Refuge Management Specialist

Position Summary

The Valentine and Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuges(NWR) SCA Refuge Management Specialist combines biological as well as outreach and visitor services duties. This position will carry out much needed control of invasive plants threatening sandhill prairie, wetland and marsh habitats, which are critical to migrating and breeding birds, as well as other species of wildlife. This position will also assist in visitor services including staffing the visitor contact station, trail maintenance and other maintenance and bison monitoring activities. Control methods include cutting and digging with hand tools, mowing and equipment and herbicide application. Experience using GIS is a plus. This position may also help with other biological duties such as waterfowl surveys, bison monitoring and vegetation surveys as assigned. Applicants should have the ability to work independently and as part of a team, tolerate working outdoors in all conditions (heat, cold, rain, insects, etc), physical ability to hike while carrying tools, and have a valid driver’s license. Training in driving ATV/UTV’s will be given and a bunkhouse is available, with shared kitchen and living space.

Location

Valentine, NE

Schedule

June 16, 2025 - September 5, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Documenting locations and treatments applied to invasive plants using GPS and GIS technology. (40%) • Visitor Services, contact station and bison monitoring (20%)

Marginal Duties

• Conducting annual monitoring of rare plants; monitoring effects of the grassland grazing program; and habitat mapping. (20%) • Other biological surveys and maintenance projects.(20%)

Required Qualifications

Driver’s license Personal vehicle required

Preferred Qualifications

Natural Resources background GIS familiarity

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

bunkhouse is available, with shared kitchen and living space

Compensation

$450/week Living Allowance

$1,100 relocation allowance, paid once

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

Interpretive Skills

Off-Road Vehicle Safety

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.