National Wildlife Refuge Support Member - Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge

National Wildlife Refuge Support Member - Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge

Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking ONE National Wildlife Refuge Support Member to contribute to wildlife refuge projects and operations under the mentorship of Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: 05/18/2026 (flexible)
Estimated End Date: 05/15/2027
*a 52 week minimum commitment is required*

Location Details/Description: Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, Swanquarter, North Carolina

Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge features the largest natural freshwater lake in North Carolina, Lake Mattamuskeet, as well as marshes, swamp forests, and upland forests. The refuge supports large numbers of wintering waterfowl, as well as a variety of breeding songbirds, mammals such as black bear and bobcat, and other wildlife. Fishing, birding, photography, and hunting are popular recreational activities.

Rich in history and outdoor traditions, Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge is well-known as a significant resource for wintering waterfowl in the Atlantic flyway, supporting over 50% of all waterfowl that migrate through or over-winter in the state.

For more information about Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, please visit the FWS website. 

Position Overview: The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is working with others 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 that mission at Mattamuskeet NWR. 

The National Wildlife Refuge support position at Mattamuskeet NWR will provide a well-rounded experience in the natural resource field. The member will work as part of a small team to help manage the Refuge and assist with planning and implementation of the Lake Mattamuskeet Watershed Restoration Plan.  The member will work with a team of experts to conduct water quality monitoring efforts within the lake and watershed, assist with collecting information on hydrology and evaluating projects to reduce nutrient and sediment loading in the lake.  The member will also be involved in more routine refuge management activities such as conducting biological surveys, trails maintenance, public programs, and administrative tasks.

Duties Include:

• Management/Administrative duties (30%)
  • Assist with implementation of the Lake Mattamuskeet Watershed Restoration Plan 
  • Respond to data requests and reports
  • Complete environmental assessments and endangered species evaluations for proposed projects
  • Participate in waterfowl habitat management
• Biological monitoring and wildlife surveys (40%)
  • Collect water samples and water monitoring data
  • Conduct waterfowl and shorebird surveys
  • Vegetation surveys
  • Help administer carp removal and exclusion project
  • Assist with experimental projects to improve water quality and restore lake vegetation 
• Facility Maintenance (20%)
  • Assist other staff with maintenance and habitat management projects
  • Invasive plant control (mapping and herbicide application) 
  • Mowing/trimming
  • Routine building maintenance
• Public Use and Environmental outreach (10%)
  • Assist with public outreach activities by preparing materials and/or formally or informally responding to requests for information.
  • Participate in outreach events

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. Typical work schedule is Monday - Friday (8:00 am- 4:30pm). A flexible work schedule will be required, as work will take place on weekends and some federal holidays and may include early start times for some activities. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $700/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing:  ACE members will be accommodated in provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have up to $1,000 to be used for eligible relocation expenses to be split at the beginning and end of the term. Eligible relocation expenses for this position include mileage, hotels, meals, etc., and must have a receipt for reimbursement. Additional expenses must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase. 

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Additional training may include USFWS Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC), UTV/ATV training, etc.

Qualifications 

Required:

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas. 
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. 
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE’s insurance and liability requirements.
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks 
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation. 
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website. 

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing an associate's degree or higher, and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology, environmental education, interpretation, or a related subject.
• Knowledge of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mission, North Carolina wildlife and plant species (native and/or non native), basic GPS and GIS, operating trucks, and working with the public. 
• Ability and willingness to apply herbicide on invasive plants, work outdoors, and work in remote locations.
• Deep interest in wildlife and natural resources management.
• Ability to operate small watercraft and/or receive training on motorboat operation
   

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires physical exertion such as walking long distances over wet and rough surfaces while carrying up to 40 lbs.; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching. Hand and finger dexterity and physical coordination may involve fine and precise procedures, delicate adjustments or exact measurements.  
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 25 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
• Travel: This position does not require unique travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources. North Carolina has average temperatures in the 80's-90's during the summer months and 40’s-50’s in the winter months. This position will require extended time outdoors, in hot, humid, and buggy conditions. Field work is often done in remote areas, including wetlands. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the FWS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the FWS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the FWS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to FWS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.  

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE’s online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC FWS Member Manager, Cait Dunne.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO:  Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.