Youth Conservation Corps Crew Leader (Summer) Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Summary
American Conservation Experience a nonprofit Conservation Corps in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking TWO YCC Crew Leads to contribute to the Youth Conservation Corps program at the Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex under the mentorship of USFWS Staff.

Start Date: May 18th 2026
End Date: July 24th 2026
*a 10 week minimum commitment is required*
*Local candidates are encouraged to apply*

Location Details/Description: Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex - Lake Arthur LA

The Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex consists of four federal wildlife refuges located in southwest Louisiana: Cameron Prairie Sabine Lacassine and Shell Keys. Each of these national wildlife refuges was created to support protect and provide winter habitat for migratory waterfowl. The more than 184000 acres of land contained within boundaries of the four National Wildlife Refuges in southwest Louisiana supports numerous species of both plants and wildlife.

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.

The Youth Conservation Corps is a summer employment program for young people ages 16-18. Additionally some stations will have an adult team leader to work alongside the Corps members to guide and lead their daily work. Students work and learn as a team while engaged in environmental stewardship experiences.

The YCC focuses on youth development natural resource stewardship and conservation creating positive community involvement and career exploration. Programs are typically 8 weeks long from June through August. Participants gain a variety of experiences from biological monitoring to facilities maintenance and visitor services. Conducting biological monitoring surveys shadowing biologists landscaping sign maintenance trail construction and maintenance community engagement staffing a visitor center and assisting with educational programs are all examples of the types of experiences these Corps members may have depending on the refuge and the particular needs of the station.

Primary duties include:

• Assist refuge staff with program planning and development of youth activities and resources.
• Guide and direct youth members in all phases of work projects to ensure a positive YCC program experience.
• Model and adhere to safety protocols to ensure the safety of the group.
• Manage resources appropriately (time supplies vehicles equipment and personnel).
• Support special events and outreach activities to promote the refuge and its mission.
• Collect and report accurate and detailed project data as needed including: youth member timesheets evaluations and disciplinary forms. Please note that any disciplinary action will be the responsibility of USFWS staff not the Crew Lead.
• Communicate regularly with refuge staff to provide updates on youth crew accomplishments and challenges.
• Additional support as needed for the YCC program under the mentorship of FWS.

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: Typically Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm. Hours may vary slightly.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Team Leaders and Members are expected to contribute 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $700/week for Team Leaders 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.

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 for Team Leaders

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.
• Must have own personal vehicle for off-work transportation needs.
• Ability to guide YCC teens through various activities and projects in a safe manner.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing education and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as ecology natural resources environmental education biology etc.
• Enthusiasm for interacting with people. Experience in youth development programs and/or community building preferred.
• 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.

• This position requires time management skills to ensure that all tasks are completed within the scheduled work hours.
• Ability to tolerate high temperatures high humidity insect bites and wildlife encounters.

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.
• 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 20 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 noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• 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 FWS. 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 FWS Member Manager Shannon Borowy.

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 enrolled in a program 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.