Youth Conservation Crew Leader - Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking Youth Conservation Crew (YCC) Leaders to contribute to a variety of youth conservation field projects, community outreach programming, and outdoor recreation experiences under the mentorship of Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date:

May 18th, 2026

Estimated End Date:
September 11th, 2026

a 17-week minimum commitment is required

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Bloomington, Minnesota

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) works to connect the Twin Cities metro with the wildlife and habitat along the Minnesota River. With more than 46 miles of trails and two visitor centers, Minnesota Valley welcomes visitors to enjoy the variety of outdoor experiences the Refuge has to offer. Established in 1976 by motivated residents, the Refuge preserved wildlife resources threatened by commercial and industrial development.

Now, the Refuge enhances urban habitat while offering community programs, environmental education, and access to nature on the edge of the city as well as hunting, fishing and hiking in the more wild stretches of the Minnesota River. The Refuge is part of a corridor of land and water stretching nearly 70 miles along the Minnesota River, from Bloomington to Henderson, Minnesota.

Comprising more than 14,000 acres, the Refuge has multiple units, offering a variety of free outdoor recreational experiences for individuals and families. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge also manages a 14 county Wetland Management District. The Refuge ranges from urban to rural providing a unique opportunity to enjoy wildlife related recreation in the shadows of skyscrapers and grain elevators. The Refuge provides valuable habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds, fish, and resident wildlife.

It's a place where coyotes, bald eagles, prothonotary warblers, and trout live next door to more than three million people. Each unit offers a variety of attractions and seasonal activities. Individual units may have special regulations, as well as private land within their boundaries. For details about the individual units please refer to trail maps which are available online, at Trailheads, and education and visitor centers.

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

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 Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. During this 17 week term, the ACE member will provide training, supervision, and mentorship to lead a youth crew through a variety of conservation projects both on the refuge and within the Twin Cities community.

Additionally, this position will engage youth in first‑time outdoor recreation experiences including fishing, paddling, hiking, nature photography, bird watching and biking. Lastly, working with partners of the Refuge, this position will introduce young people to a variety of careers in conservation and natural resources.

The selected candidates will work directly with youth for 9 weeks of this position. The remaining 8 weeks of this position will involve required training, program and work schedule development, evaluations, and wrap‑up reports.

The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the following tasks:

• Assist the Internship Coordinator with program planning and development of internship activities and resources.
• Work with Internship Coordinator, Refuge staff, and Refuge partners to implement activities for the entire 12‑member high school intern team (ages 16‑18) in a variety of conservation and wildlife habitat improvement projects both on refuge and in the community.
• Guide and direct interns in all phases of work projects to ensure a positive…