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:
Successful applicants should:
Benefits and Logistics
To apply, submit:
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.
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.
To apply, submit:
- a resume (up to two pages in length),
- cover letter,
- unofficial college transcripts,
- two professional references,
- your time period of availability
