservation goals.

Restoration & Operations Support

• Field Restoration: Provide hands-on technical support for habitat restoration projects, such as planting native species, maintaining invasive species exclusion fences, and trail improvements.

• Invasive Species Removal: Participate in the implementation of invasive species removal actions, including the coordination of field logistics and equipment maintenance.

• Special Use Permits (SUP): Assist Managers in the administrative processing of

SUPs and maintain the internal tracking database for researchers.

4. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Knowledge of Caribbean flora and fauna, specifically threatened and endangered species.

• Professional ability to communicate complex biological information to diverse audiences, including federal/Commonwealth partners and the general public.

• Proficiency in utilizing standardized inventory and monitoring (I&M) protocols.

• Ability to troubleshoot field equipment and utilize advanced GIS software for habitat mapping.

5. SUPERVISION AND RELATIONSHIPS

The Contractor will receive general administrative direction from the Supervisor. The contractor is expected to exercise independent judgment in planning and carrying out routine assignments. The Contractor will handle deviations from standard protocols by selecting the best course of action based on biological principles, keeping the

Supervisor informed of progress and controversial issues.

6. WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in both office and field environments. Fieldwork involves exposure to high temperatures, high humidity, and rugged terrain. The Contractor must adhere to all

USFWS safety practices, utilize mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE), and ensure all actions are consistent with Service safety policies.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

• Schedule: 32–40 hours per week (8 hours per day).

• Duration: One (1) Base year with Four (4) Option years to be exercised upon availability of funds.

• Anticipated Start Date: May 2026 or from award date.

8. SPECIAL CONDITIONS & REQUIREMENTS

1. Vehicle Operation: Must possess a valid Puerto Rico driver’s license and obtain USFWS motor vehicle certifications.

2. Background Investigation: Individuals must possess and provide proof of a valid, current state background check/security clearance.

3. Travel: Must be willing to travel via vehicle or boat to various refuges within the Caribbean Islands NWR Complex.