Get Involved

Open the door to a potentially life‑changing experience. Whether through an internship, fellowship, or volunteer opportunity at a national wildlife refuge, fish hatchery, or other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site, participants often gain new skills, perspectives, and enthusiasm for conservation.

Internships and Seasonal Opportunities

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge offers internship and seasonal employment opportunities that give young people valuable, hands‑on experience in refuge operations. Depending on the year’s needs, these positions may support a wide range of projects—from habitat management and grounds maintenance to biological monitoring and visitor services.

Because availability varies from year to year based on funding and staffing, interested applicants are encouraged to watch USAJOBS for federal seasonal openings and American Conservation Experience (ACE) for internship listings. These platforms provide the most up‑to‑date information on opportunities as they become available.

Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)

In addition to internship and seasonal position opportunities, Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge may offer a Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program that provides summer employment for youth. The YCC program gives young people the chance to complete meaningful refuge projects while learning about wildlife and natural resource conservation. Participants may help with trail clearing, painting, installing signs, mowing and maintaining public‑use areas, cleaning facilities, repairing equipment, assisting with biological work, and other hands‑on tasks. Throughout the season, YCC members gain practical skills, learn how a national wildlife refuge operates, and build teamwork and workplace experience.

Program Requirements

1. Youth must be 15–18 years old.
2. Youth must be a permanent resident of the United States or its territories or possessions.
3. Youth must have a Social Security number.
4. Youth must want to work outdoors and be involved in the development and maintenance of natural resources.
5. Youth must not have a history of discipline problems.
6. Youth must obtain satisfactory medical certification confirming physical suitability for work assignments.
7. Youth must have parental or legal guardian consent to enroll.
8. Youth must be able to commute daily to Refuge headquarters (seven miles north of Foxholm, ND, or eight miles east of Carpio, ND).

Volunteering

Volunteers support Refuge staff by assisting with special projects, public programs, and a variety of routine tasks. Volunteer help is especially valuable during the field season, from May through September, when many projects are underway. Individuals and groups are invited to take part in efforts that help maintain the natural beauty of Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge.

Partnerships

Nature does not recognize human‑made boundaries, so conserving natural and cultural resources requires working together across those boundaries. Partnerships allow us to collaborate, share expertise, and develop creative solutions to complex conservation challenges.

In the Souris River Basin, opportunities exist to partner with sporting clubs, schools, community organizations, and other groups interested in supporting refuge projects and conservation efforts. The Service also maintains a strong partnership with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

At regional and state levels, additional partnerships may be formed with organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, the National Audubon Society, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the North Dakota Wildlife Federation, wildlife societies, Delta Waterfowl, and many others.

Questions?

If you have questions or would like to learn more about opportunities at Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, feel free to contact the Refuge.