EMERGING PROFESSIONALS IN CONSERVATION (EPIC)

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

APPLY HERE

CHECK ELIGIBILITY

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:

National Park Service

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

NON-FEDERAL ORGANIZATIONS

U.S. Fish & Wildilife SErvice

U.S. FOREST SERVICE

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.”

-Lexy Coons, EPIC Native Plant Member

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:

Cultural Resources

Key projects in the cultural resources field deal with the preservation of historical and cultural landscapes and structures, applied research in archeology, historical and cultural anthropology, education and community outreach, and the management of museum collections. Members can expect to work in highly specialized areas and intricate types of conservation corps that fall within the broad range of responsibilities of the cultural resources vocation. Applicants for these positions typically have a degree and/or experience in cultural resources management, archaeology or anthropology, or a related field.

Environmental Policy, NEPA, GIS

EPIC members working within the realm of environmental policy will often work closely and in conjunction with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) processes. NEPA was established in 1969 by the federal government to ensure that all agencies of the federal government develop an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) when they prepare, permit and undertake major federal actions and projects that could significantly affect the environment. These projects could include new recreation trails, proposed restoration sites, and other ecological projects occurring on public lands. NEPA facilitates and streamlines the environmental review process and project planning for various environmental fields and includes organizing records, databases, document preparation, and review. GIS databases are essential components to many public land management projects and programs in order to organize, inventory and manage resource data, as well as create maps and other compliance documents. EPIC members working in GIS and environmental policy will gain a strong understanding of the different policies and procedures that relate to various resource management projects and programs, from wildlife biology, recreation, to cultural resources.

Forestry

Positions focused in the specialized field of forestry can work in a variety of locations and under the supervision of various land management agencies. EPIC members in forestry gain experience with a wide range of tasks and initiatives, such as: hazardous tree removal; collecting and entering field information into agency databases; forest vegetation management; habitat restoration; ecological restoration; seed collection; nursery management; and restoration site maintenance. Members work within the BLM, NPS, USFS, and other partners in exciting and challenging forestry career-oriented positions that open hands-on opportunities to learn a wealth of invaluable knowledge and experiences.

Interpretation, Education, and Outreach

In support of a partner agency, ACE EPIC positions focused in interpretation, education, and outreach will deal with —in the support of whichever agency they happen to be working within— the education of youth, teachers, and communities in the significant aspects of natural and cultural resources, conservation, and ecologically sound practices. The curriculum and programs are often tailored to the missions of the agencies and the circumstances of the environment in which the member is working in and with, whether it is the BLM, NPS, or one of ACE EPIC’s numerous other project partners.

Invasive Vegetation Management

EPIC positions focused in the management of invasive plants, including monitoring, treatment, and removal, will work in a variety of locations and under the direction of agency botanists and mentors. The need to keep invasive species in check is a paramount issue for the preservation and conservation of lands under the stewardship of the BLM, NPS, USFWS, USFS, and other conservation jobs and groups. Through EPIC, qualified candidates will be placed in positions to learn and manage the growing threat of invasive species both in the present and for the future of our ecosystems.

Rangeland Management

EPIC members with career aspirations in the specialized field of rangeland management are often partnered with the Bureau of Land Management, with the millions of acres of rangeland under its stewardship. The purpose of managing the nation’s rangeland is rooted in the protection of wildlife habitats and wildlife resources, supervision of livestock grazing, and management of recreation and its associated resources. Members in these positions assist rangeland managers and other BLM resource specialists in accomplishing the following types of work: surveys, monitoring, maintenance, habitat assessments, invasive species management, restoration, botany, data entry, and habitat protection along with other duties associated with public land stewardship.

Recreation

The field of land management in the United States is intrinsically linked to the existence of a general philosophy necessitating that public lands should be available for recreational use by the general populace. Nearly all EPIC positions will include —to a modest degree— dealings with public recreation. Some positions will place more of an emphasis on recreation initiatives than others, but restoration work, education and outreach, policy, GIS, and land stewardship are key components of keeping public lands available for the public’s recreational use. All ACE EPIC members interested in a career in conservation and public land management should be well-versed and prepared for the issues that recreation presents in relation to both their vocational aspiration and desired position.

Wilderness

Individuals with ambitions to work in the field of wilderness conservation and management may work within and under the supervision of several land management agencies, which include: the BLM, NPS, USFWS, USFS, and other project partners. EPIC wilderness members will be involved with the planning, designing, and carrying out conventional operation work and assigned projects within the areas of wilderness/recreation programs. Those in wilderness management positions may often monitor backcountry and other recreation areas for off-highway vehicle (OHV) and other types of land use, as well as gather geospatial data on these types of incursions, monitor water resources, collect wilderness character, perform ecological surveys, and assist with activities such as construction/maintenance of fences and other barriers, installing signs, and minor rehabilitation of existing restoration sites like vehicle damaged lands.

Wildlife and Fisheries Management

Members with ambitions to work within the field of wildlife and fisheries management should be prepared to work in a wide range of conditions and locations, as well as be able to adapt to completing tasks not limited to one specific initiative. A career in wildlife and fisheries management often combines field research, surveying, and monitoring of both species and habitats. Positions often include working within a variety of ecosystems, habitat assessments, and restoration. This vocation generally requires members to be well-versed in the areas of botany, zoology, ecology, biology, wildlife, fisheries, entomology, and other related disciplines.

Apply to Serve

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.

ACE Age Requirements

ACE has agreements with various federal and non-federal agencies, many of which come with age restrictions.

Unless specifically noted, all positions require participants to be at least 18. The majority of our federally funded positions have a maximum age of 30 (or 35 for Veterans), particularly those with the National Park Service, the US Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.

Generally, non-federal positions do not have maximum age limits.

In all cases, any age restrictions will be specifically listed on the position announcement.

ACE-Agency Partnership

ACE enters into agreements with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as private and nonprofit organizations dedicated to conservation efforts. When offered and hired for an ACE position, you are identified as an ACE member and are not a federal, state, or local government employee.

Can I serve in an EPIC field based position and have visible tattoos and piercings?

Yes, tattoos and piercings are fine, as long as they are not in violation of ACE’s commitment to foster an inclusive environment, free of discrimination and harassment.

Additionally, any newer tattoos and/or piercings must be fully and completely healed before beginning any field based positions with EPIC or you must seek ACE supervisor approval prior to beginning your term of service. New piercings and tattoos require sterile and dry conditions, no sun exposure, and a specific aftercare routine in order to heal properly and prevent infection. Because participating in an EPIC field based position involves doing rigorous work projects outdoors for extended periods of time in all weather, it is generally not possible to safely care for a new tattoo or piercing. Additionally, time off will not be given to ACE members to support the healing of a body modification completed during a term of service.

Citizenship Requirements

ACE has agreements with both federal and non-federal partners. Our federally funded agreements require applicants to be a U.S. Citizen (born or naturalized), a U.S. National or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident.

For non-federally funded positions, applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident, or be authorized to work in the U.S (i.e. hold an official Employment Authorization Document – EAD).

If you are uncertain of your eligibility for a particular position, please contact an ACE representative. Please note that neither ACE nor our partner organizations sponsor Visas.

Direct Hire Authority (DHA)

Direct Hire Authority is a designation you may see in some position descriptions which allows members with certificates to apply to federal positions that are normally only open to internal hires, and it allows agency staff to expedite the hiring process by eliminating rating and ranking, veterans’ preference, as well as typical selection procedures. For all five agencies (NPS, BLM, USFS, USFWS, USBR), this hiring authority is intended to increase representation of those coming from diverse or disadvantaged backgrounds.

BLM: In the Bureau of Land Management’s DHA program, applicants are required to be currently enrolled in higher education, and can’t be graduated yet, and must be 17 years of age or older.

BOR: In the Bureau of Reclamation’s DHA program, applicants are required to be currently enrolled in higher education, and can’t be graduated yet, and must be 17 years of age or older.

NPS: In the National Park Service’s Resource Assistants Internships DHA (RAI-DHA) programs, applicants are required to be enrolled in a post-secondary degree program (undergraduate or higher) through the duration of the internship.

FWS: In the US Fish & Wildlife Service’s DHA Directorate Fellows Program (DFP), applicants are required to be currently enrolled in higher education, and can’t be graduated yet, and must be 17 years of age or older. (Applicants may have just graduated undergrad and be accepted into a graduate program in the coming semester).

USFS: In the US Forest Service’s DHA Resource Assistants Program (RAP), there are no age or education restrictions to apply (other than 18 or older), but in order to utilize your certificate, you will have had to complete an Associates Degree or higher. Because of this requirement, preference may be given to applicants who already hold an Associates Degree or higher.

