Youth Conservation Corps Crew Lead – Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is seeking 1 YCC Crew Lead to contribute to the Youth Conservation Corps program at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge under the mentorship of USFWS Staff.

Start Date: June 2nd, 2025
Estimated End Date: August 8th, 2025
*a 10 week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Savannah National Wildlife Refuge – Hardeeville, SC

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1927 as a sanctuary for migratory birds, most notably wintering waterfowl. The refuge lies in both Georgia and South Carolina, divided by the Savannah River, and encompasses over 30,000 acres of vital wildlife habitat, including tidal freshwater marsh and bottomland hardwood forest.

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.

The Youth Conservation Corps is a summer employment program for young people ages 16-18. Additionally, some stations will have an adult team leader to work alongside the Corps members to guide and lead their daily work. Students work and learn as a team while engaged in environmental stewardship experiences.

The YCC focuses on youth development, natural resource stewardship and conservation, creating positive community involvement and career exploration. Programs are typically 8 weeks long from June through August. Participants gain a variety of experiences from biological monitoring to facilities maintenance and visitor services. Conducting biological monitoring surveys, shadowing biologists, landscaping, sign maintenance, trail construction and maintenance, community engagement, staffing a visitor center and assisting with educational programs are all examples of the types of experiences these Corps members may have depending on the refuge and the particular needs of the station.

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: Typical hours are from Mon-Fri, 7:00am – 3:30pm. Hours may vary slightly.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Team Leaders and Members are expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $700/week for Team Leaders to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing: ACE members may have the option of accommodation provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support.

Qualifications for Team Leaders 

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part criminal history check.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our usaconservation website.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing education and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as ecology, natural resources, environmental education, biology, etc.
• Prior experience with hand tools and equipment such as lawnmowers, weedwackers etc.
• Enthusiasm for interacting with people. Experience in youth development programs and/or community building preferred.
• This position requires adaptability, as work plans can change at the last minute. Ideal candidates will be able to multitask and shift priorities to meet changing conditions.

• This position requires time management skills, to ensure that all tasks are completed within the scheduled work hours.
• Ability to work outside and tolerate high temperatures, high humidity, insect bites and wildlife encounters.

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, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 20 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position does not require unique 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. 

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.