“This is an amazing program. I would encourage anyone interested in conservation, biology, natural resource management, or environmental education to pursue this unique opportunity. In addition to developing career expertise in a specific field of work, living in an exciting new area, and experiencing America’s public lands as you’ve never seen them before, you will also make friends and professional contacts that can last a lifetime.”
–Michael D’Agostino, 2016 DFP Fellow
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to administer the 2020 FWS Directorate Resource Assistant Fellows Program (DFP) for students who are interested in a conservation career. FWS will be providing the fellowship opportunities for undergraduate students who have completed their junior year (e.g. Rising Senior or Senior) and are expecting to complete degree requirements after the summer of 2020; have recently been accepted and enrolled as a graduate student; or a graduate student who has completed at least his or her first year of graduate school.
“I felt like I really got a good idea of what it means to be a USFWS biologist – I gained experience in field work, lab work, data, and report writing. I also made valuable connections that will hopefully help me gain a permanent position with USFWS.”
–Sara Reese, 2016 DFP Fellow
Fellows attend an orientation held in May or June and serve in summer fellowships tailored to various FWS career tracks. Summer fellowships are available in a variety of fields, including biological sciences, natural resources, and refuge management. Fellows may be eligible for a permanent position in the FWS after successfully completing their fellowship and/or degree requirements.
Fellowship details
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Launch your career working with professionals during a rigorous fellowship with FWS
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Fellowships take place in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service field stations across the US
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Fellowships are 12 weeks over the summer
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Areas of focus include: biological sciences, natural resources & refuge management
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Participate in a week-long orientation at the FWS National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV to kick off your experience
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Positions involve a combination of indoor office-based tasks and outdoor field based work.
Benefits:
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Housing in Select Areas
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Bi-weekly Living Allowance
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Travel Allowance
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All positions begin with an orientation at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV. You must be able to attend one of these sessions. The orientation dates will be provided at a later date.
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Hands-on experience
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Interns may be eligible for a permanent position with the FWS after successfully completing the fellowship and/or meeting degree requirements.
Eligibility:
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US Citizens or Permanent Residents
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18 years old or older
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Students who have completed their junior year (e.g. Rising Senior or Senior) and are expecting to complete degree requirements after the summer of 2020; have recently been accepted and enrolled as a graduate student; or a graduate student who has completed at least his or her first year of graduate school
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GPA of 3.0 or higher (unofficial transcripts are required and should be attached to your complete SCA application)
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Available to serve around the country from May/June to August/September 2020. Exact dates are flexible and will be agreed upon by the selected candidate and supervisor.
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Demonstrated interest or experience in the conservation field
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Some positions in this program require you to have access to a driver’s license or personal vehicle during your internship
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Able to pass a criminal background check
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Males born after December 31, 1959, and are at least 18 years of age, must register with the Selective Service System, unless they meet certain exemptions.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement
Federal agencies must provide a reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.