Fellowship Description:
​The Visitor Services intern will provide support to existing Refuge staff helping with roving interpretation and environmental education programs on and off the refuge. The intern will help our station to provide quality wildlife-dependent recreation and education opportunities and to facilitate partnerships and cooperative projects to engage other conservation agencies, volunteers, friends, and partners. This position will assist with the development, planning, and implementation of environmental education programs, interpretive programs, and special events on the Refuge. In addition, the intern will assist with the daily care and operation of the Visitor Contact Station and will be integrated into other Visitor Services projects such as interpretive sign design, brochure distribution, data management, and working with volunteers. When time allows, the intern will assist other Refuge staff with other station programs including resource protection, habitat management, biological, and safety projects. Training will be provided to help the intern learn and grow as a natural resources interpreter, environmental educator, and naturalist.
To support the Administration’s focus on racial equity and justice, the Service is seeking diverse applicant pools for these positions to apply and encourage applicants who culturally identify as Hispanic/Latinx/a/o or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color) to apply. However, the Service does not discriminate with regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, personal appearance, marital status, familial status, family responsibility, pregnancy or other pregnancy-related conditions, childbirth, disability, military/veteran status, citizenship status, religion or political affiliation, or any other status protected by federal or state law, local ordinance or Executive Orders. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Comfortable and capable of working independently
- Able to work outside in all weather conditions
- Experience working with the public is desirable
- Is good at networking and creating partnerships
- Has the ability to connect with diverse audiences
- Is comfortable and competent in public speaking
- Familiarity or willingness to learn the operation of non-motorized watercraft (i.e. canoe, kayak)
- Is proficient in and enjoys writing and communicating clearly
- Able, with instruction, to teach environmental education and interpretation programs
- Has excellent customer/visitor service skills
- Has knowledge of social media platforms and video editing programs
Minimum Qualifications:
- Ages 18 to 30; up to 35 for veterans
- Available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for 12 weeks. The position may require weekend work on Saturdays.
- Driver’s license required. The intern will be required to drive a government vehicle.
- Undergraduate students, recent grads, or young professionals
- Have or are in pursuit of an undergraduate degree in Education, Interpretation, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Wildlife Biology, or a closely related field.
- US citizenship or permanent residency. Background checks will be conducted.
- Personal vehicle required.
- Bilingual in Spanish preferred, but not required
Stipend + Benefits:
- $425 weekly stipend based on a 40-hour workweek
- $500 monthly housing stipend
- Up to $500 paid travel/relocation expenses
- Up to $2500 to support work travel and professional development opportunities
- Sick Leave
- Admin Leave (24 hrs per 12 weeks)
- Federal Holidays
- Public Land Corp Eligibility - after completing 640 hours, PLC status provides special non-competitive hiring status when applying for federal positions.
*Fellows are hired as temporary employees; taxes may be withheld from stipends.
Application:
HAF is managing the recruitment for these positions. All applications should be submitted through HAF’s MANO Project application page by April 3, 2022, 11:59 pm EST.
A Resume/CV and two to three references will be required for submission. Your application or resume should include professional and educational experience, along with any awards, technical skills, or volunteer activities. Application questions or issues may be directed to Yashira M. Valentin Feliciano at yashira@hispanicaccess.org.
Position Description and Application Information