About this role
Position Summary
The USFWS South Dakota Complexes are seeking individuals to assist with habitat monitoring and management on Waterfowl Productions Areas (WPAs) in South Dakota. This position is stationed out of Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Columbia, South Dakota. the individuals will work closely with USFWS biologists and managers evaluating habitat and performing vegetation surveys. Specific activities include vegetation surveys, wildlife surveys (waterfowl and pollinators), invasive species mapping, seed collection, iPad data collections, signage work, ATV/UTV operation, pickup trailer operating, and other duties as assigned. There may be opportunities for easement surveys (including aerial surveys), bird banding, and prescribed fire activities depending on station needs and individual’s credentials.
Location
Columbia, SD
Schedule
May 4, 2026 - August 21, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Job duties change as the season change. Springtime finds us doing waterfowl surveys and invasive species mapping. As summer approaches, we transition into vegetation surveys and surveying for pollinators. We may also assist the SD Ecological Services office with various field activities as needed. As fall approaches, we will shift to seed harvest and processing. 60% of the time will be assisting with biological field investigations, related to habitat management activities (grazing and fire). Habitat is monitored using 3 types of vegetation protocols. The individual will be trained in all methods and will utilize the surveys as directed. The individual will be trained on tall grass and mixed grass prairie plants and various weed species. For the pollinator project, the individual will be trained on bumble bee and butterfly identification and surveying, as well as additional vegetation surveys specific to the project. Most field sampling will be conducted during a typical 5-day work week. The individual should be in good physical condition, with the ability to lift objects, and withstand potentially harsh environmental conditions including high heat and stinging and biting insects. Duties also include preparation of gear prior to and maintenance of gear upon conclusion of field activities.
Marginal Duties
Maintenance / Station Duties Percentage of time: 30% Individuals will assist maintenance staff with noxious weed control, building and vehicle maintenance, seed harvest and processing, and posting or replacing signs on WPAs; Miscellaneous Percentage of time: 10% Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Driver's license; Personal vehicle required; Minimum age requirement is 18
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
use of all terrain vehicles; data entry; GIS; plant identification
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Housing provided - all bunkhouses have multiple bedrooms and bathrooms with a fully furnished living room and kitchen. At Sand Lake, the bunkhouse is within walking distance of the office.
Compensation
$600/week Living Allowance; $1,100 Relocation Allowance, paid once with first paycheck
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Required
Additional Benefits
Defensive Driving Training
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.
Other facts
About Student Conservation Association
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults.
Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country.
After working with the SCA, our members emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
As America’s most effective youth conservation service organization, the SCA transforms lives by empowering young people of all backgrounds to plan, act, and lead while they protect and restore our natural and cultural resources.
Founded in 1957, the SCA is dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders while inspiring lifelong protection of the environment and our communities.
SCA's mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
What you'll do
- The role involves assisting USFWS biologists with habitat monitoring and management on Waterfowl Production Areas, including performing vegetation surveys, wildlife surveys for waterfowl and pollinators, and invasive species mapping throughout the seasons. Duties also encompass assisting maintenance staff with noxious weed control, vehicle maintenance, and posting signs on WPAs.
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