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NWRS Urban Community Engagement Fellow

MANO Project, an initiative of Hispanic Access Foundation
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NWRS Urban Community Engagement Fellow Position Description

We encourage those who culturally identify as Latino/a or from the Black, Indigenous, and People Color (BIPOC) community to apply; however we do 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 Hispanic Access Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

FELLOWSHIP DUTY LOCATIONS

Westbrook, CT,  Savannah, GA

POSITION TITLE

Hispanic Access Foundation Urban Community Engagement Fellow  

SUPERVISOR

Project leaders, Refuge Managers, Biologists, or Visitor Services Managers as assigned

DURATION

6 month - Savannah, GA

4 Month - Westbrook, CT (Starting May 13th, 2024)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Fellows will support designated refuges in their efforts to engage diverse communities. Fellows should have a strong interest in building relationships and blending urban wildlife and nature with the local community. Candidates should expect to work closely with communities that environmental organizations have failed to previously engage and represent.

Refuge staff will provide ample training and development opportunities both internally and externally to support the selected candidate. Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply though all applications will be considered. Selected applicants should have strong communication skills, work well in a collaborative team setting, and be able to accept feedback gracefully and integrate it.

Positions are located at various refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System’s Urban Wildlife Conservation Program (see locations listing below). The Fellow effectively carries out assigned responsibilities to support efforts to directly engage with local community members to further conservation goals of the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program. Fellows will assist in guiding FWS to become more relevant to historically marginalized communities across the country. The following list contains examples of responsibilities.

Duties and Division of Labor

85% Offsite Community Engagement and Coordination:

  • Habitat Restoration
    • Support community conservation efforts including but not limited to: planting community gardens, building schoolyard habitats, community cleanups, and/or special events at public green spaces
  • Environmental Education and Engagement
    • Prepare and present interpretive and environmental education programs for local YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, or targeted community youth groups to engage local youth and foster partnerships with target audiences
    • Promote conservation and career awareness at career fairs, local high schools/universities, or other institutions of learning
    • Host activity tables at community events to raise awareness of refuge
  • Digital and Print Communications
    • Assist in the writing and promotion, design and distribution of marketing materials to raise awareness of refuge programs within communities
    • Create flyers and interpretive materials, update and edit reports, memos, spreadsheets, and fact sheets
    • Gather content to support refuge social media and web pages. Manage Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and develop public-facing website content through Drupal CMS, provide technical assistance on these platforms.

15% Onsite Refuge Duties:

  • Support visitor center facilities, assist staff in the maintenance of trails and habitat, greet and orient visitors, assist refuge staff in implementation of the Urban Wildlife Refuge Program
  • Work cooperatively with staff and refuge volunteers to support refuge habitat management, education, and other programming efforts

LEARNING GOALS:

  • Develop Individual Work Plans tailored to fellowship and career goals
  • Learn how various aspects of Urban Wildlife Conservation Program are crucial to connecting people to conservation
  • Understand a variety of methods to communicate, market and engage audiences across all demographics, with an emphasis on engaging with historically marginalized communities

MENTORING

This fellowship will be integrated with a cohort of other fellows across multiple duty stations. Since each Fellow comes with a unique background and different goals, the supervisor will outline an Individual Development Plan with them during their first week to identify areas of interest. 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Have received a high school diploma or GED by the start date.
  • Are ages 18-30, up to 35 years for veterans
  • Commitment of either six months or one year
  • Good oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to work with a team and independently
  • Knowledge of the Microsoft Suite will be helpful, or willing to learn how to use program.
  • Organized, mature, responsible, adaptable individuals with a positive attitude and willingness to learn
  • Early-career individuals with knowledge of, or a strong interest in, community engagement, environmental education, natural resources, parks and recreation, wildlife management, or biology

REQUIREMENTS

  • Ages 18-30, up to 35 years for veterans
  • Possess US citizenship or US residency
  • Fellows must undergo a government background check if selected
  • Available to work full-time (40 hours per week).

STIPEND + BENEFITS

  • A weekly stipend starting at $600 (depending on location) based on a 40-hour work-week*
  • Moving and weekly commuting stipend (up to budget limits).
  • Housing stipend of up to $1400/month.(Government Housing may be available a select locations)
  • Travel and training stipend within budget limits.
  • Public Land Corp (PLC) Eligibility – after completing 640 hours. PLC status provides special non-competitive hiring status when applying for federal positions.

*Interns are hired as temporary employees; taxes may be withheld from wage stipends.

HOUSING DETAILS

A $1400/month stipend is provided to cover the cost of housing and a down payment for living quarters near the designated FWS office. Depending on location, refuge housing could be provided. Refuge staff can recommend neighborhoods and realtors that can help find suitable housing with transportation options depending on the fellows needs. 

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Candidates are encouraged to research local conditions and amenities. Depending on assignment, summer weather can be hot and humid, and winters can bring snow. Shopping districts and recreational opportunities will also vary according to location.   

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work environment will vary between an indoor and outdoor assignments in the field. Offices and visitor contact stations are adequately lighted and ventilated. Temperature and weather extremes may be encountered in the performance of the outdoor work. Travel opportunities will be available for training or field visits to national wildlife refuges or community partnership sites.

VEHICLE/DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIRED

A driver's license is required to operate a government vehicle. A personal vehicle is recommended but, depending on location, may or may not be necessary for daily commute and work activities.

LOCATIONS & POSTION OVERVIEWS

Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge – Westbrook, CT

The Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge Urban Community Engagement Fellow will work to support all efforts of the New Haven Urban Refuge Partnership. The fellow will help the refuge visitor services manager in many outreach efforts and events. The fellow will be involved in the Nature of Learning environmental education program, helping to lead island field trips with 4th graders. In summer, the position will specifically focus on delivering education and interpretive programming for youth of various ages in New Haven and other urban areas in coastal Connecticut. The fellow will also work outdoors to enhance wildlife habitat in City parks, urban oases and schoolyard habitats in New Haven.

Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex – Savannah, GA

Looking for a southern, coastal experience? The Savannah Coastal Refuge Complex (SCRC) consists of seven different refuges that span 100 miles of coastline along South Carolina and Georgia that include barrier islands. The headquarters office, located in Hardeeville, South Carolina is just minutes away from the charming historic downtown area of Savannah, Georgia. SCRC receives over 500,000 visitors annually, engaging in wildlife observation, and photography along two different auto tours, and miles of hiking/biking trails which also include opportunities for fishing and hunting. Interested in joining the SCRC team to help connect youth to the outdoors? During this fellowship opportunity, you will work with staff and community partners to connect youth through hands-on experiences to outdoor recreation, while developing environmental stewards. As part of the Visitor Services team, you will be involved in special events at the refuge for the public, as well as community events. As you connect with the youth, be prepared to educate them about the local flora and fauna and invasive species that live within the community.

APPLICATION

We encourage those who culturally identify as Latino/a or from the Black, Indigenous, and People Color (BIPOC) community to apply; however we do 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 Hispanic Access Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is managing the recruitment for these positions. All applications should be submitted through Hispanic Access' MANO Project application page. A resume and two 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 Stephanie Pereira (Stephanie@hispanicaccess.org). Virtual interviews and final decisions will be made by Hispanic Access and FWS representatives.

Applications for this position are due on a rolling basis until filled. 

U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE MISSION

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

Hispanic Access Foundation Mission:
Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that connects Latinos and People of Color to partners and opportunities improving lives and creating an equitable society. Hispanic Access’s vision is that all Hispanics throughout the U.S. enjoy good physical health, a healthy natural environment, a quality education, economic success and civic engagement in their communities with the sum improving the future of America.