Maintenance & Biology Member – Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

EPIC • Columbia, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

American Conservation Experience, a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 1 Maintenance & Biology Member to help with a wide array of wildlife-related projects under the mentorship of Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Staff. During this term, the ACE member will work on meaningful conservation projects such as refuge maintenance duties, habitat management activities, invasive plant control, and biological monitoring. For more information about ACE, please visit our website. Start Date: April 20, 2026 (start/end dates flexible) Estimated End Date: July 11, 2026 a 12-14 week minimum commitment is required Location Details/Description: Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Columbia, NC The 110,000-acre Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge conserves a rare type of wetland habitat, known as "pocosin". In 1963, Pungo NWR was established for the protection of waterfowl and other migratory birds. In 1990, Pocosin Lakes NWR was established to protect migratory birds and the unique pocosin wetlands, and Pungo NWR became the Pungo Unit of Pocosin Lakes NWR. The refuge encompasses vast acres of natural wetlands, including the unique southeastern pocosin peat wetlands; open water on Pungo and New Lakes; upland pine forests; and waterfowl impoundments managed for moist soil wetlands and agricultural units that provide high-energy food for migrating and wintering waterfowl. More than a hundred thousand ducks, geese, and swans congregate on the refuge in winter, and the refuge supports one of the densest populations of black bear ever reported. The refuge is the site of one of the country's largest wetland restoration projects, restoring natural hydrology to the pocosin peatlands. Before the refuge was established, many acres of this wetland were drained, greatly increasing the risk of ground fire. To the greatest extent possible, the refuge is restoring the natural conditions of a healthy pocosin ecosystem. These restored pocosin peatlands provide habitat for endangered species including red wolf ( Canis rufus ) and red-cockaded woodpecker ( Picoides borealis ), as well as many other species of wildlife. For more information about Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, please visit the FWS website. Position Overview: The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of: Trim brush, mow, and maintain refuge roads and trails. Assist with mowing lawns, upland trails, kiosk areas and roads. Install, repair and replace signs along roads, trails, and refuge units. Clean and maintain water management infrastructure. Invasive species management. Install gates, signs, and other public use infrastructure. Maintain Refuge vehicles, trailers, weed eaters, brush cutters, hand tools, lawn mowers, agriculture tractors, and various implements. Support hydrological and biological monitoring. Assist outreach coordinators with environmental education programs if needed 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 $600/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: ACE member will be accommodated in provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term. Provided Training/Orientation: ACE member will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. 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 two-part criminal history check. Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. High School Diploma Proficient in English Knowledge of natural sciences Ability to work in very hot, humid, and buggy conditions Willingness to work varying hours including weekends 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. Preferred: Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of an associate's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject. Knowledge of the USFWS mission. Experience with basic maintenance tasks (mowing, etc). Experience working with heavy equipment, such as agricultural tractors. Experience working with the public. Personal vehicle will be necessary for errands, such as getting groceries. Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions: Physical Demands: This position 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. Manual 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 pounds. 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: Members may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. South Alabama has average temperatures in the 80's-90's during the summer months. This individual placement will require much time outdoors, in potentially hot, potentially buggy conditions. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources. 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 ACE EPIC FWS Member Manager, Cait Dunne. 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.

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 two-part criminal history check.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• High School Diploma
• Proficient in English
• Knowledge of natural sciences
• Ability to work in very hot, humid, and buggy conditions
• Willingness to work varying hours including weekends
• 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 minimum of an associate's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject.
• Knowledge of the USFWS mission.
• Experience with basic maintenance tasks (mowing, etc).
• Experience working with heavy equipment, such as agricultural tractors.
• Experience working with the public.
• Personal vehicle will be necessary for errands, such as getting groceries.

Responsibilities

• Trim brush, mow, and maintain refuge roads and trails.
• Assist with mowing lawns, upland trails, kiosk areas and roads.
• Install, repair and replace signs along roads, trails, and refuge units.
• Clean and maintain water management infrastructure.
• Invasive species management.
• Install gates, signs, and other public use infrastructure.
• Maintain Refuge vehicles, trailers, weed eaters, brush cutters, hand tools, lawn mowers, agriculture tractors, and various implements.
• Support hydrological and biological monitoring.
• Assist outreach coordinators with environmental education programs if needed

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.
• 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.
• Housing: ACE member will be accommodated in provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term.
• Provided Training/Orientation: ACE member 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED