Adaptation/Hydrology/Construction Management Fellowship

Join us. Do work that matters!

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: San Luis Valley NWR Complex - Alamosa, CO

• 7824 El Rancho Lane, Alamosa, CO 81101
  
• 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