Biology Support Member Sevilleta NWR

Summary

American Conservation Experience a nonprofit Conservation Corps in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is seeking one (1) member to contribute to the invasive ungulate project and other biological monitoring under the mentorship of Sevilleta NWR Staff.

For more information about ACE please visit our website.

Start Date: March 16 2026

Estimated End Date: September 26th 2026*

*a 28 week minimum commitment is required*

Location Details/Description: Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge La Joya New Mexico

Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System in the lower 48 states. The 230000-acre refuge includes four different biomes that intersect and support a wide array of biological diversity. The Rio Grande flows through the center of the refuge and serves as an important source of water that creates an oasis for wildlife in the arid landscape. The refuge is unique in that it was set aside to preserve and enhance the integrity and the natural character of the ecosystems of the property by creating a wildlife refuge managed as nearly as possible in its natural state. The refuge is not managed for specific wildlife species but instead focuses on letting natural processes such as flood and fire to prevail. For more information about Sevilleta NWR please visit the USFWS website

Position Overview: The primary purpose of this position is to remove the invasive ungulate species from Sevilleta NWR but it will also include some work on invasive plant control habitat restoration and support for the refuges biological program in general. The member in this position will work directly with the Refuge Biologist to inventory the population size and distribution of Cattle Horses and Oryx on the refuge and create a plan to remove those animals and prevent their re-invasion. They will lead the NEPA compliance process and then work with local ranchers (for cattle) the Bureau of Land Management (for Horses) and NM Department of Game and Fish (for Oryx) to carry out the removal of the animals. They will build repair and improve the refuges perimeter fences to exclude invasive ungulates but allow native wildlife such as deer elk and pronghorn to pass. Likewise they will help design and build exclosures to keep invasive ungulates out of sensitive springs. They will help make these fences resistant to washout during the Monsoon season. Invasive plant control will be focused on habitat restoration sites for endangered species such as the Rio Grand Silvery Minnow Yellow-billed Cuckoo and SW Willow Flycatcher. Some invasive plant species of concern are Ravenna grass and Salt Cedar.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Duties will be carried out primarily Monday through Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm. During summer months it may be preferable to work outside during earlier hours to avoid the heat of the day. 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 $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 (You must be between the ages of 16 and 30. Some agencies also interpret these guidelines to include veterans up to age 35) 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.

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 ORUV fence construction herbicide applicator plant identification and biological survey training.

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.

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 located on our Indeed homepage.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a Bachelors degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as biological sciences or natural resources.
• Knowledge of fence construction the NEPA processwildlife management techniques and invasive ungulates.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in hot and cold weather.
• Deep interest in conservation and natural resource management.

Physical Demands Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Entails hiking in rugged terrain stooping kneeling crouching carrying heavy fencing materials and tool and computer use.
• Vision Requirements: The ability to count animals through binoculars or a scope
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 35 lbs. ability to move up to 75 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 heavy equipment and power tools.
• Travel: This position does not require 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 website. Early 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 Member Manager Mac Utter.

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.