Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is seeking one Wildlife Refuge Support Member to contribute to a variety of visitor services projects under the mentorship of Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex Staff.
For more information about ACE, please visit our website.
Start Date: September 8, 2026
Estimated End Date*: February 23, 2027
*a 24-week minimum commitment is required, approximately 920 hours*
Location Details/Description: Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex, Willows, CA
The Sacramento NWR Complex includes five national wildlife refuges (Sacramento, Delevan, Colusa, Sutter, and Sacramento River NWRs) and three wildlife management areas (Butte Sink, Steve Thompson North Central Valley, and Willow Creek-Lurline WMAs). Complex headquarters and the visitor center are located at Sacramento NWR, where this position will primarily be based.
These refuges are located in the Sacramento Valley, part of California's Central Valley, a key wintering area for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway. The Complex manages wetland, upland, and riparian habitats that support waterfowl, other migratory birds, threatened and endangered species, and a variety of rare plants and invertebrates.
The Complex welcomes more than 200,000 visitors annually for wildlife observation, photography, and other outdoor recreation. It also provides some of the most popular public waterfowl hunting opportunities in California, serving nearly 30,000 hunters each year. A Friends organization supports refuge programs and operates the nature store in the visitor center.
For more information, visit the Sacramento NWRC website!
Position Overview: The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 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 USFWS realize that mission at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
During this term, the ACE member will support and assist, under the guidance and direction of USFWS staff the sustainment of high quality visitor services and public access areas. The incumbent will assist with completing various duties to support the visitor services program as needed. This position will provide a good overview of the work the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service does for wildlife.
This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promote exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals including refuge managers, biologists, administrative staff, maintenance staff, and others. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.
The member will provide support and assist under the guidance and direction of USFWS staff in the following tasks:
Principal duties will include:
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Assist with wetland management activities, including monitoring water deliveries and water levels to support migratory birds, other wildlife, and wetland habitat objectives.
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Assist with habitat management and restoration projects, including invasive plant control, mowing, spraying, disking, weed trimming, and other vegetation management activities.
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Operate tractors, UTVs, backhoes, mowers, and other equipment and attachments to support habitat management, maintenance, and restoration projects. If assigned to operate equipment, training will be provided.
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Assist with maintaining wetlands, levees, water control structures, canals, roads, trails, hunt blinds, and other refuge infrastructure.
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Assist with routine and preventative maintenance and servicing of vehicles, tractors, tools, and equipment, including inspections and basic preventative maintenance.
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Help maintain visitor facilities and grounds, including kiosks, signs, trails, parking areas, bulletin boards, and other public-use facilities.
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Support refuge hunting programs through hunter communications, check station operations, special hunts, mobility-impaired hunting access, and pre-season preparation of hunt facilities and infrastructure.
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Assist with volunteer events and other public-use programs.
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Assist with a variety of field projects, maintenance activities, and other tasks as assigned.
Secondary Duties will include:
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Staff the visitor center front desk, including opening and closing the facility, greeting visitors, and providing information about refuge programs and recreational opportunities.
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Assist visitors with purchasing digital auto tour passes.
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If assigned, answer visitor phone calls, voicemails, and emails, or direct messages to refuge staff.
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Assist with activities and events at the visitor center, trails, wildlife observation areas, and off-site locations.
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Maintain visitor center displays, brochure racks, kiosks, and informational materials throughout the refuge complex.
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Collect and enter visitor-use data, including traffic counter information and visitor counts.
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Help keep visitor facilities, including public restrooms, stocked, clean, and welcoming between scheduled janitorial services.
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Assist with other projects and tasks as assigned.
Schedule: Duties will often be carried out between 7:00 am and 4:00 pm Pacific, Monday through Friday primarily, 5 days/week (i.e. 5/8s, but may include weekends and hours outside of regular schedule). During waterfowl hunting season, early morning start times on some days are anticipated, depending on refuge needs. Weekend visitor center front desk duties are anticipated. Supervisor and member will collaborate on setting the work schedule. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule will be required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the USFWS for approval.
Position Benefits
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $850/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 USFWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term. The housing for this ACE member will be a private bedroom within the on-site bunkhouse at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. The bunkhouse contains a kitchen with appliances, shared living room/lounge, restrooms and showers, and a shared laundry room. Housing rules and regulations will be provided.
Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have up to $1,000 to be used for eligible relocation expenses to be split at the beginning and end of the term. Eligible relocation expenses for this position include mileage, hotels, meals, etc., and must have a receipt for reimbursement. Additional expenses must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.
Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position 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 defensive driving if driving a government vehicle and Information Management and Technology training for computer access.
Qualifications
Required:
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
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A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record, and ability to provide (documentation upon request). Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.
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Knowledgeable in water and vegetation management.
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Commitment to completing tasks thoroughly and on time.
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Ability to complete tasks independently and work well in a team.
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Ability and interest in working in the field with variable weather conditions and ability to lift 40 lbs and walk long distances over uneven, wet surfaces.
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Must be willing to represent ACE and the USFWS in a professional, positive and enthusiastic manner.
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A personal vehicle is required for off-duty hours due to the distance of housing to stores and businesses.
Education:
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High school diploma or GED.
Preferred:
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Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a Bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology, horticulture, or a related subject. A combination of relevant education and appropriate experience is also acceptable. Resumes must contain enough information to show that the applicant meets the experience as defined in the position announcement.
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Experience and training in operating tractors and other construction equipment
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Experience operating and maintaining tractors and/or other farm equipment
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Experience managing water/vegetation for conservation or agricultural purposes
Please note: Marijuana and other controlled substances are not allowed at any time during the performance of duties or while on federal property, regardless of State law or qualified medical marijuana card status.
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.
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Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
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Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 40 lbs. 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.
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Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. When indoors, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
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Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as heavy equipment and power tools.
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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, 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 USFWS for official use only. Prior to operating a government vehicle, a free Defensive Driving course is required. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the USFWS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the USFWS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to USFWS 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 ACE's 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 USFWS Member Manager Ian McGufficke.
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.
