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In partnership with the US Fish & Wildlife Service, MobilizeGreen seeks Adaptation Fellows
working on adaptation, hydrology, and/or construction management for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Adaptation Fellows support the Service’s efforts to adapt to and mitigate contemporary ecological change by collaborating with partners, integrating nature-based solutions, and strengthening adaptation and resilience across management of Service trust resources.
This fellowship focuses on adaptation, hydrology, and/or construction management on National Wildlife Refuge System lands. Fellows will support habitat and hydrologic restoration, infrastructure maintenance, and adaptation to rapid ecological change through activities such as field-based restoration projects, data collection and analysis, construction oversight, infrastructure planning, and stakeholder engagement. The position offers hands-on experience and collaboration with multiple USFWS programs, helping fellows build skills in hydrology, project management, restoration science, and infrastructure maintenance.
Duty Station and Location: Positions for the 2026 Maintenance and Infrastructure Fellowship Program (MIFP) cohort will be located at FWS refuges and offices across the country:
- San Luis Valley NWR Complex – Alamosa, CO
- Check out all open fellowship positions here
Term: 26 weeks (6 months), full-time (40 hours per week), on-site position. The fellowship is eligible for extension up to 3 years (36 months).
Anticipated Start Date: June 2026
Benefits:
- Hands on learning and job training experience
- Paid orientation and travel to orientation
- Mentorship for career and professional development
- Weekly living allowance ($800 per week)
- Housing
- Relocation assistance (if applicable)
- Health insurance option
- Public Lands Corps hiring eligibility (with successful completion of fellowship). Other authorities may apply.
Position Duties:
Specific Tasks Required May Include:
- Fieldwork and Hydrology:
- Installing and maintaining hydrologic monitoring equipment (e.g., staff gages, shallow groundwater wells, and water level recorders).
- Conduct water quality sampling
- Conducting topographic and bathymetric surveys
- Monitoring vegetation, elevation, and hydrology using established protocols and synthesizing data to assess project success
- Adaptation:
- Work as part of a Team to restore hydrology to salt marsh, freshwater wetlands, or other habitats depending on location.
- Facilitating cross-programmatic coordination to advance priority resiliency projects.
- Developing communication materials, and demonstration case studies to disseminate restoration methodology, and assist other projects.
- Preparing briefing materials and innovative content to communicate adaptation success stories.
- Supporting feasibility, design, and implementation of conservation projects that enhance ecological resilience.
- Construction and Engineering Support:
- Conducting site condition analyses, data collection, and instrumentation data analysis.
- Performing limited engineering schematics or architectural designs for developmental assignments.
- Participating in inspections, reviews, and evaluations of facilities and infrastructure.
- Assisting with project management, contract administration, compliance checks, and database operations.
- Using remote sensing tools and data analysis software, to support project designs.
- Preparing drawings, permits, material testing, and documentation for projects.
Specific Tasks and Learning Goals:
- Gain skills in hydrology, geomorphology, and nature-based restoration design, including data collection, analysis, and project design.
- Develop expertise in surface water and groundwater monitoring, surveying, and tidal flow assessment.
- Acquire knowledge of construction management techniques, project management of in-house and contracted crew, and compliance reporting for a large-scale, multiple year restoration project.
- Understand how to integrate adaptation and nature-based engineering principles into wildlife conservation and infrastructure projects.
- Build professional networks across USFWS, working with various stakeholders including contractors, States, Tribes, NGOs, and local governments.
- Develop case studies, communication materials, intranet content, and other shared learning materials to promote the operationalization of science-based action.
- Experience cross-programmatic collaboration, project management, and collaborative team-based field operations.
Qualifications/Skills and Knowledge:
Required:
- Degree or coursework in environmental science, natural resources, environmental or adaptation science, hydrology, engineering, geoscience, biology, construction management, or related fields.
- Strong analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
- Effective communication, teamwork, and independent work skills.
- Willingness to work outdoors in varying conditions and conduct physical tasks.
- Ages 18-30 (or up to 35 for veterans).
- Valid driver’s license.
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
Preferred:
- Knowledge of hydrologic monitoring, land surveying techniques, and construction management tools.
- Experience with GIS, data analysis, and nature-based solutions.
- Familiarity with public lands management, environmental policy, and engineering practices.
- Demonstrated ability to develop case studies, technical materials, and success stories for different kinds of audiences.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Desire to drive adaptation and engineering solutions collaboratively.
- Knowledge and proficiency in operating and maintaining small-engine equipment.
Specific Requirements/Preferences:
- Physical Requirements: Work involves both office and field tasks, with activities such as walking on rough terrain, carrying equipment (up to 40 lbs) over long distances, and working in variable weather conditions.
- Position Environment: Duties are performed indoors and outdoors, often requiring travel to remote sites and exposure to temperature extremes, biting insects, ticks, and poison ivy.
For more information on MobilizeGreen go to: www.mobilizegreen.org
