Bullfrog Removal Team Leader- Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Bullfrog Removal Team Leader
- Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking one Bullfrog Removal Team Leader for 2026 to contribute to an invasive bullfrog removal project alongside Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: Early February 2026

End Date: October 2026

38-week commitment required

Location: Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
- Black River Unit, Olympia, WA

The Black River Unit was established in 1996 and is managed as part of Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. It encompasses a large mosaic of wetland and riparian habitats and surrounding uplands along the Black River. The purpose of the Unit is to protect biological diversity, enhance and manage unique wetland and riparian ecosystems for the benefit of anadromous salmonid production and rearing, migratory and resident waterfowl, migratory neotropical birds, wading birds and other wetland-dependent wildlife.

The Black River is a tributary of the Chehalis River, the second largest watershed in Washington. The Unit's wetland habitats make up one of the largest, relatively undisturbed freshwater wetland systems remaining in all of Puget Sound. The river's diverse habitats include prairie oak woodlands, sphagnum bogs, wet prairies, alder bottoms and wetland conifer forests. The Unit contains spawning and rearing habitat and migration corridors for native trout and salmon.

At least 150 species of migratory birds, including waterfowl and neotropical songbirds, use the wetland and riparian habitats. It is also one of only a few places where the Oregon spotted frog is known to occur in Washington. The Oregon spotted frog is a State listed endangered species and Federally Threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

For more information about Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, iplease visit the FWS website.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. This position supports that mission at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge by contributing to Oregon spotted frog (Federally Threatened) conservation early in the season and leading nighttime bullfrog removal efforts later in the term.

From February through March, the Team Leader will work daytime hours alongside refuge biologists conducting Oregon spotted frog (OSF) surveys, habitat assessments, and early-season monitoring. In April, the focus continues on OSF monitoring and habitat evaluation across key wetland sites. In May, responsibilities begin transitioning toward preparation for the bullfrog season, including organizing and maintaining gear, preparing canoes/kayaks, checking access along the Black River, and staging equipment.

Nighttime bullfrog removal operations begin in June, during which the Team Leader will lead the two-person crew conducting nocturnal surveys and removals by canoe and on foot in areas where federally listed Oregon spotted frogs occur. The member will work closely with a Bureau of Indian Affairs Water Corps member and will complete all required training for safe and effective field operations.

Throughout the season, the member will also contribute to habitat mapping, data management, and additional invasive species monitoring as needed.

This individual placement is designed to facilitate professional development, providing exposure to refuge operations, experience in multiple conservation disciplines, and opportunities to collaborate and network with land-management professionals.

The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the following tasks:

• Assist refuge biologists with Oregon spotted frog surveys, habitat assessments, and early-season monitoring.
• Conduct daytime habitat assessments and mapping of OSF and bullfrog areas.
• Prepare for bullfrog season by…