Natural Resources Job Board

Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking one Member to contribute to a wildlife biology research project of big game populations (mule deer, oryx, desert bighorn sheep and barbary sheep) under the mentorship of wildlife biologists from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, White Sands Missile Range, and Fort Bliss.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website at usaconservation dot org.

Start Date: 08/11/2025
Estimated End Date: 12/13/2025
*a 18-week minimum commitment is required, approximately 720 hours*

Location Details/Description: San Andres National Wildlife Refuge, Las Cruces, New Mexico. The study area for the project includes San Andres National Wildlife Refuge, White Sands Missile Range and Fort Bliss. 

San Andres National Wildlife Refuge is part of the largest continuous and relatively undisturbed portion of the Chihuahuan Desert in the United States. Established in 1941 to conserve desert bighorn sheep, the refuge occupies 57,215 acres in the southern end of the San Andres Mountains in south-central New Mexico. Its steep terrain and isolated springs provide unique habitat for a variety of wildlife. The refuge serves as a natural laboratory for research and management projects. The refuge is home to desert bighorn sheep, oryx, mule deer, black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, gray fox, javelina, and a variety of migratory birds. San Andres National Wildlife Refuge has restricted access onto the refuge, for safety and security concerns. The refuge is completely surrounded by and accessed through the 2.2-million acre Department of Defense, Department of the Army, White Sands Missile Range, the largest military installations in the United States. Project work will occur on the 1.2-million acre Fort Bliss, also neighboring the Refuge.

For more information about San Andres 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 San Andres National Wildlife Refuge along with White Sands Missile Range and Fort Bliss. The member will assist field staff with a collaborative study on habitat use and abundance estimation of big game populations (mule deer, oryx, desert bighorn sheep, and barbary sheep) being conducted in southern New Mexico by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Defense, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, New Mexico State University, University of New Mexico, and U.S. Geological Survey. The overarching goal of the study is to predict potential changes in distribution ranges and abundance of big game populations. The study area includes San Andres National Wildlife Refuge, White Sands Missile Range and Fort Bliss. 

The member will assist project staff with establishing and maintaining remote camera arrays, data entry, data management and image classification. Responsibilities are subject to change depending on time of year. The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the following tasks:

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: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday - Friday.  Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. Individuals must be willing to work irregular hours (e.g., holidays, weekends, early and late mornings/evenings). Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval. 

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $500/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2024/25 grant year program, valued between $1,956.35 - $2,817.14 upon successful completion of a complete service term and the required hours.

Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.  

Qualifying Child Care Coverage: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage. Additional enrollment steps are required.  

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 at usaconservation dot org. 

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term. Some overnight camping may be required, (supplies provided), particularly for work on Fort Bliss.

Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $300 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. 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 includes work boots, rain gear, backpack, etc. and 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. Specific training may include UTV safety training, CPR/First Aid, and Defensive Driver’s training.

Scholarship Funding Opportunity: The selected candidate(s) for this position will be eligible to apply for ACE’s Access and Inclusion Scholarship. This is a $500 scholarship  which is intended to make participation in ACE positions more accessible to individuals who are underrepresented in the conservation field. Scholarship recipients will be able to allocate this funding to financial need(s) of their choosing. A limited number of scholarships are available. 

Qualifications 

Environmental Conditions/Hazards:  The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, biting insects, and dangerous wildlife such as venomous animals. The member should be physically comfortable with performing fieldwork in inclement weather and under strenuous conditions (hot, arid) in a mountainous desert ecosystem. 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 at usaconservation dot org. 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, Saige Ruleau.

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.