Invasive Plant Control and Fuel Reduction Team Members - Colorado Front Range National Wildlife Complex

Summary

American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a nonprofit Conservation Corps in partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) seeking two Team Members to contribute to a variety of fuel reduction projects on refuge lands and adjacent open space areas under the mentorship of USFWS Staff. For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Location and Duration

Start Date: April 13th, 2026 Estimated End Date: November 13th, 2026 A 31-week minimum commitment is required.

Location Details

The Colorado Front Range National Wildlife Refuge Complex is located in Denver, CO. The complex consists of:

• Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge
• Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge
• Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

Description of Refuges

• Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge: 5237-acre refuge in Golden, CO, with striking vistas of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and rolling prairie grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands. Home to 239 migratory and resident wildlife species, including prairie falcons, deer, elk, coyotes, songbirds, and the federally threatened Prebles meadow jumping mouse.
• Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge: 72-acre refuge in Arvada, CO, the smallest urban refuge in the country. The refuge hosts over 120 species of birds and a variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
• Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge: 15,000-acre expanse of prairie, wetland, and woodland habitat, located just northeast of Denver. The refuge has a unique story, having survived the test of time and transitioning from farmland to war-time manufacturing site to wildlife refuge.

Position Overview

The Team will support the USFWS with the following activities:

• Herbicide treatment of non-native grasses (e.g., cheatgrass and forbs) that increase fire intensity
• Mowing and thinning to reduce hazardous fuel loading
• General wildfire preparedness and prevention activities
• Heavy equipment operation, mowing, seeding, backpack spraying, and UTV spraying of herbicide
• Ground disturbance work, including chainsaw use and lifting heavy objects
• Thinning fuels in shrubwoodland-riparian areas, including chainsaw use

Schedule and Duties

• Duties will primarily be carried out Monday-Friday
• Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours
• A flexible work schedule may be required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours, including on weekends and/or holidays
• Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval

Position Benefits

• Living Allowance: $810/week 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
• Housing: The responsibility of the member, not provided by ACE or FWS

Qualifications and Requirements

• Must be authorized to work in the United States
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner
• Ability to be both self-directed and a positive contributing member of a group
• Valid drivers license and insurable driving record documentation to be provided upon request
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation

Preferred Qualifications

• Competitive applicants can hold or be pursuing an Associates degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as:
• Commercial herbicide application
• Chainsaw use
• Tractor operation
• Fire management practices
• Invasive species control techniques
• Safety mindset
• Grassland management
• Ability and willingness to work in various weather conditions and meet the physical demands of the position
• Deep interest in range management, grassland management, and fire behavior

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Physical Demands:
• Frequent standing, walking, hiking, carrying, and using hands to handle or feel
• Manual dexterity required for use of various tools
• Required to stoop, kneel, and/or crouch
• Ability to hike over rough terrain
• Vision Requirements:
• Close distance, peripheral, and depth perception vision
• Ability to focus
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted:
• Frequently moves up to 50 lbs
• Ability to move up to 70 pounds
• Environmental Conditions:
• Outdoor 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 may require domestic travel

Environmental Hazards

• ACE members may encounter environmental conditions and hazards, including:
• Extreme heat or cold
• Rocky terrain
• Swamp or wetland conditions
• Biting insects
• 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 duties, one will be provided by the FWS or ACE
• Any tools required for the accomplishment of 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

To Apply

Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACEs online application page for this position on our website.

Early Consideration

Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time.

Questions

If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact ACE EPIC FWS Member Manager Mac Utter.

Employment or Service with ACE

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.