Biology Support Member

American Conservation Experience is hiring a Biology Support Member for a position at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, WI. The role involves biological surveys, habitat management, and various support tasks under the mentorship of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff. The commitment is for 31 weeks starting June 2026, requiring approximately 1240 hours of work. The position includes professional development opportunities in conservation fields.
Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking one member to contribute to biological surveys and habitat management under the mentorship of FWS Staff at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge.


For more information about ACE, please visit our website.


Start Date
June 2026 (flexible start date).


End Date
January 2027 (31 weeks after the anticipated start date). 31‑week minimum commitment required, approximately 1240 hours.


Location
Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge – Trempealeau, WI. Established in 1936, it is located along the eastern edge of the Mississippi River, with marsh and aquatic vegetation occupying almost half of the refuge.


Position Overview
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. This position will help FWS realize that mission at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (La Crosse District).


The Biology Support Member will gain experiences from forestry practices to biological surveys, facilities maintenance, and visitor services. Responsibilities include forestry surveys/inventories, shadowing biologists, foresters, and natural resources managers, landscaping, sign and trail maintenance, community engagement, staffing a visitor center, and assisting with educational programs.


Primary Duties
Duties may average 70% habitat and forestry work, and 30% wildlife management/surveys.



Assist with wildlife and plant surveys, habitat management including invasive plant species identification and control, planting and seeding habitat, forestry, planting trees, forest inventory, and timber stand improvements.
Assist with boundary and special area posting on the refuge and waters, working out of boats.
Assist with maintenance of facilities, including grounds and landscaping work and assisting refuge visitors as needed.
Conduct forest inventories using GPS, GIS, and forest management software.
Support forest habitat improvement work such as site prep and timber stand improvement actions.
Compile maps of forest management units and conduct tree plantings.
Use instruments to take measurements.
Assist with performing refuge biological projects/surveys.
Potential for motor boat operations and UTV training to become self‑sufficient and able to operate these to access sites.

Secondary Duties

Provide natural resource information for public outreach materials and participate in educational programs to individuals, local organizations, and schools.
Assist refuge staff with general tasks around the duty station/office related to core position functions.
Assist with wildlife surveys and monitoring following established protocols.

Professional Development
This placement facilitates professional development and exposure to land management agencies. Includes experience in different conservation fields and shadowing various work groups.


Schedule
Primary duties Monday‑Friday, typically 5 days/week, with flexible scheduling between primary hours. Bi‑weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. The work schedule may require evenings, weekends, or holidays. Time off may be granted upon approval.


Benefits
Living Allowance: Expected to contribute 40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $800/week, dispersed bi‑weekly.


Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members may be eligible for federal hiring authority upon completion of term and 640 hours of service. Hours may be combined with another term. Eligibility requires age and citizenship.


Housing: Housing is the member’s responsibility; not provided. Housing stipend up to $200/week for expenses.


Relocation Reimbursement: Up to $150 to be used for eligible relocation expenses, split at beginning and end of term, with receipts.


Gear Reimbursement: Up to $200 to purchase eligible gear. Must be approved by ACE staff.


Training/Orientation: Position‑specific training and orientation covering policies, prohibited activities, networks. Includes herbicide training, chainsaw or ATV/UTV use, and MOCC Boat Operator.


Qualifications
Required:



Authorized to work in the U.S.; no visa sponsorship.
Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner positively.
Self‑directed or collaborative group contributor.
Valid driver’s license with insurable record; must be 21+.
Willing to undergo required criminal history checks.
Capability to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
Complete bi‑weekly timesheets and evaluation forms.
Must not engage in prohibited activities per the Member Service Agreement.
Commute ability via personal vehicle.
Willingness to assist with invasive species control using chemicals and mechanical techniques.
Visit ACE website for eligibility requirements.

Preferred:



Associate or bachelor’s degree or relevant experience in forestry, wildlife, or natural resource management.
Experience or interest in forestry procedures/policies, habitat management, or wildlife.
Tree identification ability and willingness to learn.
Plant identification and invasive plant distinction ability and willingness to learn.
Teamwork and willingness to accept guidance.
Independent work capability.
Experience working in field conditions including insects, poisonous plants, heat, humidity, rain.
Willingness to work on, in, and around water or boats.
Adaptability to changing work plans and multitasking.

Physical Demands & Environment

Frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, handling tools, using computer equipment, stooping, kneeling, climbing stairs, crouching; ability to hike rough terrain.
Vision: close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, focus.
Weight: frequent moves up to 30 lbs., up to 50 lbs.
Environmental: indoor/outdoor, varying weather, changing conditions.
Noise: moderate to high from chainsaws, boats, and other equipment.
Travel: domestic travel possible.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards
May encounter extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, or potentially dangerous wildlife. Duties must be conducted safely.


Vehicle and Equipment Use
If a vehicle is required, FWS will provide. Tools and PPE provided by FWS. Strict adherence to FWS & ACE safety protocols is required.


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, disability, orientation, marital status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable law.