Driving

For any ACE position that requires driving, members must be 21 years of age or older, have a current and valid driver license, and possess an insurable driving record. Members must consent to have ACE run a motor vehicle record check to confirm that their driving record is insurable. Enrolling members will also complete a required defensive driving course and sign a driving contract. If you are unsure whether a position you are interested in will require driving, please reach out to the ACE contact person listed in the application.

If you feel you may not be eligible to drive for ACE, and it is listed as a requirement in the position announcement, please inquire with the ACE point of contact before applying.

Education Requirements

There is no blanket education requirement across all EPIC positions.

EPIC positions are designed to give individuals specific experience in a particular position or agency, and therefore sometimes seek applicants with specific career or educational skills. Specific educational attainment may be recommended for a position, but won’t be required unless it is explicitly stated.

Often, on-the-job experience can substitute for education. Similarly, education in a specific field can often substitute for job experience. A college degree is not required for most EPIC positions.

Public Land Corps (PLC)

Public Land Corps (PLC) is primarily two things; 1) An federal act that provides youth opportunities to participate in conservation on public lands and 2) A non-competitive federal hiring authority for members who receive their PLC Certificate after service on a PLC project with ACE.

Most of ACE’s projects are funded through the PLC Act (PLC will be listed on the position announcement) which comes with some guidelines.

In order to be eligible for a PLC Certificate, participants must:

be between the ages of 16-30, inclusive, and veterans up to age 35.
be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident.
have received their high school diploma or equivalent, or agree to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. While this is not a requirement to enter a PLC funded position with ACE, you will need to have a
GED or higher to receive and use the PLC certificate.
complete 640 total hours, with 120 of those hours worked directly on PLC funded projects.

Members with a PLC Certificate may apply to federal positions that aren’t open to the general public, but must otherwise meet other position requirements listed on the federal job announcements.

Substance Restrictions

ACE has adopted an Alcohol and Drug Policy which prohibits the use, possession, paraphernalia, manufacture, sale or distribution of alcohol or drugs (including marijuana and excessive quantities of prescription or over-the-counter drugs) on ACE premises or during ACE time.

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.

Apply to Serve

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 Reflection by EPIC NPS Interpretation Member Ava

Hi! My name is Ava, I am an Interpretation Member […]

Solving Backlogged Maintenance Needs Through Collaboration

Public lands face an ongoing challenge: keeping miles of backcountry […]

Christina Ibos | National Visitor Survey

Fish and Wildlife Service ACE EPIC Division I first heard […]

View all Blogs

americanconservationexperience

1,532

National non-profit providing environmental and conservation service opportunities to help restore America’s public lands.
⬇️ Get involved! ⬇️

Join us July 28th for an ACE Learns with Kylie Newland 🎙️

Kylie serves as a Cultural Resources Digital Data and Multimedia Collections Member with California State Parks, and she`s pulling back the curtain on a side of conservation people don`t always think about.

She`ll talk through the history of collections management, ethical stewardship, tribal partnerships, and repatriation efforts happening across California, and why preserving cultural heritage is a core part of conservation work, not separate from it.

This is an opportunity to get a look at a career path in conservation you might not know exists! Join us.

📅 July 28th
🔗 Zoom link in bio

#ConservationCorps #Conservation #CulturalResources #Outdoors

28 0

Open post by americanconservationexperience with ID 18163370932457059

Join us July 28th for an ACE Learns with Kylie Newland 🎙️

Kylie serves as a Cultural Resources Digital Data and Multimedia Collections Member with California State Parks, and she's pulling back the curtain on a side of conservation people don't always think about.

She'll talk through the history of collections management, ethical stewardship, tribal partnerships, and repatriation efforts happening across California, and why preserving cultural heritage is a core part of conservation work, not separate from it.

This is an opportunity to get a look at a career path in conservation you might not know exists! Join us.

