Habitat Management Members - Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge

American Conservation Experience, a non‑profit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 2 Habitat Management Members to assist with habitat management and maintenance projects under the mentorship of Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) staff.

• Start Date: April/May 2026 (flexible)
• Estimated End Date: February/March 2027 (flexible)
• Minimum commitment of 44 weeks required

Tensas River NWR, Tallulah, LA – established in 1980 to preserve one of the largest privately owned tracts of bottom land hardwoods in the Mississippi Delta. The refuge hosts over 400 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, including the state’s largest population of the Louisiana black bear, formerly listed as endangered.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. This role supports those goals at Tensas River NWR by assisting with habitat management projects, removal of beavers, hogs, and invasive plants, and participation in forestry and biological projects.

• Removal of wildlife such as beavers and hogs
• Invasive plant removal and control
• Maintaining facilities and public access
• Property boundary maintenance
• Trail maintenance
• Biological and habitat inventories
• Habitat management
• Assistance with Hunt Program

Duties will primarily be carried out Monday‑Friday (6:30 am‑4 pm), with every other Friday off. Bi‑weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule may be required, including over 8‑hour days, work on weekends and/or holidays. Time off may be granted with approval from ACE and FWS.

• Living Allowance: $630 per week for food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi‑weekly.
• Housing: Provided FWS housing at no cost for the term.
• Gear Reimbursement: Up to $200 for approved gear purchases.
• Training/Orientation: Position‑specific training and an orientation covering ACE policies, prohibited activities, and support networks. Includes firearm, heavy machinery, UTV/ATV, chainsaw, and Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC).

Members may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of service and 640 hours. Eligibility requirements include age (16‑30; veterans up to 35) and citizenship. For eligibility information, contact ACE staff or visit usaconservation.org.

• U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• Professional representation of ACE and partner organization
• Self‑directed and cooperative team member
• Valid driver’s license with insurable record; must be 21+ to drive
• Willing and able to undergo criminal history checks
• Ability to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation
• Completion of bi‑weekly timesheets, feedback forms, end‑term evaluations, and mid‑term evaluation for longer terms
• Adherence to Member Service Agreement prohibitions
• For more eligibility details, visit our website.

• Bachelor’s degree or pursuit in Wildlife Biology, Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Environmental Studies, or related field and/or relevant experience
• Knowledge and experience with habitat, forest, or wildlife management
• Experience with trapping (beaver, hogs, or other wildlife)
• Deep interest in USFWS and/or invasive species management

• Physical exertion: walking long distances over wet, rough surfaces while carrying up to 40 lbs; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting, and reaching.
• Vision requirements: close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception.
• Weight lifted: up to 40 lbs frequently.
• Environmental: outdoor and indoor conditions, including adverse weather and varied climates.
• Noise: moderate to high (gas‑powered chainsaws, hand and power tools).
• Travel: no unique travel required.

The ACE member(s) may encounter extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. Duties must be performed safely and orderly.