Maintenance Support Member - Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

Maintenance Support Member - Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

Summary:

American Conservation Experience a nonprofit Conservation Corps in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is seeking one member to contribute to maintenance activities under the mentorship of Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and Pea Island NWR Staff.

For more information about ACE please visit our website.

Start Date: August 11 2025

Estimated End Date: February 7 2025

*a 26 week minimum commitment is required approximately 1040 hours*

Location Details/Description: Alligator River and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges Manteo NC

Alligator River NWR is located on the Albemarle Peninsula in eastern North Carolina. The refuge was established in 1984 to protect the rare pocosin wetlands and their associated wildlife. Pocosin wetlands grow on thick layers of peat and have stunted shrubby addition to pocosins the refuge also protects swamp forest and is fringed with marsh. The vast protected area supports large populations of black bear wintering waterfowl river otter and other wildlife addition the refuge is one of the only places in the world where you may see endangered red wolves in the wild.

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 to provide nesting resting and wintering habitat for migratory birds including the greater snow geese and other migratory waterfowl shorebirds wading birds raptors and neotropical migrants; to provide habitat and protection for endangered and threatened species such as loggerhead sea turtles; and to provide opportunities for public enjoyment of wildlife and wildlands resources. The 5000-acre refuge is located on the north end of Hatteras Island a coastal barrier island and part of a chain of islands known as the Outer Banks and includes beach dunes brackish ponds and marshes. The bird list for Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge boasts more than 365 species.

For more information about Alligator River NWR or Pea Island NWR 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 Alligator River and Pea Island NWRs.

During their term the member will assist with maintenance activities on both Alligator River and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges. This will include mowing road sides dikes and trails. The member will also do facilities maintenance including but not limited to general upkeep cleaning small repairs and administrative addition the member will help maintain refuge fleet including heavy equipment and vehicles. The member will also be involved with the safety program.

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: A typical work schedule is M-F 7-3:30; however early morning evening weekend and holiday hours may be required based on refuge needs. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. 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. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or FWS. If the member possesses an RV they may use the RV site at no additional cost.

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots study pants socks sunglasses outerwear 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 heavy equipment (Tractor etc.) ATV/UTV defensive driving etc.

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 drivers license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). Members must be 21 to drive due to ACEs 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.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements please visit our website.

Preferred:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability/willingness to learn how to safely operate trucks trailers heavy equipment ATV/UTV etc..
• Ability/willingness to learn how to operate various specialized tools and equipment required for maintenance duties.
• 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.

Physical Demands Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting standing walking hiking carrying using hands to handle or feel reaching with hands and arms talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop kneel climb stairs and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain and camp overnight under field conditions.
• 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 30 lbs. ability to move up to 50 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: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold rocky terrain swamp or wetland conditions biting insects and potentially dangerous wildlife. 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 ACEs online application page for this position on our 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 hired 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.