Adaptation/Hydrology/Construction Management Fellowship

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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: Positions for the 2026 Maintenance and Infrastructure Fellowship Program (MIFP) cohort will be located at FWS refuges and offices across the country:

San Luis Valley NWR Complex - Alamosa, CO

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