Maintenance and Biology Member - Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge

Summary

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non‑profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking one (1) Maintenance and Biology Member to assist with a variety of refuge maintenance duties, wildlife and habitat surveys, environmental education programs, and habitat management activities under the mentorship of Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

May 2026

August 2026

* A 10 week minimum commitment is required, approximately 400 hours*

Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, Middle River, MN.

Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 and consists of 61,500 acres of wetland and upland habitats in northwestern Minnesota. The refuge lies in the aspen parkland transition zone between the boreal forest to the north and east and the tallgrass prairie to the south and west. Twenty‑six wetland impoundments that range in size from 30 to 9,000 acres provide a variety of habitats for both nesting and migrating birds.

Two natural lakes lie within 4,000 acres of black spruce‑tamarack bog that has been designated as Wilderness by the National Wilderness Preservation System. In addition to being a breeding ground for numerous waterfowl and other bird species, the refuge is also noted for two resident packs of gray wolves, nesting bald eagles, occasional moose and colonial nesting birds – specifically Franklin’s gulls.

While Agassiz NWR is nestled in rural Minnesota, it is approximately 25 miles from Thief River Falls, Minnesota, 55 miles from Grand Forks, North Dakota, and 77 miles from Bemidji, Minnesota, all of which have necessary amenities, such as grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, etc.

For more information, please visit the Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge website.

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.

Duties will primarily be carried out Monday‑Friday. 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.

The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $680/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi‑weekly.

ACE members will be accommodated in provided FWS housing at $300/month for the duration of the term. Members will be provided a housing allowance of $70/week to go towards rent costs.

ACE members will have up to $100 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes, outer layers, boots, etc., and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.

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 defensive driving, UTV, and boat safety.

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…