Biology Support Member - Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge

EPIC • Trempealeau, WI

19h

About The Position

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking one member to contribute to the biological surveys and habitat management under the mentorship of FWS Staff at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. For more information about ACE, please visit our website. Start Date: June, 2026 Flexible June start date Estimated End Date: January, 2027 (31 weeks after the anticipated start date) a 31-week minimum commitment is required, approximately 1240 hours Location Details/Description: Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge - Trempealeau, WI Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1936 and is nestled along the eastern edge of the mighty Mississippi River. The scenic drive to the refuge along the Great River Scenic Byway entices travelers along the way. Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge was established as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife with marsh and aquatic vegetation occupying almost half of the refuge. For more information, 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 Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (La Crosse District) The Biology Support Member will gain a variety of experiences from forestry practices and procedures to biological surveys, facilities maintenance and visitor services. Conducting forestry surveys/inventories, shadowing biologists, foresters and natural resources managers, landscaping, sign and trail maintenance, community engagement, staffing a visitor center and assisting with educational programs are all examples of the types of experiences and duties the member may perform.

Requirements

• 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.
• Ability to commute to and from work with a personal vehicle.
• Willingness to assist with invasive species control and removal, utilizing chemical (herbicide) and mechanical techniques.

Nice To Haves

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in forestry, wildlife habitat management, or other relevant subject areas such as ecology or natural resource management.
• Previous experience or a strong interest in learning about forestry procedures/policies, habitat management, and/or wildlife management.
• Ability to identify trees 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.
• Willingness to work in field conditions which will include insects, poisonous plants, heat, humidity, rain, etc.
• Willingness to work on, in and around water or boats.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with wildlife and plant surveys, habitat management including invasive plant species identification and control, planting and seeding habitat, forestry, planting trees, forest inventory, and timber stand improvements.
• Assist with boundary and special area posting on the refuge and waters, working out of boats.
• Assist with maintenance of facilities including grounds and landscaping work and assisting refuge visitors as needed.
• Conducts forest inventories, including GPS and GIS technology and the integrated application of forest management software
• Supports forest habitat improvement work, such as site prep and timber stand improvement (TSI) actions.
• Compiles maps of forest management units and conducts tree plantings.
• Uses instruments to take measurements.
• Assists with performing refuge biological projects/surveys
• Providing natural resource information for public outreach materials and participates in informational and/or environmental education programs to individuals, local organizations and schools.
• Assisting refuge staff with general tasks around the duty station/office related to core position functions
• Assisting with wildlife surveys and monitoring, following established protocols.

Benefits

• Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $800/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.
• Housing Stipend: The selected candidate will also receive up to $200/week to b e used for housing expenses.
• Relocation Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $150 to be used for eligible relocation expenses to be split at the beginning and end of the term.
• Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases.
• 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 herbicide training, chainsaw or ATV/UTV use, and MOCC Boat Operator.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees