Youth Crew Lead - Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

Youth Crew Lead - Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 1 member to contribute to the youth program under the mentorship of Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: May 18, 2026

EstimatedEnd Date: July 24, 2026

*a 10 week minimum commitment is required, approximately 400 hours*

Location Details/Description: Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, Decatur, Alabama

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is located in north Alabama within a rapidly developing landscape along the Tennessee River between Huntsville and Decatur. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge was established as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. A diversity of habitat types provide excellent feeding, resting, and roosting sites for 50,000 wintering waterfowl and 25,000 sandhill cranes , as well as nesting sites for neotropical migrant birds and many species of resident wildlife. Although designated as a waterfowl refuge, the 35,000 acre refuge provides for a wide spectrum of wildlife. Its great diversity of habitat includes deep river channels, tributary creeks, tupelo swamps, open backwater embayments, bottomland hardwoods, pine uplands, and agricultural fields. The refuge is also home to 115 species of fish, 74 species of reptiles and amphibians, 47 species of mammals, 38 species of freshwater mussels, and 26 species of freshwater snails. This project will contribute to a greater understanding of insect pollinator species that reside within the Wheeler Refuge system.

For more information about Wheeler NWR, please visit the FWS website.

Position Overview: The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. This position will help FWS realize that mission at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.

The Youth program is a summer employment program for young people ages 16-18. Crew Leads will work alongside the youth members to guide and lead their daily work.

The program focuses on youth development, natural resource stewardship and conservation, creating positive community involvement and career exploration. Youth participants gain a variety of experiences from biological monitoring to facilities maintenance and visitor services. Conducting biological monitoring surveys, shadowing biologists, landscaping, sign maintenance, trail construction and maintenance, community engagement, and assisting with educational programs are all examples of the types of experiences these youth members may have depending on the refuge and the particular needs of the station. The crew lead is responsible for guiding the youth in their daily tasks listed above and making sure that they complete assignments safely.

Primary Duties:

• Assist refuge staff with program planning and development of youth activities and resources.
• Guide and direct youth members in all phases of work projects to ensure a positive YCC program experience.
• Model and adhere to safety protocols to ensure the safety of the group.
• Manage resources appropriately (time, supplies, vehicles, equipment, and personnel).
• Support special events and outreach activities to promote the refuge and its mission.
• Collect and report accurate and detailed project data as needed including: youth member timesheets, evaluations, and disciplinary forms. Please note that any disciplinary action will be the responsibility of USFWS staff, not the Crew Lead.
• Communicate regularly with refuge staff to provide updates on youth crew accomplishments and challenges.

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: The work schedule will be an average of 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Hours may vary depending on the needs of the projects. Primarily work will be done 7:00am-4:30pm Monday-Thursday, with alternating Fridays off (Fridays are 7am-3:30pm). Some days may start at 6am to avoid extreme heat.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $700/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: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or FWS.

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. Specific training may include defensive driving, ATV/UTV, and chainsaw safety for clearing downed trees on roads when necessary.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
• 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). Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.

• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
• 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.
• Members may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing education and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as ecology, natural resources, environmental education, biology, etc.
• Enthusiasm for interacting with people. Experience in youth development programs and/or community building preferred.
• This position requires adaptability, as work plans can change at the last minute. Ideal candidates will be able to multitask and shift priorities to meet changing conditions.

• This position requires time management skills, to ensure that all tasks are completed within the scheduled work hours.
• Ability to drive trailers.
• Experience utilizing hand tools, weed eaters, blowers, etc.
• Ability to tolerate high temperatures, high humidity, insect bites and wildlife encounters.

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.
• 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 40 lbs., ability to move up to 40 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position does not 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. 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.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 Program Manager, Johannah McCollum.

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.