Energy and Minerals Support Member - Natural Resource Program Center

EPIC • Fort Collins, CO

11d • Onsite

About The Position

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking one member to contribute to energy projects under the mentorship of USFWS Staff. This position is located at the Natural Resource Program Center (NRPC) in Fort Collins, Colorado. The NRPC is a hub where multiple federal agencies share research operations and facilities, supporting the National Wildlife Refuge System. The member will play an important role in advancing the FWS mission by supporting refuge managers and scientists in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data related to energy development and habitat restoration on public lands. This role combines field experience, data analysis, geospatial work, and policy-relevant environmental science. The internship is designed to provide hands-on experience, technical skill-building, and a deeper understanding of conservation challenges, offering exposure to fields such as ecology, GIS, environmental restoration, and energy policy.

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.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.

Nice To Haves

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, earth science, etc.
• Demonstrated GIS skills
• Experience with data manipulation in Excel
• Ability to work independently and communicate well verbally and in writing
• Ability to conduct field work on refuges that may include hiking off trails in a variety of terrain and weather conditions

Responsibilities

• Reviewing historical records and conducting field inspections of abandoned and active wells, pipelines, and other oil and gas infrastructure on refuge lands.
• Using ArcGIS and Excel to support research, map development, and field data collection.
• Identifying and documenting energy-related impacts on wildlife habitat and refuge ecosystems.
• Contributing to plugging, reclamation, and habitat restoration plans.
• Supporting national programs that track energy development across the National Wildlife Refuge System.
• Building relationships with refuge staff, regional partners, and external collaborators as part of the Service's national orphan well program.
• Participating in broader wildlife, habitat conservation, and resource management activities to support science-based planning across the refuge system.

Benefits

• Living Allowance: $805/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
• Housing Reimbursement: up to $125/week reimbursement for housing expenses.
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service.
• Gear Reimbursement: up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases (boots, pants, socks, outerwear, etc.).
• Provided Training/Orientation: position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Members may also receive training on equipment operation, sampling and survey instrumentation, defensive driving, and any necessary site-specific training.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed