Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking one member to contribute to energy projects under the mentorship of USFWS Staff.
For more information about ACE, please visit our website.
Start Date: August 2026 (flexible)
Estimated End Date: April 2027
*a 34 week minimum commitment is required, approximately 1360 hours*
Location Details/Description: Natural Resource Program Center (NRPC), Fort Collins, Colorado
The National Wildlife Refuge System brings together an interdisciplinary team that helps managers make informed, science-based decisions. By integrating expertise from wildlife biology and environmental science, this team tackles the complex challenges facing refuges across the country. The science programs are administered by the Natural Resource Program Center (NRPC) in Fort Collins, Colorado - a unique hub where multiple federal agencies share research operations and facilities.
For more information about NRPC, please visit the FWS website.
Position Overview: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) works with partners to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. At the NRPC, you will play an important role in advancing this mission. You will support refuge managers and scientists by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data that guide decisions about energy development and habitat restoration on public lands.
This position blends field experience, data analysis, geospatial work, and policy-relevant environmental science. Key responsibilities include:
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Reviewing historical records and conducting field inspections of abandoned and active wells, pipelines, and other oil and gas infrastructure on refuge lands.
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Using ArcGIS and Excel to support research, map development, and field data collection.
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Identifying and documenting energy-related impacts on wildlife habitat and refuge ecosystems.
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Contributing to plugging, reclamation, and habitat restoration plans.
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Supporting national programs that track energy development across the National Wildlife Refuge System.
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Building relationships with refuge staff, regional partners, and external collaborators as part of the Service's national orphan well program.
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Participating in broader wildlife, habitat conservation, and resource management activities to support science-based planning across the refuge system.
This internship is designed to jumpstart your career in conservation. You will gain exposure to multiple fields, from geospatial science and petroleum engineering to wildlife biology and land management. You will shadow experts, learn from interdisciplinary teams, and build a professional network within FWS and partner organizations. Whether your interests lie in ecology, GIS, environmental restoration, or energy policy, this placement offers hands-on experience that builds technical skills and deepens your understanding of real-world conservation challenges.
Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday - Friday (7:30am-4pm). 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 over 8-hour work days and working 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 $805/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
Housing Reimbursement: ACE members will receive up to $125/week reimbursement for housing expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.
Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members 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: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or FWS.
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, 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. Members may also receive training on equipment operation, sampling and survey instrumentation, defensive driving, and any necessary site-specific training.
Qualifications
Required:
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Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
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Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
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Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
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A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.
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Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
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Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
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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.
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Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
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To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.
Preferred:
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Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, earth science, etc.
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Demonstrated GIS skills
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Experience with data manipulation in Excel
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Ability to work independently and communicate well verbally and in writing
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Ability to conduct field work on refuges that may include hiking off trails in a variety of terrain and weather conditions
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.
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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 20 lbs., ability to move up to 40 pounds.
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Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
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Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools
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Travel: This position does not 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 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 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 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.
