Invasive Species Member – Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District

EPIC • Detroit Lakes, MN

6d

About The Position

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking one (1) Invasive Species Member to work alongside Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District Staff, interns, and volunteers. During this term, the ACE members will work on meaningful conservation projects in the District. For more information about ACE, please visit our website. Start Date: May 2026 Estimated End Date: August 2026 a 12-week minimum commitment is required, approximately 480 hours Location Details/Description: Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District, Detroit Lakes, MN The district manages hundreds of federally owned waterfowl production areas in Becker, Clay, Mahnomen, Norman and Polk Counties in northwest Minnesota, as well as Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge. The district is divided into three general landscape areas: the Red River Valley floodplain, the glacial moraine/prairie pothole region and the hardwood/coniferous forest. Land acquisition and management efforts are focused in the prairie pothole region of the district, with a goal of providing habitat for nesting waterfowl. About 6,000 acres of remnant tallgrass prairie have been saved, while thousands of acres of prairie pothole wetlands and tallgrass prairie vegetation have been restored. These habitats are not only critical for waterfowl but are beneficial to other wildlife species as well. For more information about Detroit Lakes WMD, 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, plan ts, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. This position will help FWS realize its mission at Detroit Lakes WMD. The selected individuals (members) will work alongside FWS staff and others on a number of projects during their term. The duties would focus primarily on invasive plant species inventory and control using strategies such as herbicide, mechanical, biological or cultural. Members will be required to operate off-road utility vehicles to access refuge tracts. This work will also include mobile data entry and some GIS work. Other biological responsibilities may include prairie vegetation surveys, migratory bird surveys and potentially other periodic wildlife monitoring activities. In addition to the aforementioned biological work, the member will be given exposure to habitat management, public use/visitor services, and refuge maintenance activities as opportunities arise. 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.

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 .
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website located on our Indeed homepage.

Nice To Haves

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife biology, botany, natural resource management, or other related discipline appropriate to this position.
• Ability to use computer technology to maintain and retrieve information from automated data systems, develop spreadsheets, and use word processing and statistical software programs in order to develop reports.
• Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS), aerial photography and survey techniques, and global positioning systems (GPS).
• Familiarity with ESRI programs such as ArcGIS Pro, Collector, and Survey123.
• Ability to communicate in writing in order to assist in the preparation of survey summaries
• Ability to operate cars, trucks and trailers.
• Ability to use various specialized tools and equipment required to conduct surveys.

Responsibilities

• Invasive plant species inventory and control using strategies such as herbicide, mechanical, biological or cultural
• Operate off-road utility vehicles to access refuge tracts
• Mobile data entry
• GIS work
• Prairie vegetation surveys
• Migratory bird surveys
• Wildlife monitoring activities

Benefits

• Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $450/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
• AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2025/26 grant year program, valued up to $1,956.35 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 450 hrs.
• 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.
• Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $500 to be used for eligible relocation expenses.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees