Outreach & Administration Member - Southwest Florida Gulf Coast Refuge Complex

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 administrative duties, outreach and education under the mentorship of Southwest Florida Gulf Coast Refuge Complex staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date : 10 / 20 / 2025 (flexible)

Estimated End Date : 05 / 23 / 2026

a 31 week minimum commitment is required

Location Details / Description : Florida Panther NWR, Immokalee, FL, and Ten Thousand Islands NWR, Collier County, FL.

Florida Panther NWR is located within the heart of the Big Cypress Basin, encompassing the northern reach of the Fakahatchee Strand, the largest cypress strand in the Big Cypress swamp. This Refuge protects core habitat for the endangered Florida panther and all native wildlife who roam within the apex predator's habitats.

Ten Thousand Islands NWR is part of the largest expanse of mangrove forest in North America. Approximately two thirds of the refuge is mangrove forest, which dominates most tidal fringes and the numerous islands, or keys. The northern third of the refuge consists of brackish marsh and interspersed ponds, small coastal hammocks of oak, cabbage palms, and tropical hardwoods such as gumbo limbo. Several threatened and endangered species utilize the refuge including the Florida manatee, peregrine falcon, wood stork, as well as green, Atlantic loggerhead, and Kemp's Ridley sea turtles.

For more information about Florida Panther and Ten Thousand Islands NWRs, please visit the FWS website.

Position Overview

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. This position will help FWS realize that mission at the Southwest Florida Gulf Coast Refuge Complex.

The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of :

• Administrative duties such as answering phones, organizing mail, and assisting with office organization.
• Outreach duties such as developing social media posts and representing the refuge at local events.
• Leading educational hikes on Refuge trails.
• Assist with the handling, feeding and display of 2 well-behaved snakes at outreach and educational events.

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.

Schedule

A typical work schedule is M-F, 8 : 00am-4 : 30pm, with occasional weekend and nighttime work Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to FWS and ACE for approval.

Position Benefits

Qualifications

Required :

Preferred :

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions

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.

Vehicle and Equipment Use / Safety : If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the FWS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the FWS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the FWS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to FWS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional / academic references to ACE's online application page for this position on our website. 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 ACE EPIC FWS Member Manager, Cait Dunne.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you! 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.

EEO : 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.

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