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Employment Opportunities

Visitor Services Volunteer/Internship Opportunity
March 7, 2021 – May 22, 2021 (virtual through April 30)
May 23, 2021 – August 21, 2021
August 21, 2021 – November 20, 2021

Summary:
Join the visitor services team at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and represent the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service during this unique internship opportunity. Gain experience facilitating curriculum based environmental education programs for K-12 students. Hone your skills conducting interpretive programs for a variety of public audiences. Enjoy conversations with the myriad of visitors you’ll meet while operating the visitor center. Adapt programs to a virtual setting and develop new programs. Build your resume and get a competitive edge as you begin a career.

Interns may work varied hours in adverse conditions. Applicants must be in good physical condition and possess a valid driver's license. Familiarity with interpretive techniques, public speaking, and computer skills is helpful.

40 hours per week; free housing; $400/week stipend

​The duties assigned to the successful applicant would be wide-ranging and should prepare the applicant for a future career in visitor services or recreation.

Assigned duties may include: 
  • opening and closing the Visitor Center; 
  • developing and presenting programs for refuge visitors and school groups (e.g., nature walks, auto tours and environmental education programs); most programs will be virtual in nature 
  • 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.) 
  • planning, organizing and conducting special events onsite ( 
  • staffing the Visitor Center  
  • assisting volunteers; 
  • cleaning/maintenance of the Visitor Center, exhibits, grounds, and vehicles; 
  • developing content for the refuge Facebook account 
  • assisting with other responsibilities as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 
Successful applicants should: 
  • be energetic and responsible; 
  • 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 the public is desired; 
  • have excellent verbal and writing skills; 
  • be knowledgeable in natural history, biology, bird identification etc.; 
  • creative and artistic abilities such as photography, art, computer graphics, website experience, video production, etc. should be noted in your resume; 
  • have a valid driver's license (required); 
  • interns should be current students or recent graduates; 
  • be pursuing a degree in parks and recreation, environmental education, interpretation, or a related field; however other backgrounds may be accepted. 

Benefits and Logistics 
  • three 13 week full-time internships are available in 2021. One is March-May, May-August, and August through November, each pay a $400 stipend per week 
  • housing and laundry facilities are provided; 
  • uniform shirts provided, but pants or shorts (shorts, jeans or pants must be in good condition) and closed toed shoes must be provided by the intern; 
  • the work week will include at least one weekend day and some evenings. 

The job announcement will remain open until the positions are filled. 

To apply, submit: 
  • a resume (up to two pages in length), 
  • cover letter, 
  • unofficial college transcripts, 
  • two professional references, 
  • your time period of availability 

Send your application package to Rebecca Lewis at Rebecca_Lewis@fws.gov or mail it to the Visitor Services Specialist, c/o Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, 14000 West State Route 2, Oak Harbor, OH  43449. If you have questions call 419-898-0014 ext. 17. 

Friends of Ottawa NWR 
14000 W. State Route 2 | Oak Harbor, OH 43449 |  419-898-0014 x13
email: friendsofottawanwr@gmail.com​


EIN: 34-1904821         *990 available online at guidestar.com or upon request* 
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