Natural Resources & Environmental Interpretation Intern
One or two Hispanic Access intern(s) will be selected to work on a team and support the efforts of the Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership Initiative at these two refuges in Northern New Jersey. This nationally recognized initiative established a formal partnership with two non-profit environmental organization trusts - Groundwork Hudson Valley of Yonkers, NY and Groundwork Elizabeth of Elizabeth, NJ. (More information on Groundwork USA and the Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnerships may be found at the following websites: http://groundworkusa.org and https://www.fws.gov/urban/partnerships.php)
Great Swamp NWR and Wallkill River NWR are part of the Lenape National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The Lenape NWR Complex also includes Cherry Valley NWR, Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, and portions of Great Thicket NWR.
Interns will work with refuge staff and Groundwork Staff and Green Teams to:
- Complete habitat restoration projects in their base cities and at the refuges.
- Assist in outreach events and developing methods to engage community members in partnership efforts.
- Developing environmental education/public outreach programs.
To a lesser extent, the incumbent(s) may also assist refuge staff and volunteers with:
- Habitat management, including invasive species control.
- Biological surveys such as bird point counts, waterfowl surveys, bog turtle and wood turtle surveys.
- Maintaining refuge trails and public use areas.
Duties will be focused on supporting the refuges’ Urban Partnerships with Yonkers, NYC, and Elizabeth, NJ. Some weekend work is required. Weekday work hours will be adjusted to compensate for weekend work.
This is a paid internship. The intern will receive a weekly stipend of $400 based on a 40-hour workweek. Free dormitory style housing will be available on-site at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Basking Ridge, NJ; however, the selectee(s) may reside in Yonkers or Elizabeth. Duties will be primarily conducted in Elizabeth and Yonkers, but travel to Great Swamp NWR (Basking Ridge, NJ) and Wallkill River NWR (Sussex, NJ), will be required. A government vehicle will be provided for official-duty travel. A personal vehicle is required for commuting to work sites. A weekly transportation stipend is available for commuting purpose.
Timeframe:
This is a 12-week internship. The tentative start date is Tuesday, May 28, 2019, the end date is Saturday, August 16, 2019. Interns will be expected to attend 2 conferences held at the beginning and end of the term. Travel expenses will be covered by HAF.
Application Deadline
Applications are due by February 1, 2019 11:59pm EST. You will be asked to submit a resume with your application. Final decisions will be made by the end of February 2019.
Eligibility:
- Enrolled in an undergraduate or degree seeking program at an accredited university/institution OR have graduated within the past year
- Knowledge of or strong interest in areas pertaining to natural resource management, wildlife management, biology, community outreach, and environmental education
- Candidates between the ages 18 to 35
- Possess US citizenship or US residency
- Good communication skills will be pertinent; ability to communicate well verbally and in writing
- Ability to work well with a team and independently
- Enthusiasm for working outside, positive attitude, self starter, physically fit and organized
- Mature and responsible, willingness to learn
- Experience working with children and the public is desirable
- Valid Driver's License preferred but not required
- Personal vehicle required for local, non-work travel
- Participate in a standard U.S. Government background check if selected