Forestry and Biology Support Member - Mingo National Wildlife Refuge

EPIC • Puxico, MO

18h • Onsite

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 forestry program and other biological projects under the mentorship of FWS Staff. For more information about ACE, please visit our website. Start Date: April/May (flexible) 2026 Estimated End Date: April/May 2027 a 52-week minimum commitment is required Location Details/Description: Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Puxico, MO Mingo National Wildlife Refuge consists of 21,592 acres of bottomland hardwood forest, cypress-tupelo swamp, marsh and upland forest ecosystems. The refuge is managed for wildlife habitat and people. The primary purpose of the refuge is to provide food and shelter for migratory waterfowl and to protect the bottomland hardwood forest. Mingo National Wildlife Refuge provides a number of great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The mixture of bottomland forests, wetlands and swamps creates great waterways for canoeing and kayaking, and has miles of wildlife drives, a variety of hiking trails, and prime locations for hunting and fishing. 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 Mingo NWR. The Forestry 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 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.
• 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.
• 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 a degree and/or have relevant experience in forestry, wildlife 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, heat, humidity, rain, etc.
• 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

• Assists in collecting forest inventory data, timber cruises, timber sales, timber markings in forest development projects
• Conducting forest inventories, including GPS and GIS technology and the integrated application of forest management software
• Collecting ecological and timber-related forest metrics to develop timber-harvest prescriptions
• Assists in operating water control structures for management of forest and wetland habitat
• Assists in invasive species treatment projects
• Support Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) work, such as treating midstory trees via hack and squirt.
• Compiles maps of refuge management units
• Provides assistance in identifying and completing needed forestry and biological improvement projects
• Uses instruments to take measurements.
• Assisting with performing biological projects/surveys
• Providing forestry information for public 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 and other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
• AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an 1700-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2025/26 grant year program, valued up to $7,395.00 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 1700hrs.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 chainsaw or ATV/UTV use.

What This Job Offers

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