Visitor Services Specialist

Position Title: Visitor Services Specialist Individual Placement – AmeriCorps (2 Openings)

Conservation Legacy Program: Conservation Corps New Mexico

Site Location: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge

1035 W. Buccaneer Drive

Winnie, TX, 77514

Terms of Service:

• Start Date: 10/13/26
• End Date: 4/9/27
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 900 Hours

COVER LETTER AND RESUME REQUIRED FOR CONSIDERATION

First review of applications will take place by 8/18. Position open until filled; candidates can check Individual Placement Positions | Conservation Corps New Mexico to see if the position is still open.

Purpose:

AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities. Environmental stewardship programs help conserve natural habitats, improve energy efficiency, and protect clean air and water among other environmental efforts.

Conservation Corps New Mexico (CCNM)

As part of Conservation Legacy and an AmeriCorps program, CCNM aims to continue the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930’s. CCNM is focused on connecting youth, young adults, and recent era military veterans with conservation service projects on public lands. CCNM operates programs across New Mexico and western Texas/Oklahoma that engage individuals and strengthen communities through service and conservation. The CCNM Las Cruces office manages the Individual Placement Program.

Mentorship

These Individual Placements are unique development AmeriCorps positions. Participants are paired with a local supervisor and gain technical, hands-on experience in the work of these organizations or agencies. Site supervisors commit to facilitate career development; introduce participants to numerous pathways within the conservation field; create meaningful learning opportunities; and provide technical, hands-on experience in the work of these organizations or agencies.

The Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service to conserve, restore, and protect habitats and native fish, wildlife, and plant species along the Texas Gulf Coast. The selected candidate will support the refuge’s conservation mission through visitor services and a variety of operational and field activities. The individual placement will also receive guidance and mentorship from refuge staff, gaining insight into different career tracks including visitor services, wildlife management, habitat conservation, invasive species management, environmental education, and refuge operations.

Description of Duties:

• Support Refuge Visitor Services and Public Use Programs
  • Assist refuge staff with providing information and customer service to visitors, hunters, and members of the public.
  • Support visitor engagement by answering questions, providing information about refuge rules, regulations, recreational opportunities, and conservation efforts.
  • Assist staff with hunter check-in and check-out operations during managed hunts, including welcoming participants, providing directions, and helping ensure a safe and organized experience.
  • Assist staff with maintaining visitor service areas, informational materials, and public-use facilities to improve visitor experiences.
  • Support outreach and environmental education activities as opportunities arise.
• Assist Staff with Habitat Management, Invasive Species Management, and Conservation Projects
  • Assist refuge staff with habitat improvement projects that support healthy coastal marsh ecosystems.
  • Identify and assist staff with the removal and control of invasive plant species to improve native habitat conditions.
  • Conduct physical labor activities such as vegetation removal, habitat restoration, debris removal, trail and area maintenance, and other conservation-related tasks.
  • Assist staff with habitat maintenance activities using hand tools and equipment as directed by refuge staff.
  • Support restoration efforts that improve habitat quality for native wildlife species.
  • Document completed work and share observations with refuge staff.
• Assist Staff with Biological Monitoring and Wildlife Conservation Activities
  • Assist refuge staff with wildlife observations, biological surveys, and resource monitoring activities as needed.
  • Assist staff with documenting habitat conditions, wildlife use, and conservation project progress.
  • Support field activities that contribute to the management and protection of refuge resources.
  • Assist staff with organizing field notes, photographs, and project documentation.
  • Participate in hands-on conservation activities that support refuge goals.
• Support Refuge Operations, Maintenance, and Facility Improvements
  • Assist staff with daily operations and special projects that support refuge management.
  • Perform physical labor tasks including facility maintenance, grounds upkeep, signage maintenance, restroom cleaning, general cleaning, repairs, and improvements to public-use areas.
  • Assist staff with maintaining trails, roadsides, visitor areas, and other refuge facilities as needed.
  • Support equipment organization, project preparation, and general refuge operations.
  • Assist staff with projects that improve visitor access, safety, and overall refuge functionality.

Conditions: Interaction with the public and hunters; exposure to changing weather conditions; working outdoors around uneven terrain, wildlife, and natural hazards; exposure to heat, sun, insects, and changing weather conditions; working in wet, muddy, or uneven terrain; physical labor including lifting, carrying, bending, and extended periods of outdoor work; potential contact with wildlife, hazardous plants, or other natural hazards; use of hand tools and equipment; hiking and working in remote areas; physical exertion during field activities; working around vehicles, equipment, and maintenance areas.

