Youth Conservation Corps Crew Leader; Summer - Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is seeking TWO YCC Crew Leads to contribute to the Youth Conservation Corps program at the Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex under the mentorship of USFWS Staff.

May 18th, 2026

July 24th, 2026

* a 10 week minimum commitment is required
* Local candidates are encouraged to apply*

Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex - Lake Arthur, LA

The Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex consists of four federal wildlife refuges located in southwest Louisiana:
Cameron Prairie, Sabine, Lacassine, and Shell Keys. Each of these national wildlife refuges was created to support, protect, and provide winter habitat for migratory waterfowl. The more than 184,000 acres of land contained within boundaries of the four National Wildlife Refuges in southwest Louisiana supports numerous species of both plants and wildlife.

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.

The Youth Conservation Corps is a summer employment program for young people ages 16-18. Additionally, some stations will have an adult team leader to work alongside the Corps members to guide and lead their daily work. Students work and learn as a team while engaged in environmental stewardship experiences.

The YCC focuses on youth development, natural resource stewardship and conservation, creating positive community involvement and career exploration. Programs are typically 8 weeks long from June through August. 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, staffing a visitor center and assisting with educational programs are all examples of the types of experiences these Corps members may have depending on the refuge and the particular needs of the station.

• 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.
• Additional support as needed for the YCC program under the mentorship of FWS.

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.

Typical Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm. Hours may vary slightly.

The ACE Team Leaders and Members are expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $700/week for Team Leaders to offset the cost of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

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 is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or FWS.

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 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…