Environmental Education Member – Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges Complex

Environmental Education Member – Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges Complex

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 urban outreach and environmental education efforts under the mentorship of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Staff. During this term, the ACE member will assist in delivering environmental education programs to students at the refuge and at urban schools near the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges Complex. The member will also assist with Special Event programming and outreach events for the complex and the creation of new programming for the refuges mobile visitor center trailer.

For more information about ACE and to apply, please visit our website: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1239179

Start Date: 09/15/2025
Estimated End Date: 4/25/2026
*a 30 week minimum commitment is required, approximately 1200 hours*

Location Details/Description: Southeast Louisiana Refuges Complex, Lacombe, LA

Six Southeast Louisiana Refuges are part of a rich ecological system which includes marshes, pine and bottomland hardwood forests, lakes, barrier islands, swamps and bayous. Ranging from the marshy delta at the mouth of the Mississippi, to the wetlands that help protect New Orleans from hurricanes and provide a nursery to the fisheries that support the region’s food economy, to the wild bayous of the Atchafalaya Basin; the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges preserve wildlife, habitat, and recreation opportunities representative of this unique part of the country. 

All of the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges are open to public visits for nature-based recreational enjoyment. Priority public uses are hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education, and interpretation. For more information about the Southeast Louisiana Refuges Complex 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 the Southeast Louisiana Complex. Primary duties will include delivering environmental education programs to students at the refuge and local schools. 

Duties will include the following: Deliver formal environmental education programs on the refuges and in area classrooms; if time permits, develop educational and interpretation programs for students and/or general public; staff visitor center; assist with public canoe and natural history tours; staff visitor center; and prepare for and staff special outreach events on the refuges and in the community. 

The ACE member will gain experience at other refuges of the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges complex with activities such as (but not limited to) biology, restoration projects, citizen science opportunities and more. 

Operation of a refuge vehicle is required. Environmental education programs may include intensive, hands-on programs on the refuges, as well as classroom presentations in schools throughout St. Tammany Parish (LA Northshore), metropolitan New Orleans and its suburbs. 

Work may include riding in airboats and other watercraft and possible operation of ATV’s or UTV’s.   

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, 8-4:30 pm.  A flexible work schedule may be required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends. Time off for federal holidays may be granted, and additional requests for time off should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $400/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for a 900 hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2024/25 grant year program, valued up to $3,697.50 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 900 hrs. 

Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.  

Qualifying Child Care Coverage: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage. Additional enrollment steps are required.  

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 FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term. Refuge housing is available. The refuge bunkhouse has been recently renovated. However, WiFi is spotty and TV is antenna only. The ACE member is suggested to bring their own laptop.

Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $500 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process. 

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

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. 

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.
• If driving is required: 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. 
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement or as defined by AmeriCorps.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website. 

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or have interest in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to develop and conduct interpretive and educational programs.
• Deep interest in working with students and visitors of all ages in interpretive and educational programming.

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. 
• Environmental: Mainly indoor, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled. 
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position does not require unique 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. https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1239179

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 hired 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.