Visitor Services Member - Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

EPIC • Loleta, CA

7h • $700 • Onsite

About The Position

American Conservation Experience (ACE), in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking one Visitor Services Member to contribute to visitor services and environmental education projects under the mentorship of Humboldt Bay NWR Staff. This position will help FWS realize its mission at Humboldt Bay NWR by enhancing visitor services, strengthening community engagement, and advancing recreation opportunities across multiple National Wildlife Refuges in the Pacific Southwest Region. The Member will primarily support Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, assisting with education programs, developing and implementing a new volunteer program, and handling day-to-day visitor interaction and education. This role is designed to pilot long-term program improvements, such as volunteer program growth and enhanced visitor outreach, that will benefit the refuge after the Member's term concludes. Approximately 80% of the time will be dedicated to Humboldt Bay projects, with the remaining 20% involving travel to refuges in the Klamath Basin and Northern California to support other sites with events, programs, and engagement initiatives. This regional support fosters collaboration and ensures skills developed at Humboldt Bay contribute to professional development and broader conservation and public engagement goals.

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 minimum of a Bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as visitor services, community engagement, recreation planning, or education.
• Knowledge of natural resources, conservation, education principles.
• Ability and willingness to speak to the public, drive to other refuge locations, learn new skills.
• Deep interest in visitor services, community engagement, recreation on public lands.

Responsibilities

• Welcome and answer visitor questions about recreation opportunities, wildlife viewing, habitats, and natural resources.
• Support the development and implementation of a Volunteer Trail Steward Program, aimed at improving operational capacity and long-term community involvement.
• Assist staff with public programs, community outreach, education activities, and special events.
• Conduct outreach that promotes responsible recreation and builds connections with public lands.
• Travel to National Wildlife Refuges in northern California and southern Oregon to support visitor services, community events, and regional teamwork.
• Gain experience with other refuge operations such as biology and habitat management as time allows.
• Facilitate professional development and promote exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals.
• Gain experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Benefits

• Living Allowance: $700/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
• 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.
• Housing: Provided FWS housing (private room in a shared house) at no cost for the duration of the term.
• Gear Reimbursement: Up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases.
• Provided Training/Orientation: Position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level