Mountain West Conservation Assistant Team Leader Wet Meadow Restoration

The American Conservation Experience is seeking an Assistant Team Leader for a 14-week wet meadow restoration project in Idaho Falls, ID, and Sublette County, WY. The role involves building Zeedyk structures to enhance watershed health and wildlife habitat. ATLs will gain valuable skills, lead crews, and work under professional mentors while enjoying outdoor experiences. The position requires physical activity and teamwork in conservation efforts.
Join American Conservation Experience as a dedicated crew building Zeedyk structures to restore wet meadows and improve watershed health and wildlife habitat while enjoying Wyoming's natural beauty.


American Conservation Experience, a non-profit conservation corps with a divisional branch in Hurricane, UT, is looking for an Assistant Team Leader (ATL) to join our team of young adults serving on a meaningful conservation project near Pinedale, Wyoming, in Sublette County. This opportunity is intended for those looking to learn valuable skills for their career while immersed in a community of like-minded young professionals from around the country. ATLs will serve for 14 weeks, completing a term of AmeriCorps service focused on wet meadow restoration through the construction of Zeedyk structures that support water retention and landscape recovery. While serving, ATLs typically have 3‑6 days off between each project to live and enjoy Idaho Falls' abundant beauty and recreational opportunities with their friends and colleagues. Take your first step towards beginning or advancing your career by applying with us today!


Start Dates
June 8th, 2026


Estimated End Dates
September 9th, 2026


Location
Idaho Falls, ID (projects take place in Sublette County, WY)


Schedule
Project schedule may vary, but typically ATL's serve 8 days on/6 days off or 4 days on/3 days off. For remote projects, ATL's spend off-days nearer to their project location. Remote projects often last multiple project schedule cycles.


Position Description
ATLs serve in professionally supervised teams as they explore future outdoor careers, learn practical field skills, and develop confidence as emerging leaders in the field of conservation. ATLs are afforded opportunities to learn and train under the guidance of professional mentors within ACE, while gaining invaluable career perspectives working alongside staff from the Sublette County Conservation District. ATLs are expected to assist Crew Leaders in all aspects of crew work and life, including leading portions of crews independently, serving as an interim Crew Leader in the event of staff absences, setting a positive example for members, and other duties as assigned.


Field work and additional responsibilities might include but are not limited to:



Wet Meadow Restoration
Leading safety discussions
Discussing rules and regulations
Instructing members
Driving vehicles
Keeping living spaces clean and in good order

ATL's & Members Get Experience With, Or In Conjunction With, The Following Tools And Equipment, Depending On Their Level Of Training:



Zeedyk Structure Construction: Pick mattocks, shovels, single/double jacks, McLeods, rock bars, chisels, and wheelbarrows.

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 or equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
Vision Requirements: Close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus may be required.
Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 35 lbs., ability to move up to 60 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.
Travel: This position requires 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. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.


Required Qualifications

U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
Able and willing to work in a group
Able and willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and capable of hiking moderate distances in somewhat rough terrain during inclement weather conditions
Willingness to undergo and must pass the required federal criminal history check
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.

Preferred Qualifications

3‑6 mos. experience serving in a conservation corps setting
Experience in hiking and navigation in steep terrain
Strong desire to enter the conservation field as a natural resource professional
Experience or interest in volunteering in local communities
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.

Compensation & Benefits

ATL compensation and benefits include a package valued at over $2,400 / mo.
ATLs will receive a Living Allowance of 520$, paid bi‑weekly.
ATLs obtain an Education Award upon successful completion of service. Please note that AmeriCorps position eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to availability.
ACE provides ATLs with food during all project days; ATLs are responsible for providing their own food on off‑days.
AmeriCorps Team Leaders may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage and federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.

Housing
ACE provides ATLs with free housing during their term of service. When working in or near Sublette County, WY, ATLs spend off days in our hostel‑style housing in Idaho Falls, ID. When working, the crew will be camping. The ATL will provide their own blankets, pillow, sleeping bag, and towels.


Gear
ACE provides each ATL their own tent. The ATL will provide their own sleeping bag, sleeping pad, rain gear, and hiking boots. Upon acceptance to the program, ATLs will receive a more extensive packing list. Weather can be highly variable, so plan on bringing layers of warm clothing and adequate rain gear. ATLs will have access to deeply discounted Pro Deals via Outdoor Prolink once they are offered and accept a position, and will have the opportunity to purchase discounted gear prior to their arrival.


Travel
ACE provides transportation to and from worksites; personal vehicles are not necessary throughout the ATL's term of service, but are recommended to get to places on the off days. ACE does not provide relocation assistance. The member must be willing to represent ACE and AmeriCorps in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. ACE has a zero tolerance policy for illegal drugs and underage drinking. ACE reserves the right to require drug testing.


To Apply
Please submit a thoughtful resume, complete a motivational statement (instructions are provided when applying) or upload a cover letter, and provide at least 2 references that are either professional or from a community leader (eg colleagues, teachers, counselors, religious leaders, career advisors) using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right hand corner of the position listing on our usaconservation website.


NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact Emily Gerberding.


EEO Statement
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.


Salary: $520 per week