Maintenance Support Member - National Elk Refuge

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 1 Member(s) to contribute to maintenance projects under the mentorship of National Elk Refuge Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: October 2026

Estimated End Date: April/May 2027

*a 28 week minimum commitment is required*

Location Details/Description: National Elk Refuge, Jackson, WY

Located in the heart of the 22-million acre Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the National Elk Refuge provides critical habitat for a number of species, including elk, bison, pronghorn, swans, eagles, and trout. The landscape of the Refuge is primarily glacial outwash plain and rolling hills with a narrow, winding river. The Refuge is surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountain Ranges.

For more information about the National Elk Refuge, 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 the National Elk Refuge. This position will support maintenance at the National Elk Refuge by assisting with a variety of hands‑on projects that help keep refuge facilities and grounds safe, functional, and welcoming for visitors and wildlife. Duties may include performing basic repairs, maintaining trails and public‑use areas, supporting winter operations such as snow removal or equipment checks, monitoring infrastructure for wear or damage, and helping staff with routine upkeep of buildings, vehicles, and tools. The role provides valuable exposure to refuge operations while contributing directly to the stewardship of this important landscape.

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: Generally Mon-Fri, 8:00am - 4:30pm. When feeding begins or we get heavy snow, early morning and weekend work will be required.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $700/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.

Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have up to $500 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 includes, winter coat, winter boots, socks, insulated pants, 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 UTV/ATV Training and Heavy Equipment Operation.

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.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can have relevant experience in subject areas such as maintenance, facilities work, natural resources, or conservation‑related trades (habitat restoration, trail maintenance, construction assistance, and equipment support).
• Ability and willingness to perform physical, outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and desire to learn from experienced maintenance and refuge staff.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and operate tools or equipment with training.
• Comfort working independently under supervision once trained.
• Effective communication skills and comfort working as part of a team across refuge programs (maintenance, biology, visitor services, etc.)

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. 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 50 lbs., ability to move up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• 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 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 and biological vectors. 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, 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 enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.