Maintenance Member, Modoc 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 Maintenance Member to contribute to road and water control system maintenance projects under the mentorship of Modoc NWR Staff.

For more information about ACE please visit our website.

Start Date: March 13th 2026

Estimated End Date: November 13th 2026

*a 35-week minimum commitment is required

Location Details/Description: Modoc National Wildlife Refuge Alturas California

The 7021-acre Modoc NWR is located along the South Fork of the Pit River in Modoc County southeast of the town of Alturas in extreme northeastern California. The refuge is located on the western edge of the Great Basin a high elevation cold desert environment. The refuge consists of wetland wet meadow reservoir riparian sagebrush-steppe and cropland habitats.

The refuge is part of a larger complex of mid-elevation wetlands and lakes of northeastern California and is strategically situated to meet the needs of waterfowl and other migratory birds of the Pacific Flyway. Modoc NWR acts as a migration and staging area for ducks geese and other wetland birds on the southward migration funnel into this region. After feeding and resting on the refuge they continue to the Central and Imperial Valleys of California and other wintering areas. This pattern is reversed in the spring. The refuges wetlands and adjacent uplands are also an important nesting area for ducks geese greater sandhill cranes and other species of marsh birds.

For more information about Modoc National Wildlife Refuge 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 Modoc NWR.

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.

The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the following tasks:

• Road and berm maintenance and repair
• Manipulating large dams and installing water control structures
• Cleaning out and manipulating water control structures to irrigate units
• Operate a tractor forklift backhoe and skid steer with various attachments
• May assist with treating invasive plant population with herbicide

Schedule: Duties will typically be carried out between 7:00am and 3:30pm Pacific Monday - Friday typically 5 days/week (5/8s). Work hours may vary. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. 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 $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. The Modoc National Wildlife Refuge is located in remote Northeast California off of Highway 395. It is near the town of Alturas where basic amenities can be accessed.

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes outerwear rain gear backpack work boots 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 will include USFWS ATV/UTV training.

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).
• 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
• Must take all measures possible to ensure the safety of yourself and others and understand all safety precautions involved.
• Effective oral and written communication skills with all ages and diverse audiences.
• Ability to speak to the public.
• Ability to operate independently and in remote areas.
• Competent in Microsoft Office.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements please visit our website.

Physical Demands Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires physical exertion such as hiking long distances over hot wet and rough terrain while carrying up to 40 lbs. bending crouching stooping lifting reaching talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment and may involve fine and precise procedures delicate adjustments or exact measurements.
• 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 40 lbs. ability to move up to 40 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. When indoor office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as hand and power tools. Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold rocky terrain 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. Modoc National Wildlife Refuge is a wetland oasis situated in a high and dry climate on the edge of the Great Basin. Summer temperatures can vary between high 90s to 50s during the summer days. The heat and humidity around California can be intense and hot humid outdoor conditions can be expected.

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.