Youth Conservation Corps Crew Leader (Summer) - Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex

EPIC • Lake Arthur, LA

3d

About The Position

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is seeking TWO YCC Crew Leads to contribute to the Youth Conservation Corps program at the Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex under the mentorship of USFWS Staff. Start Date: May 18th, 2026 End Date: July 24th, 2026 a 10 week minimum commitment is required Local candidates are encouraged to apply Location Details/Description: Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex - Lake Arthur, LA The Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex consists of four federal wildlife refuges located in southwest Louisiana: Cameron Prairie, Sabine, Lacassine, and Shell Keys. Each of these national wildlife refuges was created to support, protect, and provide winter habitat for migratory waterfowl. The more than 184,000 acres of land contained within boundaries of the four National Wildlife Refuges in southwest Louisiana supports numerous species of both plants and wildlife. 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. The Youth Conservation Corps is a summer employment program for young people ages 16-18. Additionally, some stations will have an adult team leader to work alongside the Corps members to guide and lead their daily work. Students work and learn as a team while engaged in environmental stewardship experiences. The YCC focuses on youth development, natural resource stewardship and conservation, creating positive community involvement and career exploration. Programs are typically 8 weeks long from June through August. Participants gain a variety of experiences from biological monitoring to facilities maintenance and visitor services. Conducting biological monitoring surveys, shadowing biologists, landscaping, sign maintenance, trail construction and maintenance, community engagement, staffing a visitor center and assisting with educational programs are all examples of the types of experiences these Corps members may have depending on the refuge and the particular needs of the station. 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: Typically Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm. Hours may vary slightly.

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
• Must have own personal vehicle for off-work transportation needs.
• Ability to guide YCC teens through various activities and projects in a safe manner.

Nice To Haves

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing education and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as ecology, natural resources, environmental education, biology, etc.
• Enthusiasm for interacting with people.
• Experience in youth development programs and/or community building preferred.
• This position requires adaptability, as work plans can change at the last minute. Ideal candidates will be able to multitask and shift priorities to meet changing conditions.
• This position requires time management skills, to ensure that all tasks are completed within the scheduled work hours.
• Ability to tolerate high temperatures, high humidity, insect bites and wildlife encounters.

Responsibilities

• Assist refuge staff with program planning and development of youth activities and resources.
• Guide and direct youth members in all phases of work projects to ensure a positive YCC program experience.
• Model and adhere to safety protocols to ensure the safety of the group.
• Manage resources appropriately (time, supplies, vehicles, equipment, and personnel).
• Support special events and outreach activities to promote the refuge and its mission.
• Collect and report accurate and detailed project data as needed including: youth member timesheets, evaluations, and disciplinary forms.
• Communicate regularly with refuge staff to provide updates on youth crew accomplishments and challenges.
• Additional support as needed for the YCC program under the mentorship of FWS.

Benefits

• Living Allowance: The ACE Team Leaders and Members are expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowanc e of $700/week f or Team Leaders 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.
• 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

• Education Level: No Education Listed