Individual Placement - Refuge Management and Maintenance

Position Summary 

Individuals will serve as a member of the Chase Lake Wetland Management District and Refuge’s habitat management team, specifically management and maintenance. Individuals will perform collection and management of real property and infrastructure on refuge and district lands utilizing ArcGIS applications along with other GIS and GPS devices. Individuals will conduct general grounds maintenance activities for the upkeep of refuge and district lands. In addition, individuals will participate in learning and job shadow activities related to mixed-grass prairie habitat management including invasive species, reconstructions/ seeding, prescribed grazing and fire. Placements work environment will almost exclusively be outdoors and will work with other SCA members and refuge and district team members.

Location 

Woodworth, ND

Schedule 

May 18, 2026 - August 7, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Collection and management of real property and infrastructure to include fences, gates, and signs on National Wildlife Refuge and District lands. Individuals will utilize ArcGIS applications along with other GIS and GPS devices. This also includes installing or replacement of National Wildlife Refuge signs.; Conduct general grounds maintenance activities for the upkeep of refuge and district lands to include mowing and weed whipping.; In addition, individuals will participate in learning and job shadow activities related to mixed-grass prairie habitat management including invasive species, reconstructions/seeding, prescribed grazing and fire.

Marginal Duties 

Individuals will also assist with data entry input and verification of the GPS data collected in the field and ensure entry into the FWS Management Tracking System, as well as assist FWS staff with entering other spatial data pertaining to habitat management. Equipment maintenance and other tasks depending on the current project or needs may require assistance. FWS staff will also maximize efforts to allow for as many job shadow learning opportunities within allowable time frame that may include: job shadowing with National Ecological Observatory Network staff that may include surveys pertaining to: small mammal trapping, soil testing/core samples, vegetation surveys, water/wetland ecology surveys, and insect surveys.

Required Qualifications 

The SCA members for these positions will need to have a valid driver’s license. The Chase Lake headquarters and bunkhouse are more than 45 minutes away from groceries and fuel and individuals would need their own vehicle to meet their logistical needs. These individuals would also need to be able to operative government vehicles, after required training has been provided to them. In addition, individuals would need to possess a desire to work outdoors most likely on a daily basis. Individuals would not be required to work during severe/inclement weather, but individuals can expect any and all of the following weather occurrences during their position: Rain, snow, sleet, high winds, high heat (sometimes near 100 degree F), near freezing temps. Individuals must possess the experience of being prepared while working in the field (similar to hiking excursions) to deal with inclement weather and adapting to elements, and also have the ability to communicate back to supervisor current conditions and needs for alternative work situations to adapt to weather.

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications 

It is preferable that individuals have some experience operating All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Off Road Utility Vehicles (ORUVs), but is not necessary as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service will provide the required and additional training for individuals to gain experience and comfortability in operating these machines.
Proficiency utilizing GIS/GPS equipment and applications is preferred, however training and support will be provided to build/expand this skill.

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

The Chase Lake Bunkhouse, lovingly called the “Woodworth Hilton,” is a brick style building constructed on site during the peak of research happening on Woodworth Station Waterfowl Production Area where the Chase Lake Wetland Management District headquarters lies. The bunkhouse has fo