📅 July 28th
🔗 Zoom link in bio

#ConservationCorps #Conservation #CulturalResources #Outdoors

28 0

The most efficient on hitch ☕️

#ConservationCorps #Conservation #PublicLands #Outdoor

215 0

Open post by americanconservationexperience with ID 17863330980644704

The most efficient on hitch ☕️

#ConservationCorps #Conservation #PublicLands #Outdoor

…

215 0

Build skills & gain experience on meaningful conservation projects. New service roles on our website:

Pacific West Conservation Crew Member – Northern California
📍 Sacramento, California
🔎 Join a Conservation Crew | Housing Included
🔗 Comment CREW to get the link to apply

Refuge Support Member – Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
📍 Boynton Beach, Florida
🔎 Wildlife and vegetation surveys, endangered species monitoring, and habitat management in the Everglades ecosystem | August 2026 Start
🔗 Comment EPIC to get the link to apply

Environmental Education Member – Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges Complex
📍 Lacombe, Louisiana
🔎 Environmental education delivery, school outreach, visitor center staffing, and mobile program development | September 2026 Start
🔗 Comment EPIC to get the link to apply

⭐Historic Preservation Member – Glen Canyon National Recreation Area ⭐
📍 Page, Arizona (Lees Ferry District)
🔎 Historic structure documentation, masonry, carpentry, wood preservation, and youth corps oversight | September 2026 Start
🔗 Comment EPIC to get the link to apply

Refuge Support Member – Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex
📍 Willows, California
🔎 Wetland management, habitat restoration, equipment operation, visitor services, and hunting program support | September 2026 Start
🔗 Comment EPIC to get the link to apply

Visitor Services Support Member – Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex
📍 Willows, California
🔎 Visitor center staffing, interpretation, environmental education, social media content, and public outreach | October 2026 Start
🔗 Comment EPIC to get the link to apply

#Conservation #Outdoors #PublicLands #Nature #ConservationCorps

153 5

Open post by americanconservationexperience with ID 18002255897967543

Build skills & gain experience on meaningful conservation projects. New service roles on our website:

Pacific West Conservation Crew Member - Northern California
📍 Sacramento, California
🔎 Join a Conservation Crew | Housing Included
🔗 Comment CREW to get the link to apply

Refuge Support Member – Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
📍 Boynton Beach, Florida
🔎 Wildlife and vegetation surveys, endangered species monitoring, and habitat management in the Everglades ecosystem | August 2026 Start
🔗 Comment EPIC to get the link to apply

Environmental Education Member – Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges Complex
📍 Lacombe, Louisiana
🔎 Environmental education delivery, school outreach, visitor center staffing, and mobile program development | September 2026 Start
🔗 Comment EPIC to get the link to apply

⭐Historic Preservation Member - Glen Canyon National Recreation Area ⭐
📍 Page, Arizona (Lees Ferry District)
🔎 Historic structure documentation, masonry, carpentry, wood preservation, and youth corps oversight | September 2026 Start
🔗 Comment EPIC to get the link to apply

Refuge Support Member - Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex
📍 Willows, California
🔎 Wetland management, habitat restoration, equipment operation, visitor services, and hunting program support | September 2026 Start
🔗 Comment EPIC to get the link to apply

Visitor Services Support Member – Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex
📍 Willows, California
🔎 Visitor center staffing, interpretation, environmental education, social media content, and public outreach | October 2026 Start
🔗 Comment EPIC to get the link to apply

#Conservation #Outdoors #PublicLands #Nature #ConservationCorps

153 5

American Conservation Experience (ACE) is excited to announce the search for our next Chief Executive Officer.

As our current CEO prepares to retire at the end of the year, we`re seeking an inspiring leader to build on a strong foundation and guide ACE into its next chapter of conservation service and national impact.

Learn more about the opportunity at the link in our bio and help us spread the word.

#Conservation #ConservationJobs #Outdoors

109 1

Open post by americanconservationexperience with ID 18115570555902395

American Conservation Experience (ACE) is excited to announce the search for our next Chief Executive Officer.

As our current CEO prepares to retire at the end of the year, we're seeking an inspiring leader to build on a strong foundation and guide ACE into its next chapter of conservation service and national impact.

Learn more about the opportunity at the link in our bio and help us spread the word.

#Conservation #ConservationJobs #Outdoors

109 1

Central Washington`s public lands got hit hard by wildfire and the recovery work can be slow and dirty. ACE’s team walked the burn scars square meter by square meter, counting seedlings, mapping fence lines, and taking photos to document.

They also contributed to riparian planting, erosion control, and native shrub-steppe restoration. This is what post-fire land recovery looks like.

