BE A CHANGE-MAKER IN YOUR COMMUNITY
A healthy natural world is essential to human existence. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) is committed to the conservation of nature and public lands, for the benefit of all people and wildlife who need these places in order to thrive. We’ve partnered with The Student Conservation Association (SCA) to offer a one-of-a-kind, next-generation internship experience at one of the country’s flagship Urban National Wildlife Refuge Complexes.
| BE A CONSERVATION CHAMPION FOR YOUR COMMUNITY A healthy natural world is essential to human existence. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) is committed to the conservation of nature and public lands, for the benefit of all people and wildlife who need these places in order to thrive. We’ve partnered with The Student Conservation Association (SCA) to offer a one-of-a-kind, next-generation internship experience at one of the country’s flagship Urban National Wildlife Refuges. The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Complex seeks to provide a welcoming environment for all visitors and is working to build intentional relationships with historically marginalized communities. To further this work, refuge staff are seeking an employee who has an interest in environmental work and furthering equitable practices in visitor services. |
PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES
The Environmental Education Apprentice will work with Refuge staff on a variety of projects related to USFWS priorities of 1) Knowing and relating to the community, both around refuge sites and in the greater Portland-Vancouver metro area; 2) Connecting people to nature through steppingstones of engagement; 3) Building partnerships; and 4) Being an asset in meeting the needs and desires of the community.
The employee will focus on assisting in the development and implementation of various refuge visitor services programs, which include (but are not limited to): Connecting with schools and other education-focused community groups to develop intentional programs and materials, lead students and educators on site, work with staff to reduce barriers to connection with the outdoors, and support communication with educators to provide recommendations to Refuge staff for future facility and program improvement. Additionally, the employee will have the chance to gain valuable biological field experience, such as survey and land management techniques, and plant and animal identification skills
Work location(s): Primary duty station is Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge in Sherwood, OR
Core tasks:
- Communicate with educators and volunteers to facilitate field trip logistics and planning.
- Assist in the development of field trip lessons and activities
- Assist in the development of self-led activities for families
- Deliver interpretive and educational programs
- Assist in day-to-day refuge operations as needed
- Assist with creating website content for educators and families
- Other duties as assigned
IDEAL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE:
This is an entry-level internship designed to give you a wide array of experiences and some level of choice in what types of projects and programs interest you most. If you are passionate about nature and conservation, as well as serving and connecting with your local community, you are encouraged to apply—even if you feel you do not meet all of the desired qualifications.
- Lived experience as a member of a historically marginalized community (Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian, LGBTQ+, disability community etc.) OR personal experience working within these communities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Previous experience with environmental education (formal or informal) or a desire to learn
- Organizational skills
- Confidence initiating communication and taking leadership initiative to follow through on assignments
- Ability to communicate effectively with diverse partners and affinity groups
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team
- A passion for connecting people with nature
- Ability to creatively solve problems
- Previous community engagement or outreach experience (e.g., volunteering, canvassing, mutual aid, relationship-building, etc.)
- Social media skills, including content creation
- A commitment to keeping our communities and partners safe by adhering to regional COVID mandates
ESSENTIAL JOB DETAILS
Who can apply: Candidates must be local to the Portland-Vancouver Metro Area and between the ages of 18-30. Position is open to all US residents; citizenship is not a requirement. USFWS will provide any reasonable accommodation as needed to perform work duties.
Independent access to transportation is required for this position. Public transportation fares can be reimbursed for on-duty travel. If transportation access presents a significant barrier, accommodations can be discussed (e.g., increased transportation allowance). Must submit to background check per SCA and USFWS policy.
Hours: 32-40 hours per week, Monday-Thursday with occasional weekend work. Opportunities for some flexibility may be available throughout the internship term.
Compensation: $650 weekly living allowance, and $500 Reimbursable Duty-Travel and Member Expense funds. All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Non-competitive hiring authority: This position will qualify the selected candidate for the Public Lands Corps Act hiring authority
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, which grants candidates non-competitive hiring preference for federal jobs in the Department of Interior, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Commerce for a period of two years after completing their internship. This hiring authority does require U.S. citizenship and is open to candidates aged 16-30.
Training and development: Depending on your needs and interests, opportunities include:
- Diversity, equity and inclusion training
- Assist in fieldwork opportunities such as invasive plant removal, survey work, and restoration practices to gain further experience in conservation field
- Networking with a wide variety of partners and USFWS staff
- Assisting/shadowing habitat, communication, and education professionals
- Opportunities to visit other local National Wildlife Refuges and natural spaces as well as community events.
- Participation in USFWS employee resource and affinity groups
ABOUT THE USFWS
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is one of the world’s premiere conservation organizations with a mission to protect wildlife and their habitats for the benefit of current and future generations. Part of the United States federal government, USFWS employees are dedicated public servants who are unapologetic super-fans of plants, animals, and people who receive nature’s many benefits and contribute to its sustainability.
National Wildlife Refuges are a unique type of public land, managed by the USFWS, that focus on ensuring both people and wildlife thrive in nature. In the Portland-Vancouver Metro Area, there are four National Wildlife Refuges: Ridgefield, Steigerwald Lake, Tualatin River, and Wapato Lake. We call them “urban” National Wildlife Refuges because they represent an awesome opportunity for nearby nature exploration for a large, diverse, and vibrant population.
Member Benefits
- $650 weekly living allowance (paid bi-weekly)
- $500 Duty Related Travel or Member Expense reimbursement funding (Receipt required)
- Monthly Health Insurance (Optional) 12 months total
- Uniform (provided by SCA & Arborwear)
- AmeriCorps Eligible (at fulfillment of 1700 service hours) valued at $6,895
- PLC Eligible
*All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes
Member Benefits
- $650 weekly living allowance (paid bi-weekly)
- $500 Duty Related Travel or Member Expense reimbursement funding (Receipt required)
- Monthly Health Insurance (Optional) 12 months total
- Uniform (provided by SCA & Arborwear)
- AmeriCorps Eligible (at fulfillment of 1700 service hours) valued at $6,895
- PLC Eligible
*All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes
Position ID: PO-00735694
Expected Dates: January 8, 2024 - December 15, 2024
Location:
19255 SW Pacific Hwy
Sherwood, OR 97140
US
Training Provided: •Diversity, equity and inclusion training •Assisting/shadowing habitat, communication, and education professionals •Participation in USFWS employee resource and affinity groups
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: •Networking with a wide variety of partners and USFWS staff •Opportunities to visit other local National Wildlife Refuges and natural spaces •Mentorship opportunities
Professional Development Opportunities: Training and development: Depending on your needs and interests, opportunities include:
- Diversity, equity and inclusion training
- Networking with a wide variety of partners and USFWS staff
- Assisting/shadowing habitat, communication, and education professionals
- Opportunities to visit other local National Wildlife Refuges and natural spaces as well as community events.
- Participation in USFWS employee resource and affinity groups
Main Area of Focus: Education and Interpretation
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Recommended
Public transportation does serve the refuge, but commuting daily to the site will be much easier with a personal vehicle.
Housing or Stipend Provided?
D. No housing is available
Indoor/Outdoor: Inside