SummaryAmerican Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking one (1) Maintenance and Biology Member to assist with a variety of refuge maintenance duties, wildlife and habitat surveys, environmental education programs, and habitat management activities under the mentorship of Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: May 2026

Estimated End Date: August 2026

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

Location Details/Description: Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, Middle River, MN.

Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 and consists of 61,500 acres of wetland and upland habitats in northwestern Minnesota. The refuge lies in the aspen parkland transition zone between the boreal forest to the north and east and the tallgrass prairie to the south and west. Twenty-six wetland impoundments that range in size from 30 to 9,000 acres provide a variety of habitats for both nesting and migrating birds. Two natural lakes lie within 4,000 acres of black spruce-tamarack bog that has been designated as Wilderness by the National Wilderness Preservation System. In addition to being a breeding ground for numerous waterfowl and other bird species, the refuge is also noted for two resident packs of gray wolves, nesting bald eagles, occasional moose and colonial nesting birds - specifically Franklin's gulls.

While Agassiz NWR is nestled in rural Minnesota, it is approximately 25 miles from Thief River Falls, Minnesota, 55 miles from Grand Forks, North Dakota, and 77 miles from Bemidji, Minnesota, all of which have necessary amenities, such as grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, etc.

For more information, please visit the Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge website.

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 $680/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided FWS housing at $300/month for the duration of the term. Members will be provided a housing allowance of $70/week to go towards rent costs.

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $100 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes, outer layers, boots, 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 driving, UTV, and boat safety.

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 [or as defined by AmeriCorps - remove if non-A*C].
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website located on our Indeed homepage.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a 4 year college degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology, or a related field.
• Able to walk and stand for long periods
• Ensure quality of the data collected
• Drive a vehicle and navigate to new destinations
• 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 participate in training
• Proficiency with ArcGIS programs
• Comfortable operating boats and UTVs or willing to learn
• Knowledge of trailering or willing to learn
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Deep interest in ecology and natural resources related work.

Please note that members will need to bring a personal vehicle to the refuge for supplies (groceries, etc) and local transportation off of the refuge.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires physical exertion such as walking long distances over wet and rough surfaces while carrying up to 40 lbs.; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching. Hand and finger dexterity and physical coordination may involve fine and precise procedures, delicate adjustments or exact measurements.
• 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 lbs.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
• 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. Hazards may also include mixing herbicides according to product labels, trailering a UTV or boat, loading and unloading the UTV or boat, and operating battery powered hand tools including saws, drills, etc. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources. The member will be working in vegetated areas with a high potential for tick and mosquito exposure. Refuge staff will provide safety briefings and personal protective equipment in order to minimize exposure to vector-borne diseases.

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 Member Manager, Mac Utter.

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.