National Wildlife Refuge Support Member

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 5 members to contribute to invasive species management, biological surveys, and facilities maintenance projects under the mentorship of Northwest North Dakota National Wildlife Refuge Complex Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: May 2026

Estimated End Date: September 2026

*a 16-week minimum commitment is required, approximately 640 hours*

Location Details/Description: Northwest North Dakota National Wildlife Refuge Complex consisting of J Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge, Upham, ND; Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge, Kenmare, ND; or Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, Carpio, ND.

J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1935. The Refuge lies in the lake bed of glacial Lake Souris, once home to the Arikara, Assiniboine, Cheyenne, Hidatsa, Lakota, and Mandan Tribes of American Indians. Retreating glaciers created the rolling hills and temporary wetlands of today's landscape. Most of the Refuge is composed of river valley wetland habitat bordered by a narrow strip of upland vegetation. The southern portion of the Refuge includes wooded river bottomlands, floodplain meadows, and native prairie sandhills. The sandhills are remnants of wind-and-wave borne deposits on the ancient lakeshore. The land cover types found here - mixed grass prairie, river valley, marshes, sandhills, and woodlands - come together to support an abundant variety of wildlife. The primary purpose of the Refuge is to provide habitat for waterfowl, migratory birds, and other wildlife.

Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge is located in the physiographic region of North Dakota named the Missouri Coteau. Coteau is French for "little hill." This distinctive landscape of rolling hills and wetlands was shaped by glaciers. The glaciers melted away 10,000 years ago, leaving behind a moraine or ridge of rocks and soil varying in width from 10 to 60 miles. This glaciated region extends from southeast Alberta to northwest Iowa and is also known as the Prairie Pothole Region. Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge is designated a Globally Important Bird Area by the American Birding Conservancy and National Audubon Society. The Refuge provides essential habitat for rare grassland bird species such as Sprague's pipit and Baird's sparrow. Some of the larger, showy members of the mixed grass prairie include marbled godwit, upland sandpiper, and willett.

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge is located in north central North Dakota, along the western loop of the Souris River that flows south from Saskatchewan, Canada, and back north into Manitoba. The refuge encompasses over 32,000 acres of native prairie, marshes, and woodlands. Near refuge headquarters is Lake Darling Dam. This earthen structure creates a 9,600 acre reservoir that supports one of the finest fisheries in the area. Northern pike, walleye and yellow perch are the most sought after by anglers. The refuge also supports a wide variety of wildlife, including moose, white-tailed deer, river otter, coyote, mink, leopard frog, and plains garter snake. Avid waterfowlers and birders alike will be amazed at the more than 300 species of birds the area supports. Native prairie songbirds thrive in the refuge's mixed grass prairie. The Wetland Management District covers main stem Ward County and currently has 26 Waterfowl Production Areas under management.

For more information about the Northwest North Dakota National Wildlife Refuge 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 Northwest North Dakota National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the following tasks:

• Mechanical and chemical invasive plant management (30%)
  • Mix herbicide for application
  • Spray herbicide while operating a UTVs, ATVs, or trucks on uneven terrain
• Maintain high public traffic areas (station grounds, facilities, and trails) by mowing lawns using zero turn mowers and weedeating/trimming (30%)
• Assist with biological surveys (20%)
  • Conduct vegetation inventory surveys
  • Conduct migratory bird counts
  • Assist with grazing unit checks
• Assist with facility maintenance projects (10%)
  • Clean and restock public use areas
  • Cleaning and restocking pit toilets
  • Washing vehicles and equipment
  • Repairing kiosks and viewing platforms
  • Mend fencing
• Engage with the public through visitor services and public outreach as opportunities and interest allows (10%)

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. 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 ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $650/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 FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position include boots, work pants, socks, outerwear, etc. 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. Specific training may include Defensive Driver, UTV/ATV, First Aid/CPR, and Pesticide Applicator licensing.

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.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• A personal vehicle is required for off-duty hours due to the distance of housing to office and store.
• Ability to multitask and shift schedule and priorities to meet changing conditions.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of an Associate's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology, or a related subject area.
• Experience with invasive plant management.
• Experience with plant identification.
• Experience with data collection software and equipment (ie, GIS and iPads).
• Ability to follow assigned protocols to perform tasks with many steps.
• Strong desire to enter the public service field as a natural resource professional.
• Desire to explore the National Wildlife Refuges in the Northern Great Plains Prairie Pothole Region.

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 30 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 hand and power tools. 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. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC FWS Member Manager, Ian McGufficke.

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.