Maintenance & Biology Member - Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge

Maintenance & Biology Member - Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge

Summary:

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 1 member to contribute to maintenance & biological projects under the mentorship of refuge staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

 

Start Date: December 21, 2026

Estimated End Date: May 29, 2027

*dates flexible; position will end 23 weeks after start date

 

Location Details/Description: Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, Cape Charles, VA

Lying at the tip of the Delmarva Peninsula, the Eastern Shore of Virginia and Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuges are part of a national system of lands managed to ensure the future of wildlife and its habitats. These refuges serve as one of the country's most valuable stopovers for migratory birds. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, the refuges include a variety of habitats such as maritime forest, shrub thickets, grasslands, beaches, and tidal wetlands. These habitats provide a vital link for millions of songbirds, raptors, shorebirds, and butterflies to rest and refuel before continuing the rigorous journey to their wintering grounds.

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 Eastern Shore of VA National Wildlife Refuge.

Specific tasks will include:

• Utilizes hand tools, mowers, tractors and skid steer type loaders to perform various maintenance activities. Assists in snow removal using hand tools, snow blowers, snowplows and tractor loaders.
• Prepares surfaces and paints interior and exterior of buildings using brush, roller or spray gun when work is completely outlined by supervisor, including materials, methods and tools to be used.
• Assists maintenance worker by lifting, carrying, holding materials and performing other related tasks in installing outdoor water systems, cleaning plugged water pipes and sewer lines, and in renovation of building interiors and the replacement of worn electric fixtures; performs minor and simple tasks in the removal and replacement of broken windowpanes and old roofs on buildings, warehouses, offices and dwellings.
• Washes and fuels vehicles, performs services such as checking fluid levels e.g., oil, water / coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission, and hydraulic. Checks tires, fan belts, hoses, lights, air filters, and similar items. Assists Supervisor with services and maintenance on systems such as battery maintenance, brake systems, oil changes, replacement of hoses, filters, fan belts, and lights.
• Assists in preventive and corrective maintenance on traditional and alternative (e.g.solar, geothermal) heating, refrigeration and air­ conditioning systems.
• Assists in machinery and equipment preventive maintenance to include cleaning, greasing, refilling of fluids, and rust prevention as instructed by immediate supervisor.
• Installs and maintains display panels, visitor information and traffic control signage, and exhibits to assist station visitors.
• Keeps work areas clean by sweeping, mopping, replacing tools used in work, etc.
• Identifies, maps, and helps in eradication of invasive plant species.
• Assists with biological monitoring.

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 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.

• 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.
• Ability to interpret oral and occasionally written instructions and specifications, follow safety practices, and provide relevant feedback.
• Skill in or ability to learn safe operation of various equipment and tools.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of an associate's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject.
• Knowledge of the USFWS mission.
• Experience with basic maintenance tasks (mowing, etc).
• Experience or willing to complete on the job training working with heavy equipment, such as agricultural tractors.
• Experience working with the public.

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 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 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 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.