#Conservation #ConservationCorps #PublicLands #Outdoors

110 8

Open post by americanconservationexperience with ID 17947676538238092

Central Washington's public lands got hit hard by wildfire and the recovery work can be slow and dirty. ACE’s team walked the burn scars square meter by square meter, counting seedlings, mapping fence lines, and taking photos to document.

They also contributed to riparian planting, erosion control, and native shrub-steppe restoration. This is what post-fire land recovery looks like.

#Conservation #ConservationCorps #PublicLands #Outdoors

110 8

Our kind of office views ✨

#outdoors #nature #conservation #conservationcorps

129 3

Open post by americanconservationexperience with ID 17964032841131550

Our kind of office views ✨

#outdoors #nature #conservation #conservationcorps

…

129 3

The latest! New conservation roles up on our website. Comment below for the link to the applicant pages ⬇️

SWA Southwest Conservation Crew Member
📍 Flagstaff, Arizona
🔎 Join a Conservation Crew | Housing Included
🔗 Comment CREW to get the link to apply

Cultural Resource Protection Member – Grand Canyon National Park
📍 Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
🔎 Archaeological surveys, fire-impacted site documentation, and cultural resource protection with NPS | Early September 2026 Start
🔗 Comment EPIC to get the link to apply

Hydrological Research Member – US Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station
📍 Blue River, Oregon (H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest)
🔎 Streamflow monitoring, hydrometeorological instrumentation, field data collection, and long-term watershed research | ASAP Start
🔗 Comment EPIC to get the link to apply

⭐Environmental Education Member – Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge ⭐
📍 New Orleans, Louisiana
🔎 Curriculum development, youth program coordination, community partnerships, and outdoor education facilitation | September 2026 Start
🔗 Comment EPIC to get the link to apply

Preservation Maintenance Member – Jimmy Carter National Historic Park
📍 Plains, Georgia
🔎 Historic structure preservation, carpentry, painting, grounds maintenance, and landscape care at a presidential park | ASAP Start
🔗 Comment EPIC to get the link to apply

Interpretation Member – Redwood National & State Parks
📍 Crescent City, California
🔎 Lead visitor programs and hikes, gain hands-on exposure across the park | September 6th Start Date
🔗 Comment EPIC to get the link to apply

#Conservation #Outdoors #PublicLands #Nature #ConservationCorps

267 29

Open post by americanconservationexperience with ID 18080907554456131

The latest! New conservation roles up on our website. Comment below for the link to the applicant pages ⬇️

SWA Southwest Conservation Crew Member
📍 Flagstaff, Arizona
🔎 Join a Conservation Crew | Housing Included
🔗 Comment CREW to get the link to apply

Cultural Resource Protection Member - Grand Canyon National Park
📍 Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
🔎 Archaeological surveys, fire-impacted site documentation, and cultural resource protection with NPS | Early September 2026 Start
🔗 Comment EPIC to get the link to apply

Hydrological Research Member - US Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station
📍 Blue River, Oregon (H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest)
🔎 Streamflow monitoring, hydrometeorological instrumentation, field data collection, and long-term watershed research | ASAP Start
🔗 Comment EPIC to get the link to apply

⭐Environmental Education Member - Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge ⭐
📍 New Orleans, Louisiana
🔎 Curriculum development, youth program coordination, community partnerships, and outdoor education facilitation | September 2026 Start
🔗 Comment EPIC to get the link to apply

Preservation Maintenance Member - Jimmy Carter National Historic Park
📍 Plains, Georgia
🔎 Historic structure preservation, carpentry, painting, grounds maintenance, and landscape care at a presidential park | ASAP Start
🔗 Comment EPIC to get the link to apply

Interpretation Member - Redwood National & State Parks
📍 Crescent City, California
🔎 Lead visitor programs and hikes, gain hands-on exposure across the park | September 6th Start Date
🔗 Comment EPIC to get the link to apply

#Conservation #Outdoors #PublicLands #Nature #ConservationCorps

267 29

Ready to make this your reality?

👉 Comment APPLY to get a link to our conservation roles

#Outdoors #Conservation #PublicLands #ConservationCorps

388 7

Open post by americanconservationexperience with ID 17896327542541036

Ready to make this your reality?

👉 Comment APPLY to get a link to our conservation roles

#Outdoors #Conservation #PublicLands #ConservationCorps

…

388 7

Follow on Instagram