Adaptation/Hydrology Fellowship

Job Description

Salary:

MobilizeGreen seeks Adaptation Fellows working on adaptation and hydrology for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.In general, Adaptation Fellows will support the Services 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:

• Alaska Regional Office, Anchorage, AK and Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Soldotna, AK. This fellowship will support efforts to adapt to rapid ecological change, assess habitat, and ensure sustainable water resource management on National Wildlife Refuge System lands. This opportunity is designed for early-career professionals interested in adaptation and resilience, hydrology, and geomorphology, focusing on habitat restoration, nature- based solutions, and water systems. As a fellow, you will assist with hydrologic and geomorphologic data collection and analysis, adaptive conservation projects, stakeholder collaboration, and development of communication tools. You also will develop case studies, communication materials, intranet content, and other shared learning materials to promote the operationalization of resilience-building initiatives. The fellow may also prepare briefing materials, explore innovative approaches to communicating the Services success stories, and engage with project teams to support the feasibility, design, and delivery of priority projects across the Service. This position provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with multiple USFWS programs, including Refuges, Ecological Services, Fisheries, Coastal Program, and Partners for Fish and Wildlife. In addition, Adaptation fellows will support the Services goal of adapting to and mitigating rapid ecological change by working collaboratively with partners, integrating nature-based solutions, and helping to infuse adaptation and resilience throughout management of Service trust resources.
  
  

Term:26 weeks (6 months), Full-Time (40 hours per week), on-site position. The fellowship 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:

Specific Tasks Required (if applicable):

• Fieldwork and Hydrology
• Installing and maintaining hydrologic monitoring equipment (e.g., staff gages, shallowgroundwater 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 synthesizingdata 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 disseminaterestoration 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.
  

Learning Goals:

• Gain skills in hydrology, geomorphology, and nature-based restoration design, including datacollection, analysis, and project design.
• Develop expertise in surface water and groundwater monitoring, surveying, and tidal flowassessment.
• Acquire knowledge of construction management techniques, project management of in-houseand contracted crew, and compliance reporting for a large-scale, multiple year restorationproject.
• Understand how to integrate adaptation and nature-based engineering principles intowildlife conservation and infrastructure projects.
• Build professional networks across USFWS, working with various stakeholders includingcontractors, 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.
  
  

Requirements/Skills and Knowledge:

Required:

• 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 drivers 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.
  
  

Specific Requirements/Preferences:

• Physical Requirements: Work involves both office and field tasks, with activities such as walkingon rough terrain, carrying equipment (up to 40 lbs) over long distances, and working in variableweather 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.