Visitor Services Member - Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with USFWS, is seeking 1 Member to contribute to visitor and community engagement projects under the mentorship of Red Rock Lakes NWR Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: June 2026

Estimated End Date: August 2026a 12-week minimum commitment is required

Location Details/Description: Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge protects the largest wetland complex in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Located at the convergence of multiple different ecotones, such as mountains, forests, lakes, grasslands, sage-steppe, and riparian stream areas, the Refuge offers landscape beauty and wildlife viewing opportunities that few places can match. The rugged Centennial Mountains, rising roughly 10,000 feet and running from east to west, provide a dramatic backdrop for this extremely remote Refuge in Southwest Montana's Centennial Valley.The Refuge encompasses primarily high mountain and high elevation wetland-riparian habitat - the largest in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and is located near the headwaters of the Missouri River. Numerous creeks flow into the Refuge creating Upper Red Rock Lake, the River Marsh, and Lower Red Rock Lake. The snows of winter replenish the Refuge's lakes and wetlands that provide secluded habitat for many waterfowl, shorebirds, and wetland birds including trumpeter swans, white-faced ibis, and black-crowned night herons. The Refuge also includes wet meadows, riparian creek edges, willow fen, cool season grasslands, sage-steppe, and mountain forest habitats. This diversity provides habitat for other species such as sandhill cranes, long-billed curlews, bald and golden eagles, hawks, warblers, moose, elk, badgers, bears, wolves, mountain lions, martens, pronghorn, and native fish such as Arctic grayling and westslope cutthroat trout.

Due to the remote nature of Red Rock Lakes NWR, living in on-site housing is required. Housing will be a bunkhouse with up to 3 additional roommates (potentially more for short durations depending on project needs).The nearest "big" city (for large grocery runs, etc) is Idaho Falls, ID and a 2-hour drive one way. There are few roads through the Refuge - all are rough dirt and gravel roads. The main road is South Valley Road and goes virtually from Monida (I-15, exit 0) through the center of the Refuge and on to US Highway 20 in Idaho (as Red Rock Road), a total of 56 miles. There are no medical facilities within at least 55 miles of the Refuge and the nearest gasoline and/or tow truck is at least 45 miles. A personal vehicle is required for this station. Cell reception is essentially non-existent on the Refuge, however, the wifi in the bunkhouse is very strong.

For more information about Red Rock Lakes NWR, please visit the USFWS website.

Position Overview: This position is located at a remote refuge in the Centennial Valley of South-Western Montana and sees a few thousand people in the summer months, primarily June-August. Primary duties will include staffing an information desk and answering visitor questions, collecting campground fees, and maintaining visitor facilities. Basic grounds maintenance may also be required. The visitor services program at Red Rock Lakes NWR is in its early stages and there will be opportunities to help inform the future direction of visitor services at the Refuge. Additionally, there will be opportunities to visit our robust visitor services program at our other Refuge, the National Elk Refuge, located in Jackson, WY.

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: Work schedule will primarily be Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, though some evening, weekend, or holiday work may be required.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $500/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $1000 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

Gear Allowance: ACE members will have up to $100 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, outerwear, work pants, etc., and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.

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. Specific training may include wilderness first aid, bear awareness, and visitor services foundations.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
• 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). Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.
• 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.
• 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 website located on our Indeed homepage.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a degree in community relations, interpretation, or outdoor recreation and/or have relevant experience working in a public facing position..
• Knowledge of communication, public lands, interpretation..
• Ability and willingness to adapt to changing conditions and not be afraid to try new things.
• Deep interest in conservation and community relationships..

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires a combination of sitting, standing, walking, hiking, using bear spray, 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.
• 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 10 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 to high noise such as gas-powered lawn mowers. Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: Travel to our other refuge, National Elk Refuge, will be strongly encouraged to experience a different type of visitor program.

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 Red Rock Lakes NWR or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the Red Rock Lakes NWR. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the Red Rock Lakes NWR, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to Red Rock Lakes NWR 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 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 Member Manager, Mac Utter.

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 enrolled in a program 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.