Visitor Services Member - Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Visitor Services Member – Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps, partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 1 Visitor Services Member to contribute to visitor services and environmental education projects under the mentorship of Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge staff.

Start Date: September 2026
Estimated End Date: June 2027
Commitment: 45 week minimum (approximately 1600 hours)

Location: Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Loleta, CA

The coastal habitats conserved at Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge are among the most beautiful and biologically rich places in the world. The Humboldt Bay NWR has several different units totaling almost 5,000 acres. These units consist of a mosaic of mudflats, estuarine eelgrass meadows, saltmarsh, brackish marsh, seasonally flooded freshwater wetlands, riparian wetlands, streams, coastal dunes, and forest, creating a unique complexity and interconnected landscape.

These habitats support more than 450 species of plants, over 316 species of birds, and 40 species of mammals. The majority of birds use the refuge as a stopover where they rest and replenish energy reserves. Others spend winter here, and some use the refuge for breeding and nesting. The wetlands around Humboldt Bay are critical to over half a million shorebirds during spring migration and have been designated a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network Site of Hemispheric Importance.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is 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 its mission at Humboldt Bay NWR. The Member will enhance visitor services, strengthen community engagement, and advance recreation opportunities across multiple National Wildlife Refuges in the Pacific Southwest Region.

Working primarily at Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, the Member will help deliver education programs, develop and implement a new volunteer program, and assist with day‑to‑day visitor interaction and education. This position is specifically designed to pilot long‑term program improvements—such as volunteer program growth and enhanced visitor outreach—that continue benefiting the refuge after the Member’s term ends.

• Welcome and answer visitor questions about recreation opportunities, wildlife viewing, habitats, and natural resources.
• Support the development and implementation of a Volunteer Trail Steward Program.
• Assist staff with public programs, community outreach, education activities, and special events.
• Conduct outreach that promotes responsible recreation and builds connections with public lands.
• Travel to National Wildlife Refuges in northern California and southern Oregon to support visitor services, community events, and regional teamwork.
• Gain experience with other refuge operations such as biology and habitat management as time allows.
• Facilitate professional development and networking opportunities with land management agencies and professionals.

Mon‑Fri, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm with occasional evenings or weekends. Bi‑weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule may be required, involving work performed outside normal hours. Time off may be granted upon approval through ACE and the FWS.

• Living allowance of $700/week for 40 hours/week to offset food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi‑weekly.
• Public Land Corps hiring authority upon completion of term and 640 hours of service.
• Housing:
  Provided FWS housing (private room in a shared house) at no cost for the duration of the term.
• Gear reimbursement up to $200 for eligible gear purchases approved by ACE staff.
• Provided training, orientation, and access to networks for support.

Required:

• Authorized to work in the United States; ACE does not sponsor employment visas.
• Professional, positive, enthusiastic presentation of ACE & partner organization.
• Self‑directed, capable of working alone, and a positive, contributing team member.
• Valid driver’s license and…