Career Discovery Internship Program
Founded in 2008, the Career Discovery Internship Program provides paid summer internships for college students interested in wildlife careers through a partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Positions are available in a variety of fields, including visitor services, education, natural resource management and more.
To participate, applicants must be incoming college Sophomores or Juniors. Students who are Black, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic or other racial minority are highly encouraged to apply.
Interns will first attend a week-long orientation held in May and then serve in summer internships tailored to various U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service career tracks for 12 weeks at various sites across the country.
The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
CDIP Visitor Services Intern
Seney National Wildlife Refuge is seeking a highly motivated student intern to be a part of our Visitor Services crew. This position will provide valuable hands-on experience in Visitor Center operations, social media, oral and written communication, creating and delivering interpretive tours and programs, as well as a variety of other experiences. This summer’s intern will have the opportunity to participate in a very exciting time on the refuge. We are building a new visitor center and headquarters office. The intern will be able to observe the construction of a new facility and offer suggestions and help research some facility elements.
As a Visitor Services Intern you may also have opportunities to learn about and work in other refuge career programs such as maintenance, and refuge management.
Benefits:
- Housing provided
- Weekly Living Allowance $600.00 per week
- Week-long orientation, expenses paid
- Assigned U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mentor
- Travel allowance to and from internship site $1000.00
- Hands-on experience
Major Duties and Responsibilities
- learning about the Refuge’s habitats, ecological processes, wildlife species, history, management practices, missions, etc:
- welcoming and orienting Refuge visitors; connecting people to Refuge resources:
- assisting with Visitor Center management; including opening and closing procedures as well as cleaning/maintenance of the Visitor Center, exhibits, grounds, and vehicles;
- developing and presenting programs for refuge visitors and school groups (e.g., nature walks, auto tours and environmental education programs);
- working on special interpretive projects (e.g., brochures, news articles, exhibits, signs, the website, podcasting, producing short videos about the refuge and its habitats/wildlife/plants etc.);
- assisting volunteers;
- posting updates to the official Facebook pages;
- assisting with other responsibilities as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Successful applicants should:
- be energetic and responsible;
- be well organized;
- be able to work independently and in small groups with a variety of personalities;
- have public speaking and group management skills;
- have experience in leading programs and working with public;
- have excellent verbal and writing skills;
- be knowledgeable in natural history, biology, bird identification etc.;
- include creative and artistic abilities such as photography, art, computer graphics, website experience, video production, etc. in your resume;
- have a valid driver's license (required);
- be current students or recent graduates;
- be pursuing a degree in parks and recreation, environmental education, interpretation, natural sciences, or a related field; however other backgrounds may be accepted
SCA1957
Position ID: PO-00735090
Expected Dates: May 22, 2023 - August 20, 2023
Location:
1486 River Road
Germfask, MI 49836
US
Training Provided: We will provide training on public speaking and leading tours as well as basic information on how to comport themselves while answering questions.
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: Interns will about the Refuge’s habitats, ecological processes, wildlife species, history, management practices, missions, etc.
Main Area of Focus: Visitor Services and Site Operations
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Not Eligible
Driving Logistics: Required
Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member
US Citizenship: Yes