Qualifications:

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award.
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• Valid U.S Driver’s License – Driver must be over 21 or have had a license for at least 3 consecutive years.
• Per federal grant requirements, this position is for young adults between the ages of 18-30 (35 for veterans) at the time the individual begins term of service.
• Interest in natural resource management, conservation, wildlife, environmental science, ecology, environmental education, recreation management, or a related field.
• Interest in working outdoors, engaging with the public, and supporting conservation efforts.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Positive attitude.
• Experience with customer service, outdoor recreation, conservation projects, landscaping, maintenance, or volunteer work related to natural resources.

Participation and Expedition Behavior:

• Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem solving on an interpersonal or group level as well as a willingness to accept differences.
• Contribute to a safe learning environment, no harassment of others for any reason.
• Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training, and national service.
• Effectively communicate ideas and concerns as they arise directly to supervisors, colleagues, and organization staff.
• Appropriately represent Conservation Corps New Mexico, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and AmeriCorps to the public and partners at all times.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment.

Safety and Judgment:

• Effectively communicate danger to others in the form of either a warning of danger others may be encountering or a notification of personal distress, injury or need for assistance. Must be able to do so at a distance of up to 50 meters and in conditions with limited visibility or loud background noise such as darkness or high winds.
• Effectively perceive and understand significant and apparent hazards and follow direction by others so that you will be able to successfully execute techniques to manage hazards. These directions may be given before the hazard is encountered or may need to be given during the exposure to the hazard. Ability to respond appropriately to stress or crises.
• Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions.
• If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self- medicating without assistance from others.

Substance Free:

• In accordance with a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and program activities and while on organization property.

Background Check:

A Department of Interior background clearance may be required before the selected candidate reports for service. The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service will provide instructions for completion of the clearance after a candidate has been selected and will notify them when they have been cleared to start service. This process will determine the participant’s exact start date.

Participants will have access to government facilities and systems, and will be supplied with access to government vehicles, equipment, and materials needed to work on the projects and activities as outlined above. Participants must adhere to all government regulations and policies for operating equipment, vehicles, security awareness, and safety.

Our Commitment:

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Time Requirements:

• Typically, this position is expected to serve 40 hours per week, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service
• Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.

The work schedule will vary depending on the operational needs of the refuge and the seasonal hunting program.

During hunt season (Check Station operations):

• Sunday: 4:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (11 hours)
• Tuesday: 4:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (11 hours)
• Friday: 4:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (7 hours)
• Saturday: 4:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (11 hours)

This schedule is subject to change based on hunt dates, visitor use, and refuge operational needs.

Outside of hunt season (when Check Station operations are not required):

• Monday–Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (8-hour workday, including a 30-minute unpaid lunch break), or as determined by the supervisor based on refuge priorities.

Orientation and Training:

• Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• Refuge orientation, mission, policies, and procedures.
• Visitor services and public engagement techniques.
• Hunt program operations, safety procedures, and refuge-specific regulations.
• Customer service and communication skills.
• Training in identifying native and invasive plant species.
• Proper invasive species management techniques and best management practices.
• Safe operation and use of hand tools and equipment.
• Proper lifting techniques, field safety procedures, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Introduction to coastal marsh ecology and habitat management practices.
• Introduction to wildlife monitoring methods and conservation practices.
• Field safety training and proper observation techniques.
• Training in documenting observations and maintaining accurate records.
• Proper use of field equipment and navigation tools as needed.
• Refuge operations and facility safety training.
• Proper use of tools, equipment, and maintenance procedures.
• Workplace safety practices, hazard awareness, and communication procedures.
• Training in completing tasks safely and efficiently while following refuge guidelines.

Benefits:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,697.50.
• Living Allowance of $640 per week.
• Free housing provided onsite; more information will be provided during the interview process.
• Healthcare Coverage.
• Participant will have additional hours to take time off for personal, holiday, and sick leave and still complete their minimum AmeriCorps 900-hour term.
• Eligible for Public Lands Corps Hiring Authority upon completion of term (that allows for competitive hiring for USA jobs/government jobs).
• Student loan forbearance and interest payments are available for qualifying loans.

Evaluation and Reporting:

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.

Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.

Supervisor Name and Contact Information:

Program Contact information:

SamJean Simmons, ssimmons@conservationlegacy.org

CCNM Individual Placement Coordinator

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.