Adaptation/Hydrology/Construction Management Fellowship

MobilizeGreen seeks Adaptation Fellows working on adaptation, hydrology, and/or construction management for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. In general, Adaptation Fellows will support the Service’s goal of adapting to and mitigating contemporary ecological change by working collaboratively with partners, integrating nature-based solutions, and helping to infuse adaptation and resilience throughout management of Service trust resources. The fellowship projects and locations for this year include:

• Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Newbury, Massachusetts. This fellowship will be focused on adaptation, hydrology, and/or construction management. As a fellow, you will support efforts to adapt to rapid ecological change, restore habitat and hydrology, and maintain infrastructure on National Wildlife Refuge System lands. You also will engage in nature-based restoration projects, hydrologic and geomorphologic data collection and analysis, contract administration, construction oversight, and stakeholder collaboration. Additionally, Fellows will assist with infrastructure planning and inspection, technical engineering, and creating communication tools to promote adaptation and infrastructure maintenance. This position provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with multiple USFWS programs, including Refuges, Ecological Services, Science Applications, Fisheries, and the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, while developing skills in hydrology, project management, and restoration science. This opportunity is designed for early-career professionals interested in adaptation and resilience, hydrology, construction management, and infrastructure maintenance.

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: End of June 2025
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
• Health insurance option
• Certificate of non-competitive hiring eligibility (with successful completion of fellowship). Other authorities may apply.

Position Duties:

• 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 using Real-Time Kinematic GPS (RTK GPS).
  • Monitoring vegetation, elevation, and hydrology using established protocols and synthesizing data to assess project success.
• Adaptation Projects:
  • 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, including GIS, RTK, and data analysis software, to support project designs.
  • Preparing drawings, permits, material testing, and documentation for projects.

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.

Required Requirements/Skills and Knowledge:

• Degree or coursework in environmental science, natural resources, environmental or adaptation science, hydrology, engineering, geoscience, biology, construction management (Parker River only), 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.
• Strong written, oral, and visual 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.