MNHA Hunting Control Station Manager

Program Dates:

3 Positions from September 1, 2024 to February 3, 2025 plus 1 day in August for training.

About us:

Meade Natural Heritage Association (MNHA) partners with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to provide the public with high-quality outdoor recreational experiences at the Patuxent Research Refuge (PRR).  MNHA manages hunting activities on the PRR to assist with the management of wildlife in accordance with the PRR Hunting Plan. Our unique partnership increases and improves hunting access and opportunities with an emphasis on under-represented groups such as women, minority, youth, disabled, and veteran hunters.

The refuge is nearly 13,000 acres, predominately forested, between Baltimore and Washington and provides a diverse array of high-quality habitat for a wide variety of native wildlife.

Position Description:

The Hunting Control Station (HCS) Manager is responsible for the daily operations of the HCS including opening and closing, checking hunters in and out, collecting biological data of harvested game, and working with the executive board on projects to promote the refuge hunting program.

HCS duties are generally 4 shifts per week, 8-hour shifts, and alternate between morning and afternoon. HCS Managers work with FWS personnel 1 day per week on related projects.

Experience to be Gained:

A major focus is recruiting, retaining, and reactivating hunters, especially under-represented groups. Successful candidates will gain experience and understanding of wildlife refuge operations, policies, and challenges. Activities include engaging and working with FWS and local organizations to promote activities related to the refuge hunting program.

Other potential projects include working with FWS staff on wildlife research; performing field surveys and statistical analysis to build a knowledge base for new hunters.

Education:

Associate’s degree, or pursuing a degree, in wildlife management, natural resources, or related field is desired.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Well organized, energetic, independent worker
• Excellent verbal and writing skills
• Marketing, Public Outreach, Customer relation skills
• Excel, Access, statistics background, ArcGIS, Google Earth, website skills are a plus but not required.

Position Benefits:

• $402/week stipend (23 weeks total)
• No-cost FWS housing
• Public Land Corps Act credit – provides noncompetitive hiring status when applying to competitive service positions (valid for two years).
• Hands on experience with Hunting Program Management
• Time for study and researching topics of interest