Refuge Member, Coastal Delaware National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Overview

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking one Refuge Support Member to contribute to refuge management under the mentorship of Coastal Delaware National Wildlife Refuge Complex Staff. For more information about ACE, please visit usaconservation dot org.

Start Date: April 2026

Estimated End Date: April 2027

Location Details/

Description:

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge;
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Bombay Hook was established in 1937 and is a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and a Globally Important Bird Area. Prime Hook NWR protects over 10,000 acres of habitat along the western Delaware Bay marshes.

Bombay Hook NWR is located at 2591 Whitehall Neck Road, Smyrna, DE 19977. Prime Hook NWR is located at 12322 Turkle Pond Rd, Milton, DE 19968.

Position Overview: During this term, the ACE member will assist with refuge management activities by supporting maintenance, visitor services and biology programs. The primary tasks are visitor services related and include community outreach, volunteer coordination, invasive species management, vegetation management around headquarters, trails and observation decks/platforms. The member will work with refuge staff and friends groups to offer and promote environmental education programs, events, and outreach materials to the public.

The member will provide support under the guidance of FWS staff in the accomplishment of responsibilities such as:

• Completing assigned tasks related to information and data collection, acquisition, entry, organization and management
• Support the nesting shorebird program by performing monitoring, habitat data collection, predator monitoring, and maintaining equipment
• Maintaining areas around the visitor centers/contact stations, trails, and observation platforms/decks using hand tools, mowers and weed whackers
• Promote and maintain pollinator habitat by maintaining established pollinator gardens and working with volunteers to plant and maintain native plant gardens
• Conduct invasive species management and monitoring, including physical removal of invasive plants (hand pulling or with tools; no chainsaws)
• Conduct outreach, design visitor programs, and engage with the public
• Assist with maintenance tasks including trail maintenance, maintenance of visitor facilities, replacing signs, and other duties as assigned
• Assist with other refuge projects including biological surveys, refuge outreach events, and other refuge duties as assigned

This placement is designed to promote professional development and exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals, including opportunities to gain experience in different conservation fields and shadow different work groups.

Schedule: Duties are primarily Monday–Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The ACE Member will work 50% at Bombay Hook NWR and 50% at Prime Hook NWR (approx. 45 minutes apart). Some weekends may be required. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible schedule may be required, including work outside normal hours and on weekends/holidays. Time off may be granted with ACE and FWS approval.

Living Allowance: The ACE Member will contribute approximately 40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $650/week, dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Eligible for federal hiring authority upon completion of term and 640 hours of service. If the term duration does not provide 640 hours, total hours may be combined with another PLC-eligible term. PLC eligibility includes age and citizenship requirements. Please contact ACE staff with questions or view eligibility information on our website.

Housing: No housing is provided; member is responsible for housing.

Provided Training/Orientation: Position-specific training and orientation on ACE policies, prohibited activities, and support networks.

Gear Reimbursement: Up to $200 for eligible gear purchases (boots, socks, pants, etc.) with ACE staff approval prior to purchase.

Required:

• U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S.…