Visitor Services Specialist Individual Placement-AmeriCorps

• Location Conservation Legacy,Austwell, TX, 77950,United States
• Job Category Conservation , Ameri Corps
• Employee Type Ameri Corps

Visitor Services Specialist Individual Placement – Ameri Corps

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

1 Wildlife Circle

• Start Date: 9/23/26
• End Date: 1/22/27
• Ameri Corps Slot Classification: 675 Hours

Ameri Corps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. Ameri Corps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities. Environmental stewardship programs help conserve natural habitats, improve energy efficiency, and protect clean air and water among other environmental efforts.

As part of Conservation Legacy and an Ameri Corps program, CCNM aims to continue the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930's. CCNM is focused on connecting youth, young adults, and recent era military veterans with conservation service projects on public lands. CCNM operates programs across New Mexico and Texas/Oklahoma that engage individuals and strengthen communities through service and conservation.

The CCNM Las Cruces office manages the Individual Placement Program.

These Individual Placements are unique development Ameri Corps positions. Participants are paired with a local supervisor and gain technical, hands‑on experience in the work of these organizations or agencies. Site supervisors commit to facilitate career development; introduce participants to numerous pathways within the conservation field; create meaningful learning opportunities; and provide technical, hands‑on experience in the work of these organizations or agencies.

Visitor Services provides facilities, programs, and experiences that support the National Wildlife Refuge System’s six wildlife‑dependent recreation activities: hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, interpretation, and environmental education. Using these guiding principles, Visitor Services offers meaningful opportunities for visitors to learn about the refuge’s wildlife and habitats through education, interpretation, and high‑quality recreational experiences.

The selected candidate will support the refuge with several key operations including assisting staff with visitor outreach, helping administer refuge hunts, delivering interpretive and education programs, and supporting daily visitor center tasks. In addition to mentorship provided by Visitor Services, the participant will have the opportunity to shadow other departments such as the Biology and Maintenance teams, attend staff meetings, and participate in community and partner‑based events.

These activities will provide real‑world exposure to agency operations, professional networking, and mentorship in support of the participants’ growth in the conservation field.

• Rove Public‑Use Trails and Visitor Areas
  • Monitor designated trails and public‑use areas for visitor safety, wildlife disturbances, and trail conditions.
  • Provide visitor assistance, directional support, and refuge information while roving.
  • Document maintenance needs, hazards, and public compliance issues; report to supervisor.
  • Take note of wildlife sightings, trail obstructions, and resource concerns for entry into appropriate logs.
• Support Environmental Education and Interpretive Programs
  • Assist staff with preparing and presenting educational programs to school groups, scouts, and visitors.
  • Set up program materials, greet participants, and help facilitate activities.
  • Assist with Junior Ranger program distribution and engagement.
  • Record program statistics and help evaluate visitor feedback.
• Visitor Center Operations and Guest Services
  • Manage the front desk, greet visitors, answer questions, and provide refuge orientation.
  • Distribute maps and regulations.
  • Maintain cleanliness of public areas and restock materials and brochures.
  • Track visitor counts and document notable questions or issues.
• Support Outreach and Community Engagement…