Maintenance & Biology Member – Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

Maintenance & Biology Member - Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a non‑profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 1 Maintenance & Biology Member to help with a wide array of wildlife‑related projects under the mentorship of Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Staff. During this term, the ACE member will work on meaningful conservation projects such as refuge maintenance duties, habitat management activities, invasive plant control, and biological monitoring.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: April 20, 2026 (start/end dates flexible)

Estimated End Date: July 11, 2026

Duration: a 12‑14 week minimum commitment is required*

Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Columbia, NC. The 110,000‑acre refuge conserves a rare type of wetland habitat, known as “pocosin.” It protects migratory birds and the unique pocosin wetlands. The refuge includes extensive wetlands, upland pine forests, and water‑fowl impoundments managed for moist soil wetlands and agricultural units. It is the site of one of the country’s largest wetland restoration projects, restoring natural hydrology to the pocosin peatlands, and provides habitat for endangered species such as the red wolf (Canis rufus) and red‑cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis).

• Trim brush, mow, and maintain refuge roads and trails.
• Assist with mowing lawns, upland trails, kiosk areas, and roads; install, repair, and replace signs along roads, trails, and refuge units.
• Clean and maintain water management infrastructure.
• Invasive species management.
• Install gates, signs, and other public use infrastructure.
• Maintain refuge vehicles, trailers, weed eaters, brush cutters, hand tools, lawn mowers, agricultural tractors, and various implements.
• Support hydrological and biological monitoring.
• Assist outreach coordinators with environmental education programs if needed.

This individual placement facilitates professional development, exposure to land management agencies, and networking with professionals.

Duties will primarily be carried out Monday‑Friday. Bi‑weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule may involve work outside of normal hours, including weekends and/or holidays. Time off may be granted with approval from ACE and the FWS.

• Living Allowance: The ACE member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi‑weekly.
• Housing: ACE member will be accommodated in provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term.
• Training/Orientation: Position‑specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies, prohibited activities, and support networks.
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for federal hiring authority upon completion of their term and 640 hours of service.

• Must be authorized to work in the United States; no sponsorship for visas.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to work independently and as a positive, contributing member of a group.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record (documentation required); must be 21+ to drive.
• Willing to undergo and pass the required two‑part criminal history check.
• Ability to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• High School Diploma.
• Proficient in English.
• Knowledge of natural sciences.
• Ability to work in very hot, humid, and buggy conditions.
• Willingness to work varying hours, including weekends.
• Completion of bi‑weekly timesheets, beginning‑of‑term feedback, end‑of‑term evaluations, and (for longer terms) a mid‑term evaluation.
• No participation in prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.

• Associate’s degree or relevant experience in natural resources, biology, ecology, or a related subject.
• Knowledge of the U.S. FWS mission.
• Experience with basic maintenance tasks (mowing,…