Biological Support Members Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Biological Support Members - Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Summary:

American Conservation Experience a nonprofit Conservation Corps in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is seeking 2 members to contribute to biological projects under the mentorship of refuge staff.

For more information about ACE please visit our website.

Start Date: April 2026

Estimated End Date: August 2026

*a 20-week minimum commitment is required approximately 800 hours*

Location Details/Description: Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Chincoteague Island VA

Located on the Indigenous homelands of the Pocomoke and Occohannock people Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge protects beach dune marsh and maritime forest habitats. Established in 1943 to protect migratory birds this refuge is now one of the most visited in the United States. This gem of Eastern Virginia is a birders paradise as well as the home of cultural treasures such as Assateague Lighthouse and the world famous Chincoteague ponies.

For more information 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 Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

• Censusing coastal nesting and migrating birds (piping plover American oystercatcher Wilsons plover least tern and red knot). Monitoring productivity from egg laying to fledging installing predator exclosures posting and maintaining symbolic fencing re-sighting and recording banded birds data entry and report writing.
• Conducting sea turtle nest vegetation and hydrology monitoring according to established protocols. Assist with invasive species monitoring and management as needed.
• Using ArcGIS Pro and desktop software to manage refuge inventory and monitoring data. Develop and manage Field Map and Survey123 projects to enhance data collection. Maintain data management protocols and ensure data quality and accuracy.

• Assisting with monitoring salt marsh response to restoration and grazing strategies.
• Assisting with marine mammal and sea turtle stranding response and other Refuge work (e.g. public outreach) as opportunities and interest allows.
• Conducting on-site interaction with a variety of audiences to convey key information about the needs of wildlife and compatible recreational uses.
• Assisting with the management of wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities such as wildlife observation wildlife photography recreational fishing.
• Daily truck and ATV cleaning and maintenance.

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: Duties will primarily be carried out 7am - 3:30pm five days a week. (5-8s). Bi-weekly totals typically will 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 $800/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. Agency housing is typically occupied by multiple interns and/or seasonal staff members simultaneously and features shared bedrooms with shared living dining and cooking areas. When residing in FWS provided-housing or on FWS lands strict adherence to site specific policies and/or regulations is required.

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots pants socks outerwear sunglasses 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 herbicide application Defensive Driver Safety Training and/or ATV/UTV.

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.
• Members 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 bachelors degree in wildlife biology natural resource management environmental science or other related discipline appropriate to this position.
• Knowledge of coastal plants and bird survey protocols and taxonomic and technical knowledge necessary to complete such surveys.
• Knowledge of coastal habitat management and restoration principals including understanding how climate drivers and land use affects ecosystem function.
• Strong data management and analysis skills and the ability to manage and interpret large datasets that span multiple years. Proficiency in R or similar advanced statistical analysis software.
• Strong GIS skills including knowledge of how to create and manage AGOL projects Field Maps and Survey123 for field data collection.
• Ability and willingness to walk approximately 5 miles per day carrying gear over sand.
• Ability and willingness to work with the public of all ages backgrounds and identities in an inclusive and professional manner regarding sensitive conservation issues.
• Ability and willingness to connect with and adapt messaging to a diversity of refuge user groups in a positive manner. This may include beachgoers birders anglers and hikers as well as first-time and repeat visitors.
• Experience leading and/or developing nature-based programs outreach campaigns or citizen science efforts.
• Deep interest in shorebird conservation public engagement and/or environmental education.

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 25 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.