Outreach & Wildlife Biology Members – Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Outreach & Wildlife Biology Members Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Summary:

American Conservation Experience (ACE) a non-profit conservation corps in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is seeking 2 Outreach & Wildlife Biology Members to support a variety of projects alongside staff at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. This position is ideal for someone passionate about environmental education community engagement and conservation. The members will assist with public outreach environmental education and biological fieldwork contributing to the refuges mission of protecting coastal ecosystems and endangered species.

One position will begin in February and last for 42 weeks and the other will begin in April and last for 27 weeks.

For more information about ACE please visit our website.

Start Date: February 9 2026

Estimated End Date: November 28 2026

*Dates flexible - position 1 will end 42 weeks after start date*

Start Date: April 13 2026

Estimated End Date: October 17 2026

*Dates flexible - position 2 will end 27 weeks after start date*

Location Details/Description: Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Gulf Shores AL

Bon Secour NWR encompasses 7000 acres of diverse coastal habitat providing sanctuary for migratory birds nesting sea turtles and the endangered Alabama beach mouse. Established in 1980 the refuge protects fragile dune ecosystems and offers opportunities for research recreation and education.

The name Bon Secour means safe harbor in French-an apt description for this haven of biodiversity. The refuge is one of the largest undeveloped tracts on Alabamas coast and has been recognized as one of the states 10 natural wonders.

Habitats include beaches dunes maritime forests marshes and swamps. Wildlife includes loggerhead and Kemps Ridley sea turtles over 370 bird species and mammals such as red foxes and armadillos.

For more information visit the FWS Bon Secour website.

Position Overview: Under the guidance of FWS staff the Outreach and Wildlife Biology Member will support the refuges mission through a variety of outreach and conservation activities. Primary responsibilities include:

• Environmental outreach education and visitor services (50%)
  • Develop and deliver interpretive programs for schools community groups and visitors
  • Create educational materials and social media content
  • Assist with refuge events and volunteer coordination
  • Provide visitor services at the refuge headquarters and on trails including answering questions offering interpretive information and supporting public use activities

• Sea turtle monitoring and public education (30%)
  • Participate in early morning nest patrols and data collection
  • Engage with the public about sea turtle conservation

• Biological fieldwork and refuge support (20%)
  • Assist with shorebird and wildlife surveys
  • Support refuge maintenance (trails signage public areas)
  • Help with administrative tasks and general operations

This individual placement is designed to foster professional development offering exposure to land management practices and opportunities to network with conservation professionals. Members may also shadow staff in various disciplines to broaden their experience.

Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday-Friday. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. During turtle season members will be required to work one weekend day. A flexible work schedule may be required which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends and/or holidays. 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 $625/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 housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $600 to be used for eligible relocation expenses ($300 at beginning of term $300 at end of term).

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots and field clothing 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.

Qualifications

Required:

• 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 drivers license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). Likewise a refuge vehicle will be provided for refuge activities only but a personal vehicle is strongly recommended for getting around Gulf Shores.
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part criminal history check.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• High School Diploma
• Proficient in English
• Knowledge of natural sciences
• Ability to work in very hot humid and buggy conditions
• Willingness to work varying hours including weekends
• 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:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of an associates degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources biology ecology or a related subject.
• Knowledge of the USFWS mission.
• Experience leading environmental education programs.
• Experience accurately managing associated data.
• Experience conducting wildlife surveys.
• Basic GPS and GIS skills.
• Experience working with the public.
• Personal vehicle due to the nearest grocery store being approximately 8 miles from the provided housing.

Physical Demands Work Environment and Working Conditions: This position requires physical exertion such as walking long distances over wet and rough surfaces while carrying up to 40 lbs.; bending crouching stooping lifting or reaching. Hand and finger dexterity and physical coordination may involve fine and precise procedures delicate adjustments or exact measurements. conditions.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: Members may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold rocky terrain swamp or wetland conditions biting insects and potentially dangerous wildlife. South Alabama has average temperatures in the 80s-90s during the summer months. This individual placement will require much time outdoors in potentially hot potentially buggy conditions. 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 . Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE 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 with ACE is based upon ability qualifications attitude and job-related factors. Every qualified employee 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 creed sex gender national origin pregnancy ancestry citizenship status genetic information (including of a family member) veteran or military status age physical or mental disability sexual orientation gender identity or expression 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.