Energy and Minerals Member - Sabine NWR​/Cameron Prairie NWR

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 data projects under the mentorship of USFWS Staff.

Start Date:

July/August 2026 (flexible)

Estimated End Date:
April/May 2027

a 38 week minimum commitment is required, approximately 1520 hours

Sabine National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Hackberry, Louisiana – occupies the marshes between Calcasieu and Sabine Lakes in Southwest Louisiana, containing a diversity of habitats including salt marsh, canals, lakes, and bayous. Active oil and gas operations occur within the Refuge, including over 100 miles of pipeline and 11 active oil and gas wells, reflecting the complex mix of conservation and industrial use in the region.

Cameron Prairie NWR, Bell City, Louisiana – serves as the Headquarters for the Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex (SWLA NWRC) and hosts the Visitor Center with public information and educational exhibits. The Refuge contains a mix of coastal marsh, freshwater marsh, and managed waterfowl impoundments.

Lake Charles is approximately 45 minutes away from both Sabine and Cameron Prairie NWRs and offers many housing, dining, and recreation options.

The primary responsibilities of this role include collecting, organizing, digitizing, and managing energy-related data. This work involves reviewing historical records and conducting field inspections and assessments of orphaned, abandoned, and active wells, pipelines, and other oil and gas infrastructure on Refuge lands.

This position will also assist Refuge staff with the following:

• Assistance with the SWLA NWRC Oil and Gas Program, which includes site visits to ensure compliance, responding to oil spills, and providing recommendations for cleanup and mitigation.
• Using ArcGIS, Excel, and other GIS or data management platforms to support research, field data collection, map development, and the management of geospatial information.
• Conducting field assessments and inspections of active oil and gas infrastructure.
• Supporting emergency response efforts related to oil spills and assisting with spill response activities.
• Assistance with permitting for various activities, including oil and gas projects, research projects, marsh restoration projects, and general special use activities.
• Preparing documentation and permits required under NEPA and other federal regulations.
• Participating in programs related to habitat conservation and refuge resource management to support the refuge complex.
• Supporting maintenance needs across the SWLA NWRC, including litter cleanup, weed cutting, mowing, and herbicide applications.
• Providing limited staffing and operational support for the Cameron Prairie NWR Visitor Center.

This placement facilitates professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals, providing opportunities to gain experience in conservation fields and shadow different work groups.

Duties will primarily be carried out Monday - Friday (7:30 am‑4 pm). 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.

• Living Allowance: Expected to contribute ~40 hrs/week and will receive a living allowance of $805/week to offset food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi‑weekly.
• Housing Reimbursement: Up to $125/week for housing expenses, with details provided during the interview process.
• Gear Reimbursement: Up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases such as boots, pants, socks, outerwear, etc., with prior approval from ACE staff.
• Housing: The member is responsible for housing; it is not provided by ACE or FWS.
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members may be eligible for federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service.
• Provided Training/Orientation: Position‑specific training…