Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
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Employment Opportunities

Visitor Services Volunteer/Internship Opportunity
Dates TBD

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. 

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Friends of Ottawa NWR
14000 W. State Route 2
Oak Harbor, OH 43449 

  
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419-898-0014 x13
friendsofottawanwr@gmail.com

 EIN: 34-1904821   
Visitor Center open Wednesday-Sunday 10am-4pm.
  • HOME
  • YOUR REFUGE
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Ottawa NWR Complex
    • Refuge Challenges
    • Recent Sightings
    • Visitor Center
    • Kids Corner
    • Wildlife Drive
    • Endangered Wildlife
    • Endangered Plants
    • Research >
      • Bald Eagle Updates
      • West Sister Island Rookery
      • Blanding's Turtles
    • Gallery >
      • Most Memorable Moments
      • Photos by Friends
    • Wildlife Observation & Birding Tips
    • Timing of Bird Migration
    • Spring Birding Spots
    • Fishing and Hunting Information
    • EV Charging Station
    • Barn Quilt Trail
    • Know Your Signs
    • National Wildlife Refuge System
  • Who we are
    • Our Story
    • Friends History
    • Network of Friends
    • Strategic Goals
    • Financials
    • Board of Directors
    • Friends Staff
    • Refuge Staff
    • Community Partners
  • WHAT WE DO
    • Events >
      • Migration-A-Thon
      • Photography Contest
      • Shuttle Tours
    • Friends Programs >
      • Land Acquisition and Restoration
      • Internship Program
      • Environmental Education Grants
      • Glass City Bird Crew
      • Nature Programs
    • Friends Projects >
      • Shuttle
      • Bird Friendly Facility Project
      • Fox Nature Preserve
      • Nehls Memorial Nature Preserve
      • Portage River Water Trail
      • Marinewood Restoration
      • West Harbor Project
      • Wildlife Drive Improvements
      • Visitor Center Fishing Access
    • Recent Accomplishments
    • Carrying on a Legacy
  • HOW TO HELP
    • Donate
    • License Plate
    • Become a Member
    • Employer Match
    • Wheels for Wetlands
    • Legacy Gifts
    • Federal Duck Stamp Program
    • Volunteer >
      • Volunteer Portal
    • Corporate Sponsors
    • Conservation at Home
    • Say No to Balloon Releases
  • Shop