American Conservation Experience
Invasive Plant Strike Team Crew Leader (Traveling) - Midwest/Mingo National Wild
American Conservation Experience, Puxico, Missouri, United States, 63960
Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking ONE Crew Leader to contribute to the traveling invasive plant strike team under the mentorship of FWS Staff.
For more information about ACE, please visit our website.
Start Date Late March 2026 (flexible)
Estimated End Date Late September 2026 (flexible, with a 26-week term commitment)
26-week minimum commitment is required, approximately 1040 hours*
Location Details/Description This position is based out of Mingo National Wildlife Refuge (Puxico, MO) but will be traveling with a team across various USFWS locations across the Midwest.
Examples of travel locations may include but are not limited to:
Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge
Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge
Illinois River National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Big Muddy National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge consists of 21,592 acres of bottomland hardwood forest, cypress‑tupelo swamp, marsh and upland forest ecosystems. The refuge is managed for wildlife habitat and people. The primary purpose of the refuge is to provide food and shelter for migratory waterfowl and to protect the bottomland hardwood forest.
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge provides a number of great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The mixture of bottomland forests, wetlands and swamps creates great waterways for canoeing and kayaking, and has miles of wildlife drives, a variety of hiking trails, and prime locations for hunting and fishing.
For more information, 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 Mingo NWR and other wildlife refuges.
Primary Duties
Guiding and assisting ACE members with invasive plant and native plant species fieldwork management techniques and protocols
Guiding and assisting ACE members with performing biological projects/surveys as needed and assists in collecting inventory data
Willing to remove invasive plant species by hand and by herbicide application
Conducting forest/plant inventories including GPS and GIS technology and the integrated application of forest management software
Collecting ecological and timber‑related forest metrics to develop timber‑harvest prescriptions
Marking timber, harvest planning, monitoring and evaluation
Support Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) work, such as treating midstory trees via hack and squirt
Compiles maps of forest and woodland areas
Provides assistance in identifying needed forestry and biological improvement projects
Uses instruments to take measurements
Assisting with performing biological projects/surveys as needed and assists in collecting inventory data
Secondary Duties
Providing forestry information for public materials and participates in informational and/or environmental education programs to individuals, local organizations and schools
Assisting refuge staff with general tasks around the duty station/office related to core position functions
Professional Development 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, typically 5 days/week, with flexible scheduling between primary hours. Bi‑weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule may be required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends and/or holidays. 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 $850/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.
Gear Reimbursement ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, sturdy pants, socks, outerwear, 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 chainsaw or ATV/UTV use.
Qualifications Required
Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
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
This position requires adaptability, as work plans can change at the last minute. Ideal candidates will be able to multitask and shift priorities to meet changing conditions
Ability to work in a team environment and travel frequently
Additional Crew Lead Requirements
Previous field lead experience and/or relevant outdoor leadership experience
Willingness and flexibility to transition quickly with changing priorities day to day
Strong communication skills. Driven to seek out clarification and answers when necessary and convey plans and priorities to the crew to promote safety, productivity, and efficiency
Ability to work as part of a team to meet project goals, as well as independently to complete survey tasks
Preferred
Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in forestry, wildlife management, or other relevant subject areas such as ecology or natural resource management
Previous experience or a strong interest in learning about forestry procedures/policies, habitat management, and/or wildlife management
Ability to identify plants and distinguish invasive plants from native plants and willingness to learn
Ability and willingness to acquire a state pesticide applicator's license which requires a standardized test. (You will be provided time to prepare and study for the exam)
Ability to work to work independently or a team, and accept guidance from supervisors and other refuge staff
Willingness to work in field conditions which will include insects, heat, humidity, rain, etc.
Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions
Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other field equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions
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 40 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. Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic
Travel This position may require frequent domestic 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. Application and mixing of herbicides will be a requirement of this position. 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 the online application page for this position. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please contact ACE EPIC FWS Member Manager, Shannon Borowy.
We want to hear from you! If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!
E-Verify & EEO Statement ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
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.
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For more information about ACE, please visit our website.
Start Date Late March 2026 (flexible)
Estimated End Date Late September 2026 (flexible, with a 26-week term commitment)
26-week minimum commitment is required, approximately 1040 hours*
Location Details/Description This position is based out of Mingo National Wildlife Refuge (Puxico, MO) but will be traveling with a team across various USFWS locations across the Midwest.
Examples of travel locations may include but are not limited to:
Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge
Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge
Illinois River National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Big Muddy National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge consists of 21,592 acres of bottomland hardwood forest, cypress‑tupelo swamp, marsh and upland forest ecosystems. The refuge is managed for wildlife habitat and people. The primary purpose of the refuge is to provide food and shelter for migratory waterfowl and to protect the bottomland hardwood forest.
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge provides a number of great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The mixture of bottomland forests, wetlands and swamps creates great waterways for canoeing and kayaking, and has miles of wildlife drives, a variety of hiking trails, and prime locations for hunting and fishing.
For more information, 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 Mingo NWR and other wildlife refuges.
Primary Duties
Guiding and assisting ACE members with invasive plant and native plant species fieldwork management techniques and protocols
Guiding and assisting ACE members with performing biological projects/surveys as needed and assists in collecting inventory data
Willing to remove invasive plant species by hand and by herbicide application
Conducting forest/plant inventories including GPS and GIS technology and the integrated application of forest management software
Collecting ecological and timber‑related forest metrics to develop timber‑harvest prescriptions
Marking timber, harvest planning, monitoring and evaluation
Support Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) work, such as treating midstory trees via hack and squirt
Compiles maps of forest and woodland areas
Provides assistance in identifying needed forestry and biological improvement projects
Uses instruments to take measurements
Assisting with performing biological projects/surveys as needed and assists in collecting inventory data
Secondary Duties
Providing forestry information for public materials and participates in informational and/or environmental education programs to individuals, local organizations and schools
Assisting refuge staff with general tasks around the duty station/office related to core position functions
Professional Development 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, typically 5 days/week, with flexible scheduling between primary hours. Bi‑weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule may be required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends and/or holidays. 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 $850/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.
Gear Reimbursement ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, sturdy pants, socks, outerwear, 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 chainsaw or ATV/UTV use.
Qualifications Required
Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
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
This position requires adaptability, as work plans can change at the last minute. Ideal candidates will be able to multitask and shift priorities to meet changing conditions
Ability to work in a team environment and travel frequently
Additional Crew Lead Requirements
Previous field lead experience and/or relevant outdoor leadership experience
Willingness and flexibility to transition quickly with changing priorities day to day
Strong communication skills. Driven to seek out clarification and answers when necessary and convey plans and priorities to the crew to promote safety, productivity, and efficiency
Ability to work as part of a team to meet project goals, as well as independently to complete survey tasks
Preferred
Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in forestry, wildlife management, or other relevant subject areas such as ecology or natural resource management
Previous experience or a strong interest in learning about forestry procedures/policies, habitat management, and/or wildlife management
Ability to identify plants and distinguish invasive plants from native plants and willingness to learn
Ability and willingness to acquire a state pesticide applicator's license which requires a standardized test. (You will be provided time to prepare and study for the exam)
Ability to work to work independently or a team, and accept guidance from supervisors and other refuge staff
Willingness to work in field conditions which will include insects, heat, humidity, rain, etc.
Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions
Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other field equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions
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 40 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. Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic
Travel This position may require frequent domestic 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. Application and mixing of herbicides will be a requirement of this position. 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 the online application page for this position. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please contact ACE EPIC FWS Member Manager, Shannon Borowy.
We want to hear from you! If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!
E-Verify & EEO Statement ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr