Youth Crew Lead - Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

Youth Crew Lead - Wheeler 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 the youth program under the mentorship of Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: May 18, 2026

Estimated End Date: July 24, 2026

* a 10 week minimum commitment is required, approximately 400 hours*

Location Details/

Description:

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, Decatur, Alabama

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is located in north Alabama within a rapidly developing landscape along the Tennessee River between Huntsville and Decatur. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge was established as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. A diversity of habitat types provide excellent feeding, resting, and roosting sites for 50,000 wintering waterfowl and 25,000 sandhill cranes , as well as nesting sites for neotropical migrant birds and many species of resident wildlife.

Although designated as a waterfowl refuge, the 35,000 acre refuge provides for a wide spectrum of wildlife. Its great diversity of habitat includes deep river channels, tributary creeks, tupelo swamps, open backwater embayments, bottom land hardwoods, pine uplands, and agricultural fields. The refuge is also home to 115 species of fish, 74 species of reptiles and amphibians, 47 species of mammals, 38 species of freshwater mussels, and 26 species of freshwater snails.

This project will contribute to a greater understanding of insect pollinator species that reside within the Wheeler Refuge system.

For more information about Wheeler NWR, please visit the FWS website.

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 Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.

The Youth program is a summer employment program for young people ages 16-18. Crew Leads will work alongside the youth members to guide and lead their daily work.

The program focuses on youth development, natural resource stewardship and conservation, creating positive community involvement and career exploration. Youth 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, and assisting with educational programs are all examples of the types of experiences these youth members may have depending on the refuge and the particular needs of the station.

The crew lead is responsible for guiding the youth in their daily tasks listed above and making sure that they complete assignments safely.

• 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.

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.

The work schedule will be an average of 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Hours may vary depending on the needs of the…