Visitor Services/Biological Intern

Project Title: Visitor Services/Biological Intern

Project Type: In-person

Duration: 12 weeks (3 months) start date flexible (as early as May 15, 2024)

Location: Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge

Fellowship Description:

​The Visitor Services/Biological 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. Trainings include pesticide applicator license, defensive driving, ORUV, and any other trainings needed to complete refuge priority tasks.

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 UTV/ATVs and Skid steers for natural resource management
• Familiarity or willingness to obtain a pesticide license to spray invasive plants for natural resource management
• 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:

●       $600 weekly stipend based on a 40-hour workweek

●       $1,100 monthly housing stipend

●       Up to $500 paid travel/relocation expenses

●       Up to $2000 to support work travel and professional development opportunities

●       Sick Leave (case by case basis)

●       Admin Leave (24 hrs per 12 weeks)

●       Federal Holidays

Application:
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 Anastasia Elvira Hernandez, anastasia@hispanicaccess.org.

Applications for this position are due on Sunday, April 28, 2024 11:59 pm. 

Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement:
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process should contact Hispanic Access Foundation directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
 

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.

Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge was first established by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in 2012. The Refuge is located in McHenry County, IL and Walworth County, WI and is one of the newest refuges in Region 3. The boundary employs a Cores and Corridors concept for wildlife and habitat preservation with a focus on migratory and grassland birds. Hackmatack NWR is a designated urban refuge located between Chicago, IL and Milwaukee, WI. The refuge continues to grow and is now, 491.4 acres. Currently, multiple restoration projects are underway to restore prairies, oak savanna, and wetland habitat within the Refuge footprint. The refuge is heavily visited along the bike trail in Richmond, IL and hosts a number of outreach and educational events led by the Friends of Hackmatack NWR, McHenry County Conservation District  and other partner organizations. Hackmatack NWR started as a community dream that is now a reality. 

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.