Description
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is offering four Student Conservation Association Internships at the Chase Lake Wetland Management District in North Dakota. More information can be found be following the links below.
Application and hiring process will be done through the Student Conservation Association Website (thesca.org)
Position Summary for Habitat Management Team:
Individuals will serve as a member of the Chase Lake Wetland Management District and Refuge’s habitat management team, and specifically biological program. Projects include biological surveys; vegetation transects; Integrated Pest Management techniques and Early Detection Rapid Response; Utilization of ArcGIS applications and other GPS activities; In addition, individuals will participate in learning and job shadow activities related to mixed-grass prairie habitat management including: developing habitat management plans, reconstructions/seeding, prescribed grazing and fire. Placements work environment will almost exclusively be outdoors and will work with other SCA members and refuge and district team members.
Schedule: May 4, 2026 - August 21, 2026
Positions: 2
Apply here for Habitat Management internship: https://myjobs.adp.com/scacareers/cx/job-details?reqId=5001171536506
Position Summary for Management and Maintenance Team:
Individuals will serve as a member of the Chase Lake Wetland Management District and Refuge’s habitat management team, specifically management and maintenance. Individuals will perform collection and management of real property and infrastructure on refuge and district lands utilizing ArcGIS applications along with other GIS and GPS devices. Individuals will conduct general grounds maintenance activities for the upkeep of refuge and district lands. In addition, individuals will participate in learning and job shadow activities related to mixed-grass prairie habitat management including invasive species, reconstructions/ seeding, prescribed grazing and fire. Placements work environment will almost exclusively be outdoors and will work with other SCA members and refuge and district team members.
Schedule: May 18, 2026 - August 7, 2026
Positions: 2
Apply here for Management and Maintenance internship: https://myjobs.adp.com/scacareers/cx/job-details?reqId=5001171537206
Location
Woodworth, ND
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
The Chase Lake Bunkhouse, lovingly called the “Woodworth Hilton,” is a brick style building constructed on site during the peak of research happening on Woodworth Station Waterfowl Production Area where the Chase Lake Wetland Management District headquarters lies. The bunkhouse has four bedrooms with doors that close and lock, each bedroom has twin bunk beds, a dresser/armoire, and closet. Each SCA member will have their own room to themselves. The bunkhouse also has a full kitchen, two bathroom areas – one containing two showers and two toilets, two sinks, the other containing a toilet and sink. Other amenities in the bunkhouse include: Lounge/living room area with TV, WiFi, workout room, and grill. There is not designated garages for vehicles, but there is plenty of shop/storage space that vehicles can be stored in the event of severe weather.
Compensation
Living Allowance - $600/week
Relocation Allowance - $1,100 (paid once)
Housing provided on site
$300 in reimbursable expenses for field supplies or travel needs
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Required
Additional Benefits
Defensive Drive Training
Off-Road Vehicle Safety
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
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.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
The SCA members for these positions will need to have a valid driver’s license. The Chase Lake headquarters and bunkhouse are more than 45 minutes away from groceries and fuel and individuals would need their own vehicle to meet their logistical needs. These individuals would also need to be able to operate government vehicles, after required training has been provided to them. In addition, individuals would need to have the ability to spend long hours outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions on a daily basis. Individuals would not be required to work during severe/inclement weather, but individuals can expect any and all of the following weather occurrences during their position: Rain, snow, sleet, high winds, high heat (sometimes near 100 degree F), near freezing temps. Individuals must possess the experience of being prepared while working in the field (similar to hiking excursions) to deal with inclement weather and adapting to elements, and also have the ability to communicate back to supervisor current conditions and needs for alternative work situations to adapt to weather. Individuals would also need to be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.
Preferred Qualifications
It is preferable that individuals have some experience operating All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Off Road Utility Vehicles (ORUVs), but is not necessary as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service will provide the required and additional training for individuals to gain experience and comfortability in operating these machines.
It is preferable that applicants have a basic knowledge of grassland ecosystems of the Great Plains and some basic bird and plant identification skills. If not, a strong desire to learn. Proficiency utilizing GIS/GPS equipment and applications is preferred, however training and support will be provided to build/expand this skill.
