Refuge Management And Biology Support Member (Summer)

SummaryAmerican Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking THREE Refuge Management Support Members to contribute to refuge management under the mentorship of Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit usaconservation dot org.

Start Date: May 26, 2026

EstimatedEnd Date: October 9, 2026

*20 week commitment is required - start date may have 1week flexibility*

Location Details/Description: Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex at the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge in Shirley, NY.

For more information about Long Island NWR Complex, please visit the FWS website.

Position Overview: During this term, the ACE member will assist with refuge management activities by supporting the maintenance, visitor services and biology programs. The member will engage with refuge staff to support refuge station priorities including invasive species management, maintenance of pollinator habitat, improve visitor experiences through vegetation management around headquarters, trails and observation decks/platforms. The member will work with biology and visitor service staff to offer and promote invasive species volunteer work days and environmental education to the general public. Members will primarily work at the Wertheim NWR and the Elizabeth A. Morton NWR but may have opportunities to travel and work on other wildlife refuge units on Long Island. The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of:

• Completing assigned tasks related to information and data collection, acquisition, entry, organization and management
• Maintaining areas around visitor center/contact station, trails, observation platforms/decks using hand tools, mowers and weedwhackers.
• Promote and maintain pollinator habitat by maintaining established pollinator gardens at Wertheim and Morton NWR and improving habitat in adjacent areas.
• Conducting invasive species management and monitoring including Physical removal of invasive plants including hand pulling or with tools (not including chainsaws).
• Conducting outreach and engaging with the public.
• Assisting with administrative, management and maintenance tasks.
• Assist with other refuge projects including biological surveys, refuge outreach events, and other refuge duties as assigned.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday-Friday but weekends may be required to accomplish work tasks. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule may be required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends and/or holidays. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $500/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided agency housing at no cost for the duration of the term. When residing in FWS provided-housing or on FWS lands, strict adherence to site specific policies and/or regulations is required.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support.

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, socks, pants, etc., and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required three-part criminal history check.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.

• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a 2-year or 4-year college degree (education or experience in natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject preferred)
• Able to walk and stand for long periods
• Able to physically pull or remove invasive plants with hand tools
• Familiarity with GPS and iPads
• Ensure quality of the data collected
• Drive a vehicle and navigate to new destinations
• Ability to identify shorebirds and willingness to learn
• Ability to identify plants and distinguish invasive plants from native plants and willingness to learn
• Ability to work in a team and accept guidance from supervisor and other refuge staff
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to live communally in a clean and respectful manner
• Willingness to work in field conditions which will include insects, heat, humidity, rain
• Willingness to participate in training
• Willingness to work on office tasks including report development, use of AGOL and arcgis pro, filing and other tasks as needed

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 50 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Mainly outdoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. When indoors, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife such as venomous snakes. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety:If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the FWS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the FWS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the FWS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to FWS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE's online application page for this position on our website at usaconservation dot org. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC FWS Member Manager, Claire Barnwell.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.