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, and specifically biological program. Projects include biological surveys; vegetation transects; Integrated Pest Management techniques and Early Detection Rapid Response; Utilization of ArcGIS applications and other GPS activities; In addition, individuals will participate in learning and job shadow activities related to mixed-grass prairie habitat management including: developing habitat management plans, 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 4, 2026 - August 21, 2026

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Conduct annual waterfowl population (Four Square mile surveys); Conduct Native prairie adaptive management (NPAM) vegetation transects; Assess and inventory refuge and district fee title lands using Integrated Pest Management techniques and Early Detection Rapid Response methods to include GPS mapping of invasives infestations, and monitoring and treating those infestations with biological applications for treatment; Utilization of ArcGIS applications and other GPS activities ; In addition, individuals will participate in learning and job shadow activities related to mixed-grass prairie habitat management including: reconstructions/seeding, prescribed grazing and fire.

 

Marginal Duties 

Occasionally, invasives infestations may require mechanical and/or chemical applications for treatment. Individuals will also assist with data entry input of biological and Integrated Pest Management Activities they conduct, as well as assist staff with entering spatial data pertaining the habitat management into our FWS Management Tracking System. Equipment maintenance, and other tasks depending on 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 operate government vehicles, after required training has been provided to them. In addition, individuals would need to have the ability to spend long hours outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions 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. Individuals would also need to be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.

 

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.
It is preferable that applicants have a basic knowledge of grassland ecosystems of the Great Plains and some basic bird and plant identification skills. If not, a strong desire to learn.
Proficiency utilizing GIS/GPS equipment and applications is preferred, however training and support will be provided to build/expand this skill.

 

Hours 

40 per