Wildlife Support Member - Gulf Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex

EPIC • Gautier, MS

2d • 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 Wildlife Support Member to support a variety of Refuge projects under the mentorship of Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge Staff. During this term, the ACE member will provide support of refuge wildlife biology programs, particularly recovery of the endangered dusky gopher frog (DGF) and the Mississippi sandhill crane. Additionally, the member will support our visitor services program, which can include environmental education & outreach, as well as trail/landscape maintenance. For more information about ACE, please visit our website. Estimated Start Date: Late March/Early April 2026 Estimated End Date: Early January 2027 A 40-week term commitment is required Location Details/Description: Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, Gautier, MS & The Gulf Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex This Refuge is located in Jackson County in extreme southeast Mississippi, less than 10 miles from the Gulf Coast. It is part of the Gulf Coast Refuge Complex which includes Grand Bay and Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuges located on the coasts of Mississippi and Alabama. The Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1975 to protect and preserve the Mississippi sandhill crane and its critical wet pine savanna habitat. The refuge consists of approximately 19,300 acres in three main units that include savanna, coastal prairie, cypress swamp strands, pine flatwoods, and brackish marsh. The refuge is the only home of this endangered non-migratory subspecies of sandhill crane (crane) and provides valuable habitat for the endangered dusky gopher frog (DGF) and several declining grassland birds like the Henslow's sparrow, yellow rail, sedge wren, and numerous species of unique and rare plants. While the Refuge Support Member will be stationed at Mississippi Sandhill Crane NWR, the position will support the Gulf Coast Complex that also includes Bon Secour and Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuges. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is located in Gulf Shores, AL and contains 7,000+ acres of wildlife habitat for migratory birds, nesting sea turtles and the endangered Alabama beach mouse. The refuge was established by Congress in 1980 to preserve the coastal dune ecosystem, to protect threatened and endangered species, to provide compatible recreational opportunities, and to serve as a living laboratory for students and scientists. Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located in coastal Mississippi and Alabama. The refuge was established in 1992 to help protect one of the largest remaining expanses of Gulf Coast wet pine savanna habitat. With only 3% of wet pine savanna remaining across its original range, it is considered an endangered habitat. For more information about the Gulf Coast Refuge Complex, please visit the USFWS 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 Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge via the Member's contributions in this role:

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.
• Members may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our ACE website.
• A personal vehicle for transportation
• Knowledge of natural sciences
• Writing skills with an understanding of basic grammar, punctuation, and spelling
• Attention to detail and flexibility.
• Ability to effectively communicate with supervisor and coworkers
• Ability to work in very hot, humid, and buggy conditions
• Ability to work in physically demanding conditions, involving walking over uneven terrain, wading through water, sitting in small blinds for large periods, capturing and handling large birds, amphibians, and reptiles
• Willing to work varying hours including before sunrise or at night
• Ability to record accurate field data
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software
• Must take all measures possible to ensure the safety of yourself and others and understand all safety precautions involved

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 natural resources, conservation, biology, etc.
• Experience conducting biological surveys and wildlife monitoring surveys
• Experience capturing and handling animals
• Experience working with herptiles and large birds
• Experience conducting invasive plant management
• Basic GPS and GIS skills

Responsibilities

• Participate in habitat management and monitoring including invasive plant control and mapping, mechanical treatment of woody vegetation and vegetation surveys
• Support the biological program by surveying, monitoring and handling various wildlife species including endangered MS sandhill cranes and dusky gopher frogs (DGF)
• Conduct visual monitoring, blind surveys, camera traps and nest surveys of cranes, and prepare crane acclimation pens and blinds
• Monitor DGF using drift fence & remote cameras. Conduct egg mass observations, use automated audio recorders and monitor hydroperiod, temperature & pH of DGF release ponds
• Maintain accurate and detailed field records and enter data promptly and accurately
• Assist with Visitor Center operations and environmental education and outreach.
• Assist with managing the Refuge social media account under the supervision of the Wildlife Refuge Specialist.
• Work with volunteers on a regular basis
• Assist with Refuge maintenance such as mowing and landscaping, trail clearing, and repair or replacement of gates and signs.
• Effectively communicate with supervisors, project leads and other refuge staff

Benefits

• Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $500/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. Housing will be at the Refuge owned Bunkhouse less than 200 yards from headquarters (HQ). The Bunkhouse is air-conditioned, has five bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and a TV. All members are expected to assist with the upkeep of the bunkhouse building and grounds for the duration of their term. A Refuge vehicle for refuge activities is provided.
• Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $600 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Half of the funds will be distributed at the beginning of the term and the second half will be distributed at the end of a fully completed term.
• Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, hats, sun protection, etc, and 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. Specific training may include 4WD truck operation, FWS ATV/UTV operation, handling and banding cranes, and tagging dusky gopher frogs (DGF).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees