EMERGING PROFESSIONALS IN CONSERVATION (EPIC)

Focused, hands-on fellowships and internships bridging the gap between academic experience and a thriving career in land management.

Cultivating the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders

What is EPIC?

ACE EPIC individual placements (internships) and fellowships provide focused, hands-on opportunities to work alongside and under the guidance of agency mentors. ACE interns apply their knowledge of resource management on their path to becoming the next generation of resource and land managers.

The EPIC Program provides an invaluable opportunity for individuals seeking to bridge their academic or previous work experience with new professional milestones. It allows members to explore, connect with, and preserve America’s natural and cultural resources while gaining specialized skills and advancing their careers in conservation.

EPIC Program Details at a Glance:

Duration

Positions typically last 3 to 12 months.

Mentorship

All members earn a cost of living allowance during their service, some positions provide additional resources such as housing or travel assistance.

Career Pathways

The experience gained through EPIC can lead to many options beyond federal agencies as well such as the private sector, nonprofits, and state agencies.

Explore EPIC Opportunities by Partner:

ACE teams up with leading conservation groups and federal agencies. Choose a partner below to explore specific EPIC opportunities:

Featured Story from the Field

Growing the Landscape and Communities of Catalina Island

“I never expected the people I met to be so generous in spreading their knowledge and passion for the field. The individuals I have met during my time working at the Catalina island Conservancy are some of the kindest, funniest, and most caring people I have ever met, and I am so thankful for the patience and support I have received from my coworkers. I realized that they truly want to see me succeed and work collectively to get to the end result we are all working towards.â€

-Lexy Coons, EPIC Native Plant Member

girl working on fixing plants

Explore EPIC Project Areas

EPIC members (interns) often have degrees and/or experience in diverse disciplines. We offer a large variety of natural science and conservation-oriented placements focused in the following program areas:

Am I Eligible for EPIC?

ACE EPIC works within a variety of agreements with federal agency partners (USFS, NPS, BLM, USFWS) that all have specific requirements for eligibility. Below are some frequently asked questions to help you determine whether the EPIC Program is a good fit for you.

Equal Employment Opportunity

American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

EPIC in Action

Read firsthand accounts from EPIC members who are gaining specialized skills, working alongside agency mentors, and launching their careers in conservation.

A service term with a conservation corps can put you on the path to the career you’ve been dreaming of. ACE roles are often the first step.

In a term with ACE, you can:
âž¡ï¸ Build conservation skills
âž¡ï¸ Make friends who feel like family
âž¡ï¸ Forge connections that shape where your career goes next

This is just the start. Comment APPLY for a link to our open roles across EPIC and Crew.

#Conservation #ConservationCorps #Outdoors #PublicLands

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You don’t move a tree like that solo 🪾

Every ACE crew leans on teamwork daily, whether that’s clearing a downed tree together or hauling gear over rough terrain. It’s one of the most practical skills members walk away with, right alongside the technical ones.

Conservation work is rarely a one-person job. And teamwork is a skill you build with your hands.

Comment APPLY for a link to ACE conservation corp roles like this.

#Conservation #ConservationCorps #Outdoors #PublicLands

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Our conservation corps roles take members to some pretty epic places.

Lexy and Joelle have spent the season on the coast off Alaska, Southern California, and up through the Pacific region, leading volunteer beach cleanup teams to remove marine debris and restore coastal habitat.

Just one example of the work we get to do with partners like @nationalparkservice.

#PublicLands #CoastalCleanup #ConservationCorps #NPS

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Ollie’s job: hike the Moab desert looking for springs 💧

Ollie is an ACE EPIC Member in BLM’s Canyon County District in Utah where this year's snowpack was the lowest on record. It's a strange time to be studying water because of it, but springs matter more than people realize—they're biodiversity hotspots that support rare, endangered species most people never see.

"Perhaps it is a weird year to be studying springs, but I'm glad that I get to."

Read his full story through our blog 🔗 in bio!

#Conservation #ConservationCorps #Outdoors #PublicLands

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