National Wildlife Refuge Support Member - Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge

EPIC • Swanquarter, NC

2d

About The Position

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking ONE National Wildlife Refuge Support Member to contribute to wildlife refuge projects and operations under the mentorship of Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge ( NWR) Staff. For more information about ACE, please visit our website. Start Date: 05/18/2026 (flexible) Estimated End Date: 05/15/2027 a 52 week minimum commitment is required Location Details/Description: Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, Swanquarter, North Carolina Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge features the largest natural freshwater lake in North Carolina, Lake Mattamuskeet, as well as marshes, swamp forests, and upland forests. The refuge supports large numbers of wintering waterfowl, as well as a variety of breeding songbirds, mammals such as black bear and bobcat, and other wildlife. Fishing, birding, photography, and hunting are popular recreational activities. Rich in history and outdoor traditions, Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge is well-known as a significant resource for wintering waterfowl in the Atlantic flyway, supporting over 50% of all waterfowl that migrate through or over-winter in the state. For more information about Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, 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 Mattamuskeet NWR. The National Wildlife Refuge support position at Mattamuskeet NWR will provide a well-rounded experience in the natural resource field. The member will work as part of a small team to help manage the Refuge and assist with planning and implementation of the Lake Mattamuskeet Watershed Restoration Plan. The member will work with a team of experts to conduct water quality monitoring efforts within the lake and watershed, assist with collecting information on hydrology and evaluating projects to reduce nutrient and sediment loading in the lake. The member will also be involved in more routine refuge management activities such as conducting biological surveys, trails maintenance, public programs, and administrative tasks. 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: Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. Typical work schedule is Monday - Friday (8:00 am- 4:30pm). A flexible work schedule will be required, as work will take place on weekends and some federal holidays and may include early start times for some activities. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval.

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 an associate's degree or higher, and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology, environmental education, interpretation, or a related subject.
• Knowledge of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mission, North Carolina wildlife and plant species (native and/or non native), basic GPS and GIS, operating trucks, and working with the public.
• Ability and willingness to apply herbicide on invasive plants, work outdoors, and work in remote locations.
• Deep interest in wildlife and natural resources management.
• Ability to operate small watercraft and/or receive training on motorboat operation

Responsibilities

• Assist with implementation of the Lake Mattamuskeet Watershed Restoration Plan
• Respond to data requests and reports
• Complete environmental assessments and endangered species evaluations for proposed projects
• Participate in waterfowl habitat management
• Collect water samples and water monitoring data
• Conduct waterfowl and shorebird surveys
• Vegetation surveys
• Help administer carp removal and exclusion project
• Assist with experimental projects to improve water quality and restore lake vegetation
• Assist other staff with maintenance and habitat management projects
• Invasive plant control (mapping and herbicide application)
• Mowing/trimming
• Routine building maintenance
• Assist with public outreach activities by preparing materials and/or formally or informally responding to requests for information.
• Participate in outreach events

Benefits

• Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $700/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. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.
• 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 up to $1,000 to be used for eligible relocation expenses to be split at the beginning and end of the term. Eligible relocation expenses for this position include mileage, hotels, meals, etc., and must have a receipt for reimbursement. Additional expenses must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.
• Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.
• 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. Additional training may include USFWS Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC), UTV/ATV training, etc.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree