What is the DFP Fellowship?
DFP is a special hiring program the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) uses to diversify its workforce. FWS measures DFP’s success by how well they attract students to a summer Fellowship and convert them to full-time, permanent positions. Their goal is to hire all Fellows into permanent employment.
The DFP is for students interested in conservation careers and positions that support the FWS mission to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. In prior years, positions included work on species conservation planning, field surveys and monitoring for species, landscape-scale conservation partnerships, environmental law and policy, education and outreach, community engagement, digital communications, and other areas that support FWS’ mission.
Selected students participate in a paid 12-week summer Fellowship program with a week-long orientation and 11 weeks of 40-hour work in remote or in-person positions, as designated in each position description. Upon successful completion of the Fellowship program, along with degree conferral, participants may be directly hired or appointed to full-time, permanent positions without competition.
How does it benefit you?
- $680 weekly stipend for 12 weeks of full-time work
- Housing or housing stipend provided for some positions
- Travel expenses to/from the FWS’ National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV for a 1-week orientation
- Travel expenses to/from in-person positions
- Duty-related travel for some remote and in-person positions
- Option for health insurance coverage throughout the internship term (12 weeks)
- Hands-on professional experience in conservation
- 1 to 2 weeks of developmental experiences during the 11-week Fellowship, including networking and learning about future employment opportunities
- Career mentors are assigned to each Fellow throughout the summer and often beyond
- Fellows may be eligible for direct hire authority after successfully completing their fellowship and degree requirements
Are you eligible?
- Current students: undergraduate rising seniors, undergraduate seniors, or enrolled or current graduate students
- Students graduating in May 2023 or June 2023 are ineligible to participate in DFP unless they provide verification that they have been accepted for enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program by February 1, 2023.
- U.S. Citizen or National
- Age 17 or older
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Available for 12 consecutive weeks during summer 2023
- Able to pass a background check
- Male students born after 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service
What are 2023 DFP Priorities?
The FWS goal is to promote and maintain a diverse and inclusive workforce that thrives in an environment accessible to all and free of employment discrimination. The DFP program is designed to attract highly talented and diverse students into Fellowships, with particular attention to women and groups underrepresented in our workforce, including but not limited to, African American/Black, Alaska Native, Asian, Hispanic, Native American, Pacific Islanders students, and students with disabilities. Our recruitment efforts will also focus on students that attend Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). They include but are not limited to: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Tribal Colleges or Universities (TCU), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI), and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI).
How do you Apply?
Submit an application package, including a:
- Completed application form, selecting up to 10 positions you are interested in
- Resume
- Current unofficial transcript showing a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA (must provide transcripts for all universities attended)
Applications are due by January 2 at 11:59 pm EST. In advance of completing your online application, you can view a PDF copy of the application here. NOTE: We will not accept PDF applications submitted by email. All applications must be submitted online through the application link.
Application questions or issues may be directed to Nina Martí (nina@hispanicaccess.org), Anastasia Hernández (anastasia@hispanicacess.org), or Michelle Neuenschwander (michelle@hispanicaccess.org).
Available Positions
Please make note of the position number and title of those that you are interested in applying to. Position descriptions are not available on the application. You can only select up to 10 positions.
Pacific – Region 1 (WA, OR, ID, HI, MP, GU, AS)
1-1: Monitoring Herbicide Effects on Threatened Oregon Coast Butterflies
Position Type: In Person
Host site Location: USFWS Newport Field Station, Newport, OR
Fellowship Dates: June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Fields of Study: Biological Sciences
Housing Support: A housing stipend of up to $5,000 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing. A personal vehicle is recommended for personal travel as public transit is available but not reliable. A government vehicle will be furnished for field work only.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: The Newport Field Office, located near the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon, is a joint office with Ecological Services and the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex. It will serve as a home base for the Fellow with travel to local coastal prairies for project implementation. Primarily due to habitat loss fragmentation, the Oregon silverspot butterfly was federally listed as threatened over forty years ago. Its road to recovery relies heavily on our understanding of how to best protect and manage the remaining habitat while minimizing the impact on the species. This project will implement a new, assertive approach to address the unknown effects of herbicide on the threatened Oregon silverspot butterfly and its habitat, a key understanding necessary to move forward with best management practices for its recovery. The Fellow will be integral in leading this effort. They will be responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of herbicide treatments by monitoring larvae survival and growth responses of the plant community.
To implement this project, the Fellow will be responsible for:
- working with land partners to determine historical management practices and locations for treatment testing
- coordinating with the captive rearing program at the Oregon Zoo for larvae releases
- setting up and monitoring vegetation and larval survival within test enclosures
- assisting in adult surveys with research team members and,
- analyzing and reporting on data.
Upon completion, the Fellow will document the study in a formal report to FWS and partners and present their findings to the range-wide silverspot recovery working group.
The silverspot community is wide-branching and includes members from over 20 organizations invested in the health and well-being of local prairies and their inhabitants. We firmly believe to achieve recovery that communication and unity in the effort are required, therefore we work alongside each other every step of the way. Opportunities for the Fellow to join this community and learn hands-on from these members will be abundant, including coordinating with land managers, assisting in research, job shadowing, attending seminars, and more.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study: Biological Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Ability to conduct fieldwork involving hiking on uneven and rough terrain and carrying equipment
- Ability to lift/carry 50 pounds
- Ability to work independently
- Willingness to camp in a campground for short periods of time
- Ability to focus for extended periods of time and use computers for data entry and analysis
- *Fellows will not be applying herbicides, therefore licensing is not required
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Project management experience
- Acute observational skills
- Leadership roles (school, extracurricular, etc.)
- Technical writing skills
- Plant identification skills
- A passion for conservation science with real-world application
1-2: Bear Education and Outreach in the North Cascades
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation at NCTC June 11-16)
Host site Location: North Cascades National Park, Marblemount, WA
Housing Support: On-site housing, no cost to the student
Housing Description: Housing will be provided at North Cascades National Park Service Complex
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: Bears have roamed and interacted with humans in the North Cascades of Washington state for thousands of years. Based in North Cascades National Park, this fellowship position will educate the public and local communities on these important animals.
To implement this project, the Fellow will be responsible for:
- working with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) and National Park Service (NPS) to develop and provide unique short talks and informal interpretation in campgrounds in North Cascades National Park
- educating campers about bear safety, biology, their history in the ecosystem, and grizzly bear recovery
- traveling to local communities surrounding North Cascades National Park, bringing educational tools, taxidermy, providing presentations and,
- assisting the FWS and North Cascades National Park with the development of a variety of outreach materials related to agency actions and the restoration of grizzly bears in the North Cascades ecosystem.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Education/Outreach
- Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
- Communication/Marketing
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Ability to lift/carry 50 pounds
- Willingness to be outdoors in occasionally inclement weather
- Ability to speak and communicate clearly with the public
- Ability to learn to drive a vehicle carrying a trailer
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Cross-cultural communication skills
- Partnership building experience
- Public speaking skills
- Knowledge of bear and carnivore biology
- Willingness to drive a vehicle carrying a trailer
1-3: Freshwater Mussel Habitat Association within the Blue Mountains
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: La Grande Field Office, Walla Walla, WA
Housing Support: On-site housing, no cost to the student
Housing Description: Housing will be provided at the South Fork Walla Walla CTUIR fish hatchery. A personal vehicle is recommended for personal travel. A government vehicle will be furnished for fieldwork.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: Freshwater mussels improve conditions for salmon, lamprey, and other native fish by enhancing water quality and supporting rich aquatic communities. Unfortunately, freshwater mussels are also among the most imperiled species in North America, with several western species declining across their ranges. Since 2002, The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Freshwater Mussel Research and Restoration Project (FWMRRP’s) has applied Tribal First Foods resource management ideology to conduct research designed to understand the biology and ecology of freshwater mussels, with the goal of using this knowledge to restore self-sustaining populations to CTUIR ceded areas sub-basins, to reestablish cultural and ecology connections. This position will assist the CTUIR FWMRRP with incidental exploratory, qualitative, quantitative, and long-term monitoring surveys for western freshwater mussels in the Blue Mountains of NE Oregon and SE Washington, a series of mountain ranges, rolling uplands and valleys ranging from 3,000- 9,800 feet in elevation. To implement this project, the Fellow will be responsible for:
(1) Collecting pre-determined habitat variables at long-term mussel monitoring sites
(2) Participating in snorkel surveys for new mussel locations
(3) Verifying quality assurance of data collected
(4) Maintaining data within a database, and
(5) Participating in data analysis. The results of this work will directly contribute to a habitat suitability model for freshwater mussels and facilitate conservation efforts in the area. This position provides the opportunity for the Fellow to learn data collection across different platforms, data management and mapping skills, data analysis, and presentation skills. This position also provides the opportunity to interact with multiple stakeholders in mussel conservation including tribal interests, state and federal fish and wildlife biologists, watershed councils, and non-profit organizations. Additionally, there will be opportunities to assist with other conservation projects within the Blue Mountains including stream restoration, Columbia spotted frog monitoring, white bark pinecone collection, bird banding, and bumblebee surveys.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study: Biological Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Ability to be able to drive a large 4×4 vehicle on rough forest roads
- Ability to navigate through unfamiliar terrain using multiple methods (maps, GPS, Avenza, tablet)
- Ability to work long days in exposed river drainages
- Familiarity with working and snorkeling in rivers
- Familiarity with data collection using tablets (Survey123, Collector, etc.)
Desired Characteristics:
- GIS skills
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Teamwork skills
1-4: Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge Seabird Conservation
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14-19)
Host site Location: Pacific Islands Refuges and Monuments Office, Honolulu, HI
Housing Support: On-site housing, no cost to the student
Housing Description: The Fellow will spend six weeks at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in government-provided housing. Midway (Kuaihelani) is a remote atoll located approximately 1,300 miles northwest of Honolulu. The Fellow will spend five weeks on O‘ahu in government-provided housing at the Kapahulu bunkhouse.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: This position is important to the conservation and protection of seabirds. Two major threats to albatross are 1) predation by mice and 2) marine debris. The Fellow will be working on two projects related to seabird conservation: 1) the mouse eradication project, and 2) the albatross bolus program. The mouse eradication project is essential to the physical health and nesting success of albatross. Invasive mice prey on adult albatross as they incubate their eggs. As a result, albatross either get severely injured or abandon the nest. Kuaihelani is home to the largest colony of Laysan albatross in the world, so it is important for the refuge to protect them. The Fellow will participate in baiting operations and biological monitoring. They will also work with the community at Kuaihelani on implementing food and trash management protocols. An albatross bolus program is an outreach tool used to educate people about the negative effects of marine debris. The Fellow will have a unique opportunity to see adult albatross feed their chicks, and see chicks expel their bolus before fledging. This position is important to conservation education in Hawai‘i because historically, the albatross bolus program served mostly students in the continental United States. Only a small number of boluses were allocated to schools in Hawai‘i. The Fellow will be working closely with External Affairs to conduct outreach at local schools and community events, including the Hawai‘i Conservation Conference. This project is the start of an effort to more effectively reach the communities our offices serve. To implement this project, the Fellow will be responsible for:
- working with residents on implementing food and trash management protocol for the mouse eradication project
- participating in baiting operations and biological monitoring for the mouse eradication project
- monitoring and documenting albatross behavior as chicks prepare to fledge
- collecting and preparing albatross boluses for outreach
- creating outreach materials for the albatross bolus program such as a PowerPoint presentation, videos, and a flier or webpage
- leading outreach and education events at schools and community events.
In addition, the DFP will have the opportunity to participate in other field opportunities on O‘ahu and network with staff from other Pacific Island offices (Ecological Services, Refuges, External Affairs, Law Enforcement, and Science Apps).
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Education/Outreach
- Communication/Marketing
- Hawaiian Studies
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Ability to speak the Hawaiian language
- Knowledge of the Hawaiian culture
- Willingness to live on a remote atoll for six weeks
Desired Characteristics:
- Experience working with Native Hawaiian communities
- Student at the University of Hawaii system
- Creative writing skills
1-5: Pacific Marine Monuments Biosecurity Plan
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Portland Regional Office, Portland, OR
Housing Support: A housing stipend of up to $4,500 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: This is a remote position. Fellows will be responsible for their own housing arrangements. The fellow must be available for work M-F during core hours (9 am-3 pm) either PDT or HST.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: The conservation of native fish, wildlife, and habitats relies heavily on the successful prevention of invasive species, therefore making biosecurity a critical element of the National Wildlife Refuge System’s (NWR) work. Given their unique remote island geography and climate, the Marine National Monuments (MNM) have implemented strict biosecurity measures for decades, especially following the successful eradication of non-native invasive species. In 2016, the USFWS Pacific Region further made invasive species prevention a top priority with a regional Policy on Minimizing the Introduction of Invasive Species by Service Activities. However, the MNMs remain susceptible to biological invasions which threaten native species, including the large number of endemic species supported by the Monuments. To implement this project, the Fellow will be responsible for:
- continuing efforts to complete a Pacific Marine Monuments Inter-Monument Biosecurity Plan by gathering and synthesizing the best available information on biosecurity protocols;
- communicating regularly with the Inter-Monument Biosecurity Committee (consisting of USFWS managers and biologists) and stakeholders;
- preparing a draft plan for review;
- evaluating and responding to feedback provided by a regional support team and making editorial decisions;
- finalizing a draft plan, and
- presenting the final product to FWS staff and stakeholder groups.
This remote position allows the Fellow to work from anywhere in the United States, although the Fellow must be available during the work week from 9 am-3 pm PDT or HST. Given the remote nature of this position, the Fellow must be independent, self-motivated, and possess strong time-management skills. Communication is critical to the success of this project and the Fellow will have plenty of opportunities to interact with and receive feedback from Service employees and external stakeholders. The Fellow will have the opportunity to travel to the Pacific Islands and gain hands-on experience with Monument management, biosecurity preparations, and other biological activities. The Fellow will meet with Monument staff and partners and participate in appropriate training. The Fellow will gain extensive knowledge of invasive species management, operational logistics, and island and marine ecology. Upon completion of this project, the Pacific Marine Monuments Inter-Monument Biosecurity Plan will provide MNM managers with operating procedures and Best Management Practices to avoid introducing non-native species to the Monuments.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study: Biological Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Sedentary computer work
- Ability to conduct fieldwork involving hiking and carrying equipment
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication
- Independence
- Self-motivated
- Interest in invasive species prevention, detection, and control
- Interest in technical writing, editing, and formatting is preferred
1-6: Sihek Outreach Specialist
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Ecological Services Pacific Islands Guam Office, Hagatna, Guam
Housing Support: Total housing stipend of up to $4,500 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing. The Fellow will need to identify their own transportation options for daily access to the work sites where they will then have use of government vehicles to conduct all work-related outreach duties.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: The sihek (Guam kingfisher, Todiramphus cinnamominus) is one of Guam’s most iconic native birds, but the introduced brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) drove the species to extinction in the wild in the 1980s. Since then, the species survives only in captivity. Arrangements are underway to release sihek outside their native home range through conservation translocation to Palmyra Atoll, until the invasive snakes are controlled on Guam. Palmyra is over 5,000 km from Guam which presents a unique challenge in involving Guam’s local Chamoru community in this project. Recovery programs increase the likelihood of success when communities are engaged. The Fellow will develop and implement an innovative and ambitious outreach program to foster the connection between the people of Guam and the sihek release, as well as reinvigorate a cultural bond between the community and the Extinct in the Wild species. The Fellow will be based on Guam with office space at the Pacific Islands Ecological Services field office. The Fellow will reconnect the Guam community with sihek. This is particularly important for younger generations and Indigenous Chamoru, who have not seen their bird in over 30 years. The position start coincides with the Palmyra Atoll release, giving this project an extraordinary opportunity to bring to life on Guam this `return to the wild’ release located thousands of kilometers away. To implement this project, the Fellow will be responsible for:
- developing two 30-40 min interactive presentations for Guam school children (one for ages 7-12, one for 13-18);
- presenting at up to three school or summer camp classes per week;
- conducting at least two call-ins to radio stations per week on Palmyra updates;
- preparing at least one press release for newspaper and television stations per week, following up for interviews;
- participating in community outreach events at parks, malls, parades, etc., at least once a week, and
- assisting with the captive sihek at the Guam Department of Agriculture if time permits
The Fellow will learn the importance of connecting local communities to their environment, understanding that empowering communities is key for the successful recovery of native species and, more importantly for Guam, leading to future repatriation of sihek.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Education/Outreach
- Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities
- Liberal Arts
- Communication/Marketing
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Familiarization with Guam
- Familiarization with Guam’s local CHamoru community
- Valid driver’s license
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office software
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Cross-cultural communication skills
- Public speaking skills
- Technical writing skills
- CHamoru speaker
Southwest – Region 2 (AZ, NM, OK, TX)
2-1: Play, Learn, Serve: Southwest Environmental Education Framework
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Albuquerque Regional Office, NM
Housing Support: A housing stipend of up to $4,500 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: As a remote position, the Fellow will be responsible for their own housing arrangements.
Valid Driver’s License: Not Required
Position Description: Whether a passionate science teacher, a city park, or a field trip, environmental education impacts how people view and value conservation; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working to coordinate a more intentional approach to inspiring future conservation stewards while understanding and addressing environmental justice, access, and equity issues. This Fellowship will connect existing work to engage youth in local communities around field stations including Ecological Services offices, National Wildlife Refuges, and National Fish Hatcheries to develop tools and resources for other field stations to follow suit to create opportunities for meaningful connections with conservation in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona. The Play, Learn, Serve model connects environmental education efforts with careers in conservation. To implement this project, the Fellow will:
- Develop a Regional Environmental Education Framework and Strategy;
- Inventory of all current environmental education efforts across all programs in the Southwest Region with an emphasis on the National Wildlife Refuge System, Migratory Birds, and the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program. In addition, inventory existing relationships with academic institutions including elementary, middle, and high schools along with community colleges and universities;
- Conduct a needs assessment of environmental education work with field station and Service employees through Microsoft Forms and Microsoft Teams interviews;
- Informed by the inventory and needs assessment, the Fellow will create best practices and recommendations tools to be implemented by field stations;
- Develop at least five separate curriculum-based environmental education programming that can be applied at multiple field stations including National Wildlife Refuges and other offices;
- Finalize recommendations for achievable and aspirational work that the Service can accomplish with local schools; and,
- Through FWS-sponsored travel, visit the Regional Office in Albuquerque and a minimum of four separate field stations to learn and understand what a career in environmental education or beyond looks like with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Fellow will connect these environmental education efforts with employment opportunities for Youth Conservation Corps and other youth employment programs with academic institutions including community colleges and universities in the Region to create the next generation of conservation stewards. Lastly, the supervisor and team are committed to ensuring the Fellow has a memorable and positive experience with the Service. During the Fellowship, the selected Fellow will visit the Regional Office in Albuquerque for a week of professional development and networking during the Youth Hire Workshop.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Education/Outreach Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
- Communication/Marketing
Working Conditions Requirements: n/a
Desired Characteristics:
- Passionate about relevancy, equity, and access issues related to environmental justice and conservation
- Collaborative
2-2: Developing an Eagle permit determination key for the Southwest Region
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Migratory Birds Regional Office, Albuquerque, NM
Housing Support: A housing stipend of up to $4,500 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: As a remote position, the Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.
Valid Driver’s License: Not Required
Position Description: Would you like the opportunity to work with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) staff across the country and from different programs to help develop a new model for how we work with members of the public that are seeking Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) permits? We are looking for a remotely located Fellow that enjoys working with others to solve complex problems and helps find a path to better outcomes for one of our most iconic wildlife resources, eagles, and the American public. As renewable energy projects ramp up across the country to address climate change, our Migratory Birds Program in the Southwest Region is interested in finding creative ways to streamline our permitting processes through existing online platforms such as our Information for Planning and Consultation (IPAC) tool. The selected Fellow would work with staff from our Migratory Birds and Ecological Services programs in the Southwest Region, our National Eagle team, and Headquarters to develop a new online framework for those seeking BGEPA permits that helps them understand how their projects might impact eagles and what steps they need to take to obtain permits. You will have the opportunity to interact with staff across multiple programs and see the inner workings of how our agency operates, providing you with a broad understanding of USFWS as you start your career in natural resources! To implement this project, the Fellow will:
- Coordinate with the Southwest Region Eagle Team to frame project needs and brainstorm determination key structure;
- Research existing FWS determination keys and consider applicability for an eagle-specific determination key;
- Work with HQ IPAC programmers to develop draft eagle determination key;
- Coordinate with the Southwest Region Eagle Team to review draft determination key and edit as needed;
- Finalize determination key and present product to Regional and National Eagle Team; and,
- Provide a set of recommendations for implementing the determination key regionally.
During the Fellowship, the selected Fellow will visit the Regional Office in Albuquerque for a week of professional development and networking during the Youth Hire Workshop.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to only undergraduate rising seniors and seniors who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Geographic and Information Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements: n/a
Desired Characteristics: n/a
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2-3: Updating an ArcGIS geodatabase for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14-19)
Host site Location: Austin Ecological Services Field Office, Austin, TX
Housing Support: A housing stipend of up to $4,500 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: As a remote position, the Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.
Valid Driver’s License: Not Required
Position Description: Join the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in a remote position with the Austin Ecological Services Field Office based out of Austin, Texas, in the Southwest Region under the direction of Dr. Jade Florence, Wildlife Biologist and Species Lead for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. The Fellow will update the geodatabase for the golden-cheeked warbler. Every year, permittees conduct surveys for this species, which results in reports of presence/absence data and survey boundary lines. This data is critical for this species’ recovery and protection; it will be referenced for consultations and development projects. To implement this project, the Fellow will be responsible for:
- creating successful input of 2022 golden-cheeked warbler survey data into ArcGIS geodatabase;
- The fellow will have one-on-one training and guidance from Dr. Jade Florence on data entry in ArcGIS Pro, along with informational sessions on how this work fits into the conservation of this important endangered species.
The Fellow will visit the Regional Office based in Albuquerque for an all-expenses-paid week-long professional development workshop with other youth hires, including DFPs, to network and grow in the knowledge of navigating a federal career in conservation.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Geographic and Information Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements: General computer skills
Desired Characteristics:
- Familiarity with ArcGIS
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Project management experience
2-4: Habitat delineation for Eastern Black Rails
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Texas Chenier Plan National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex, Winnie, TX
Housing Support: On-site housing, no cost to the student
Housing Description: Fellow will have housing at the Texas Chenier Plain NWR Complex, Winnie Depot. Modern lodging/dorm facility with fully furnished kitchen, living area, small workout area, and individual rooms.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: The Texas Chenier Plain (TCP) NWR Complex is comprised of four refuges and is approximately 120,000 acres in size, located in southeastern Texas along the Gulf of Mexico. The eastern black rail (EBRA) is a federally listed bird species found on the TCP NWR Complex, and one of several species of conservation concern. Managing and conserving EBRA habitat is a primary focus for the TCP NWR Complex. This project would support Service priorities by working towards the conservation of our land and water resources, and the protection of threatened and endangered species. Little is known about the EBRA in the upper gulf coast region and ongoing research and habitat management projects are an impetus to improve our EBRA maps. Ensuring habitat maps are current and accurate is critically important for TCP NWR Complex staff. Delineating and quantifying habitats for EBRAs will assist refuge and fire staff when planning annual management activities ultimately leading to improved management practices and habitat quantity and quality. To implement this project, the Fellow will be responsible for:
- developing a comprehensive EBRA habitat map for the TCP NWR Complex to be used by refuge and fire staff while making management decisions, conducting field surveys, and by using GIS.
- the Fellow will have the opportunity to work with refuge managers, public use staff, biologists, and maintenance staff to broaden field experience, networking skills, and biological knowledge on subjects outside of the primary DFP objectives. Subjects include mottled duck banding, moist-soil management, water-level management, invasive species control, and agricultural programs for wildlife benefit including an organic rice farming program and cattle grazing programs.
There would also be opportunities to learn more about passions our refuge visitors have like birding, fresh and saltwater fishing, hunting, and nature photography. We have several team members that would be excellent off-work hour mentors for better exposure to any of these activities.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Geographic and Information Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license (needed to drive a Government vehicle)
- Ability to conduct fieldwork involving hiking and carrying equipment
- Ability to lift/carry 50 lbs.
- Ability to use GPS
- Ability to use GIS
- Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint experience
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication
- Partnership building
- Project management experience
- Leadership roles (school, extracurricular, etc.)
- Teamwork
- Conflict management/facilitation
- Technical writing
- Statistical analysis
2-5: Assessment of NM Meadow Jumping Mouse at Rio Mora NWR
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge, Watrous, NM
Housing Support: On-site housing, no cost to the student
Housing Description: Furnished housing will be provided at the Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge. Grocery stores are within a 30-minute drive of the office. A personal vehicle is not required for the position but is highly encouraged because of the remote location. A government vehicle will be provided for fieldwork.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: This project will aid both the National Wildlife Refuge System and Ecological Services (ES) achieve their missions to conserve, protect and recover species listed under the Endangered Species Act. The Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge is within a hydrological basin that historically had supported populations of the endangered New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse (NMMJM), a riparian obligate species. In 2022, the NMMJM was detected at Rio Mora NWR for the first time. This was an unexpected and significantly important finding for the recovery of NMMJM. There is little known about the true extent and habitat requirements for the NMMJM. However, these surveys were not extensive and there are more areas needed to be surveyed to continue to collect information on the NMMJM habitat requirements and occupancy. This DFP project will help fill in the lacking information regarding potential occurrences of this species outside of previously surveyed areas that were included in the determination of critical habitat in 2016. The Fellow will have an opportunity to contribute to elements of recovery planning and implementation of recovery plan actions. To implement this project, the Fellow will be responsible for:
- conducting habitat assessments;
- conducting species surveys and then determining if the species does occur in functional habitat on the Rio Mora NWR or other riparian habitats in the basin;
- assessing the New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse (NMMJM) at at least 2 sites within the Rio Mora Conservation Area;
- assisting with the final revisions for NMMJM Recovery Plan as required with ESA, and
- creating at least 1 educational program or video.
Join the vibrant team at Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge to learn about fulfilling careers in conservation with partners and the federal government! In addition, this position will attend the Southwest Region Youth Hire Workshop in the Albuquerque Regional Office to network and learn about navigating federal conservation opportunities.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Geographic and Information Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license (needed to drive a Government vehicle)
- Ability to work outdoors in potentially inclement weather
- Ability to drive a 4WD truck
- Ability to conduct fieldwork involving hiking and carrying equipment
- Ability to use GPS/GIS
- Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint experience
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Cross-cultural communication skills
- Public speaking skills
- Teamwork and partnership skills
- Technical writing skills
Midwest – Region 3 (IA, IL, IN, OH, MI, MN, MO, WI)
3-1: Monitoring Wild Rice (Manoomin) Production in Minnesota
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, Rochert, MN
Housing Support: On-site housing, no cost to the student
Housing Description: Dorm-style shared housing with up to three other occupants is located at Tamarac NWR. The housing includes Wi-Fi, a kitchen, and laundry facilities. The Refuge is located 20 miles north of shopping opportunities in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and personal transportation or arrangements are necessary to get there. Government vehicle(s) will be furnished for field work and are located in a building adjacent to the bunkhouse.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge encompasses nearly 43,000 acres in glacial lake country approximately 20 miles north of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and near the White Earth Reservation. The Refuge is characterized by rolling forested hills interspersed with shallow lakes, rivers, marshes, and shrub swamps. The Refuge is located in one of the most diverse transition zones in North America and supports a wide variety of habitats, migratory birds, and resident wildlife species. Wild rice is a key resource for wildlife on Tamarac Refuge and is culturally significant to White Earth Tribal members who harvest it. A critically important habitat management objective is to maintain the long-term viability of healthy wild rice beds for generations to come. The Refuge seeks to work with Tribal conservation partners to estimate wild rice production on a sub-set of lakes within and near the Refuge boundaries. Working with others to better understand wild rice production will help ensure we meet our common conservation goals. To implement this project, the Fellow will be responsible for:
- conducting field studies on lakes to measure wild rice productivity following an established protocol over a six-week period;
- collecting accurate and complete data in order to facilitate the completion of a final report at the end of the season;
- visiting other Refuges in the state of Minnesota to learn about the challenges and methods they use to manage wild rice, and compile this information in a second report;
- as the Fellow learns more about the life history of wild rice, they will be provided with the opportunity to share their knowledge with members of the public in a professional setting.
Additionally, training will be provided to safely operate non-motorized watercraft (canoes and kayaks), learn about Geographic Information Systems (GIS), conduct bird surveys, and network with a variety of natural resource professionals and conservation partners.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to only undergraduate rising seniors and seniors who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study: Biological Sciences; Education/Outreach
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Ability to conduct fieldwork including hiking, paddling, and the ability to carry equipment
- Ability to lift and carry 35 pounds
- Ability to work in areas with robust insect populations
Desired Characteristics:
- Knowledge and experience of working or living on Reservations
- Knowledge and experience working with or for Tribal Organizations
- Cross-cultural communication skills between tribal and non-tribal members
- Experience attending a Tribal college or completing Native American Studies coursework
Southeast – Region 4 (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, PR, VI)
4-1: Caddo Indian Historical Use of Red River Valley
Position Type: In Person-Fellow will be required to report to the duty station
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Red River National Wildlife Refuge, Bossier City, LA
Housing Support: Government-owned housing provided—no cost to Fellow. It is a 30-mile drive one way between office and housing.
Housing Description: The Fellow may stay at a farmhouse located on the Yates Tract of Bayou Pierre Refuge Unit in Red River Parish. It is a 30-mile drive from the refuge headquarters to the farmhouse, therefore, a personal vehicle is required. A government vehicle will be furnished for fieldwork.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: Red River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is looking for a fellow who is creative, has a strong interest in native cultures, nature, and conservation, and wishes to gain experience in media production and education/interpretation. Located in northwestern Louisiana, Red River NWR was established for the restoration and conservation of fish and wildlife habitats. In 2017, an ancient 14th-century Caddo Indian dugout canoe (Canoe) was found on the bank of Red River about 30 miles upstream of Red River NWR. It was decided that the Canoe would be housed at Red River NWR as an exhibit. Development of the Caddo Canoe Exhibit (exhibit) is a partnership effort with the Friends of Red River NWR, several local educators, field museum staff, and the lead archaeologist of the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development – Division of Archaeology. The story of the Canoe gives Red River NWR a unique opportunity for honoring the original indigenous inhabitants of Louisiana. When visitors come to see the exhibit, they will learn about the Caddo people and their use of the land through the interpretative exhibit. The National Association for Interpretation defines “Interpretation as a purposeful approach to communication that facilitates meaningful, relevant, and inclusive experiences that deepen understanding, broaden perspectives, and inspire engagement with the world around us”. The Fellow chosen will be tasked with the development of interpretative, informational, and educational products for telling the story of the Caddo People through the discovery of the ancient canoe. After researching and interviewing partners, the fellow will:
- produce a short video using existing video clips and original video;
- write a script to guide tour leaders on interpreting the exhibit; and,
- assist with the development and design of written and visual materials including infographics for the exhibit website.
Conserving the history of the place – the refuge and the canoe – gives visitors a complete story. Starting with the original inhabitants, their connection to the land and natural resources, to our present times of wildlife and habitat management. This project allows the fellow to grow in many skills, including interviewing partners, researching history, learning about conservation, and designing original, creative products.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to only undergraduate rising seniors and seniors who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Education/Outreach Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
- Communication/Marketing
- Native Cultures/Indigenous Peoples Anthropology/Archeology
Working Conditions Requirements:
- A personal vehicle is required for driving back and forth to refuge housing (30 miles one way).
- Must be able to follow directions, work independently and complete appointed tasks in a timely manner.
- Experience in digital media production and editing skills (such as PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat DC, Adobe Premiere Rush, Adobe Creative Cloud, premiere pro, iMovie, InDesign, Photoshop, Canva).
- Must be comfortable living out in the country at the refuge farmhouse. Must be comfortable working outdoors in the heat and humidity of Louisiana.
- Possible hazards to be aware of include biting/stinging animals (ticks, fire ants, wasps, and venomous snakes) and poison ivy.
Desired Characteristics:
- Self-motivated, creative, responsible, and organized.
- Proficient at storytelling and has excellent written communication skills.
- Skills in video, infographics design, and website development are a plus but not mandatory.
- Desire to work in the field of communication/graphic design; or work at a museum or in visitor services at a national or state wildlife refuge/park; or other places that manage natural or historical resources.
4-2: The People and History of Black Bayou Lake
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Monroe, LA
Housing Support: Government-owned housing provided—no cost to Fellow.
Housing Description: Government housing will be provided at a bunkhouse located at D’Arbonne NWR.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located just north of Monroe, Louisiana. It is one of over 560 National Wildlife Refuges managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service under the federal Department of Interior. It was established in 1997 to conserve wetlands and manage wildlife habitats. The Refuge receives almost 150,000 visitors a year from all over the world and has a vibrant education and outreach program. Most of the Refuge was formerly in production agriculture before being re-forested and is now in the process of being returned to a more natural state. The former main residence of the plantation was built in the early 1900s and has been moved and restored by volunteers to use as a Visitor Center. Two maintained cemeteries associated with post-Civil War African American tenant farming communities are present on the Refuge. Limited information is known about those buried in cemeteries and their living relatives. Additional research is needed to better tell the conservation story to visitors and connect with the local community through the people who lived and worked on the land before it became a Refuge. The Fellow will begin compiling information and resources related to the cemeteries. To implement this project, the Fellow will be responsible for:
- Mapping current extents and boundaries of the cemeteries as well as headstone and physical feature locations;
- Documenting headstone conditions and inscriptions;
- Developing genealogies for the buried and connecting with descendants and community members, churches, and organizations; and
- Creating and maintaining a living document including an annotated bibliography for listing resources, individuals, and organizations with connections to the Refuge and relevant information.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences,
- Education/Outreach,
- Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts,
- Geographic and Information Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Technical writing skills
- Proficiency with computers
- Interest in the history, the people, and the conservation of natural resources
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Cross-cultural communication skills
- Partnership building experience
4-3: Elevating the SECAS Partnership Network with Social Science
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Southeast Region
Housing Support: No housing support is provided
Housing Description: The position is remote. The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.
Valid Driver’s License: Not Required
Position Description: The Southeast Conservation Adaptation Strategy (SECAS) brings together public and private organizations with a bold vision for the future of our region. We are connecting the lands and waters of the Southeast and Caribbean to support healthy ecosystems, thriving fish and wildlife populations, and vibrant communities. With a data-driven spatial plan and an ambitious regional goal, SECAS helps accelerate conservation action in the places where it will make the biggest impact. Key to the success of this partnership is an inclusive and sustainable network of agencies, organizations, and communities invested in the long-term health of the region. The Fellow selected for this position will:
- assist in spearheading the operationalization of data collected for and by Southeast Conservation Adaptation Strategy (SECAS) staff through a Social Network Analysis (SNA) effort and during interactions with users of the Southeast Conservation Blueprint;
- review and co-analyze this data alongside partner researchers to understand the personas of and connections within the existing network, and to inform network growth towards underrepresented partners (e.g., tribes, urban communities, private landowners);
- assist in meetings with existing and potential partners within the SECAS network and help to cultivate lasting relationships to advance the SECAS mission of connected lands and waters across the Southeast Region;
- work with SECAS staff to understand partnership structure and Blueprint user experience and with SNA researchers to understand SNA data collection and visualization;
- assist in identifying opportunities to further partner engagement, updating Blueprint user personas, and developing recommendations for next steps to move the SECAS Futures report to its implementation phase;
- deliver recommendations for integration of SNA and User Support data to inform the growth of the partnership across scales, landscapes, and value sets;
- consider multiple ecological, social, and economic contexts, ultimately representing how this partnership functions across jurisdictions while still representing shared values; and,
- participate in ongoing mentoring check-ins with supervisors and opportunities for networking and professional development
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to only graduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.) who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study: Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
Working Conditions Requirements: Ability to work on a computer for a full workday.
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal and Cross-cultural communication skills
- Partnership building experience
- Project management experience
- Teamwork skills
- Data analysis skills
- Spanish proficiency is taken into consideration
4-4: Evaluating and Communicating Restoration Successes
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Gulf Restoration Office, Fairhope, AL
Housing Support: No housing support is provided
Housing Description: The position is remote. The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.
Valid Driver’s License: Not Required
Position Description: The Deepwater Horizon Gulf Restoration Office (GRO) was established after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill to identify and assess the extent of the injury to fish, wildlife, and other natural resources in the Gulf of Mexico under the Service’s Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) program. The GRO works with other federal and state natural resource management agencies and partners to restore species and habitats impacted by a variety of NRDAR cases, including DWH. This project would serve to document the contribution of NRDAR restoration projects to Service goals. It will also aid future restoration planning and other program needs such as informing species listing decisions and recovery planning. To accomplish these project goals, the fellow will:
- Review case documents, database information, and species lists to gather NRDAR restoration case data on how restoration may have:
- Benefitted federally listed threatened and endangered species and their habitats
- Enhanced recreational opportunities in the impacted area
- Facilitated Tribal engagement
- Connect virtually with case managers, project managers, partners, and stakeholders to learn about restoration projects and verify case information;
- Write a technical report to summarize research findings on NRDAR restoration contributions;
- Use ArcGIS StoryMap tools to tell compelling stories about NRDAR restoration projects that will appeal to agency and public audiences;
- Create a presentation to summarize research findings to a wide variety of audiences.
The project deliverables include:
- A technical report
- One or several ArcGIS StoryMaps
At the end of the program, these deliverables will be shared with GRO leadership and staff, with the potential to present to NRDAR partners and other stakeholders. Since this project will document the restoration success of Southeastern NRDAR restoration projects, the information gathered may be used for various purposes including restoration planning, NRDAR accomplishment reporting, future program management, or informing other Service management decisions. At all stages of the fellowship, the fellow will work with the support of both internal and external stakeholders, including individuals in multiple organizational levels within the Service, co-trustees, and other partners (i.e., local and state agencies, non-profit organizations) associated with Southeastern NRDAR projects.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Education/Outreach
- Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
- Geographic and Information Sciences
- Communication/Marketing
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Functional Internet connection
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication
- Teamwork
- Technical writing
- GIS training
4-5: Habitat Restoration and Invasive Species Monitoring
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14-19)
Host site Location: Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, New Orleans, LA
Housing Support: On-site housing, no cost to the student
Housing Description: Fellow will stay in a newly renovated bunkhouse that is attached to the Main Administration Building
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: Bayou Sauvage is located on the outskirts of metropolitan New Orleans, Louisiana. It is part of a 6-refuge complex with headquarters in Lacombe, Louisiana. The Fellow’s position is important to restoring various habitat types within the ecosystems of Bayou Sauvage NWR and the SELA Complex. The Fellow will:
- learn basic plant IDs such as identifying various species of oak and other hardwood trees, cypress trees, Chinese tallow trees, China Berry trees, giant cut grass, cattail, and water hyacinth;
- have familiarity with GIS and other mapping software;
- determine the effectiveness of multiple herbicide treatments and develop associated maps depicting the success of the treatments; and,
- develop communication tools for informing partners and non-science-based audiences on the importance of addressing invasive species and the ecological services natural areas provide.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
- Geographic and Information Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Ability to conduct fieldwork which involves hiking and carrying equipment
- Ability to lift/carry 50 pounds
- Possess Basic or Advanced GIS Skills
- Comfortable with public speaking
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Cross-cultural communication skills
- Public speaking skills
- Teamwork skills
- Technical writing skills
4-6: Integrating Rivercane Indigenous TEK in the Southeast Conservation
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Southeast Region
Housing Support: No housing stipend is provided
Housing Description: The position is remote. The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.
Valid Driver’s License: Not Required
Position Description: The Southeast Conservation Adaptation Strategy (SECAS) is a regional conservation partnership that brings together a broad community of partners around a shared vision – a connected network of lands and waters that supports thriving fish and wildlife populations and improved quality of life for people. The Southeast Conservation Blueprint is the primary product of SECAS and, by identifying important places for conservation and restoration across the Southeast and Caribbean, is the living spatial plan to achieve that vision. To date, more than 300 people from over 130 organizations have used the Blueprint to help bring in over $80 million in conservation funding to help protect and restore over 100,000 acres. The Blueprint is informed by a suite of natural and cultural resource indicators and is updated every year. The Fellow selected for this DFP position will
- help develop a new cultural and natural resource indicator that represents native bamboo species (Arundinaria gigantea/A. tecta/A. appalachiana). Commonly referred to as rivercane, these cultural keystone species are important to the continuity and preservation of cultural heritage for many Native American communities. For example, rivercane is on the Cherokee Nation’s Culturally Protected Species list. Rivercane also provides important fish/wildlife habitats for many native and threatened and endangered species such as the long-eared bat, cane rattlesnake, and Swainson’s warbler.
- will collaborate with Tribal partners through the Rivercane Restoration Alliance to incorporate Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK) in the development of a spatially driven model aimed at supporting the restoration of rivercane.
- facilitate education and public awareness about rivercane and examine issues of access to harvest this resource for Tribal partners.
- in addition to ongoing mentoring check-ins with supervisors and opportunities for networking and professional development, the Fellow will also work closely with SECAS staff to identify opportunities to further partner engagement and improve the Blueprint.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to only graduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.) who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences,
- Education/Outreach,
- Geographic and Information Sciences,
- Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Working Conditions Requirements: Ability to work on a computer for a full workday. Desired Characteristics:
- Familiarity with Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge and cultural resources
- Interpersonal and Cross-cultural communication skills
- Partnership building experience
- Project management experience
- Teamwork skills
- Data analysis skills
- GIS skills
4-7: Ensuring Our Trust Data Legacy – Leading Change in Conservation Data Management
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Southeast Regional Office, Atlanta, GA
Housing Support: No housing stipend is provided
Housing Description: The position is remote. The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.
Valid Driver’s License: Not Required
Position Description: The FWS Southeast Regional Office carries out its conservation mission throughout the Southeastern US to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This diverse Region protects and recovers hundreds of threatened and endangered species, preserves habitats, conducts research, consults with partners, and proactively pursues opportunities to conserve species and habitats at risk. Trust Data underlies our conservation decisions and as such data management plays a key role in our success. As we continue to work toward conservation goals, legacy systems must be integrated with new technologies and systems, and new and existing staff must be trained on an increasing number of data-related considerations ranging from new laws and policies to best practices on data acquisition, sharing, analysis, and use. The Trust Data Management (TDM) Committee composed of TDM Leaders from Programs across three FWS Regions, including the Southeast Region, is focused on ensuring our Trust Data legacy which is the foundation of our conservation decision-making. The fellow will be responsible for the following tasks:
- work with the Trust Data Management (TDM) Committee and the Multi-Regional Data Manager, attending meetings and advancing aspects of the 2023 TDM Annual Action Plan.
- work with FWS staff at multiple levels and disciplines across the FWS and potentially with external stakeholders/partners with the focus on developing the TDM Communications SharePoint site and related resources including identifying available dataset resources.
- acclimate to TDM concepts, the TDM Annual Action Plan, and TDM Committee
- progress to developing a project plan by designing and implementing its framework and components while considering TDM objectives and requirements.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
- Geographic and Information Sciences
- Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice
- Communication/Marketing
- Computer Science
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Work is primarily sedentary and independent with periodic virtual meetings in the FWS Microsoft Teams environment.
- Computer access with a reliable Internet connection (including Wi-Fi)
- English fluency is required.
Desired Characteristics:
- Self-starter
- Data and project management experience
- Data analysis Database planning and design
- Teamwork skills
- Technical writing skills
4-8: Modeling the Availability of Wetland Complexes for Waterfowl
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture, Jackson, MS
Housing Support: No housing stipend is provided
Housing Description: The position is remote. The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.
Valid Driver’s License: Not Required
Position Description: The Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture (LMVJV) is one of the first-established Joint Ventures dedicated to achieving the goals of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. The LMVJV is well-known for the use of science to inform management decisions and excels at developing user-friendly tools that aid conservation delivery professionals in focusing resources for optimal positive effects for trust resources. Waterfowl use a variety of different habitats during the non-breeding season in the LMVJV geography. A combination of habitat types in close proximity (i.e., habitat complexes) is thought to be important for waterfowl to satisfy life history needs. The LMVJV needs a better understanding of the composition, distribution, and importance of habitat complexes for waterfowl. Additionally, the LMVJV currently has no spatial priorities designating important waterfowl habitats. This project, through the creation of a decision support model, will have direct links to informing management decisions. This project will identify the location of available habitat complexes to aid in conservation planning for waterfowl at local and regional scales. The project will include a literature review of waterfowl habitat complex requirements, a review of best modeling approaches, and a review of relevant data sets within the LMVJV boundary. The Fellow will be responsible for the following tasks:
- drafting the model’s logical structure, gathering information through literature review and personal contacts, and running early versions of the model, under technical guidance from the Joint Venture’s GIS Applications Biologist and Science Coordinator, and overall direction and mentorship from the Coordinator;
- assisting in vetting the model within the partnership through interaction with subject matter experts and presenting to the LMVJV Management Board
- completing tasks through interaction with subject experts in the region, including USFWS (Science Applications, Refuge I&M, & Migratory Bird Programs), USGS, state agencies, and NGO partners.
Although ample mentorship and technical guidance will be provided by LMVJV Office staff, it will be necessary for the fellow to exercise a high degree of personal responsibility in achieving the objective.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to only undergraduate rising seniors and seniors who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Geographic and Information Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements: n/a
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Project management experience
- Teamwork,
- Technical writing,
- Knowledge of waterfowl ecology
4-9: Regional Species Recovery Action Catalog
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Atlanta Regional Office, Atlanta, GA
Housing Support: No housing stipend is provided
Housing Description: The position is remote. The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.
Valid Driver’s License: Not Required
Position Description: The Service’s Southeast Region, Ecological Services in Atlanta, GA, is looking for an individual with an interest in conservation and recovery to design and incorporate information about recovery actions and activities (e.g., working with Service members and partners to assess recovery actions, timing, and costs) for species listed under the Endangered Species Act. You will be working in a high-energy, welcoming environment that embraces innovation and values the contributions of all – particularly those with fresh perspectives on old problems. You will work primarily with a small group of staff to help guide the project. The DFP will be coordinating with all levels of the Service, States, and external partners to learn more about how they work to recover listed species and compile that critical information that supports all regional recovery planning efforts for listed species. The main deliverable for the project will be a tool or database that breaks down recovery actions that have been completed for a species and provides contacts, time to completion, and associated estimated costs that can be searched and grouped by taxon and action categories. This deliverable gives the DFP an opportunity to work with a variety of species that occur across the nation and learn about how the Service and other actively work to recover threatened and endangered species. Opportunities for personal and professional growth abound and you will learn and exercise critical skills in communicating with others, negotiation, conflict resolution, and strategic thinking while having a ton of fun. This position is considered a developmental position and will expose the fellow to coordinating with all programs in the Service throughout the nation as well as non-governmental organizations, zoos, aquariums, universities, and more. The DFP will leave their fellowship with an understanding of listing under the Endangered Species Act and how we move to recover those species. Specifically, these are the tasks the Fellow will be responsible for completing:
- Work with staff from the Division of Recovery to identify information, tracking, and reporting needs.
- Attend a weekly meeting with their DFP supervisor to assess progress on the project and other developmental opportunities.
- Attend Ecological Services workforce planning meetings, project leader meetings, and other meetings as appropriate.
- Create a contact list of external/internal persons responsible for the conservation of listed species.
- Communicate with those persons to understand their contribution (time/cost) to perform specific recovery actions.
- Develop a database structure or other mechanism and begin incorporating information related to actions/activities time, cost, and partners.
- Enter data from recent recovery plans into the database
- Enter data from recently funded projects (grants)
- Obtain information from partners (internal and external) identified in recovery plans and/or grants to verify projected costs
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Conservation
- Environmental Law
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office products (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Ability to communicate via Teams.
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Professional leadership skills
- partnership building
- project management
- teamwork
- conflict resolution/facilitation
- creativity and an openness to Learn!
4-10: Semipermanent Wetland Management Assessment for National Wildlife Refuges
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Stanton, TN
Housing Support: Government housing is provided at no cost to Fellow
Housing Description: A 3-room bunk house is available with a full kitchen, living area, television, Wi-Fi, and parking. The fellow may share the bunkhouse with up to 2 other occupants, but each occupant will have a private, lockable bedroom. The bunkhouse is located about 10 miles from the main office and 15 miles from Brownsville, TN where grocery stores and restaurants are located. The Fellow will need to provide their own transportation to and from the bunkhouse and the main office. Ride-sharing services, public transportation, and taxis are typically not available due to the location in a rural area.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: The Fellow will work at the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge in west Tennessee. Hatchie NWR has ~10,000 ac of forested wetlands with mature hardwood forests, dozens of lakes, and managed impoundments for waterfowl and other birds. The Fellow will work with Big Lake, Wapanocca, and Mathews Brake NWRs; ecologists from the Division of Strategic Resource Management; and other programs (e.g., Science Applications) in the Southeast Region to assess spatial coverage of wetland plant communities before and following nuisance aquatic vegetation treatments using Sentinel satellite imagery and other available spatial data. The fellow will:
- assist with the development and validation of a Survey123 application to rapidly monitor vegetation conditions with respect to management actions in emergent wetlands. Additionally, the information gathered during this project will be used to help evaluate a new spatial model of the Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture for estimating spatial coverage and energy availability in semi-permanent wetlands for waterfowl. The Fellow will work with biologists and managers from the NWR System, staff from the LMV Joint Venture, spatial analysts from Science Applications, and cooperators from several Universities;
- deliver a completed geodatabase, pre-and post-treatment maps, several presentations for cooperators, and a final report with all information archived in ServCat;
- have a high degree of autonomy to design and customize spatial analyses and products using their experience and judgment to demonstrate leadership and decision-making skills.
This position allows the student to build a valuable network of contacts across many Service programs, branches, and organizational levels during their fellowship. Several professional development and training opportunities will also be provided during the fellowship.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to only graduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.) who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Geographic and Information Sciences
- Natural resources and environmental sciences
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Experience with statistical and spatial modeling software (e.g., R, Arc Pro) is required.
- A driver’s license and personal vehicle (to travel to and from the office and bunk house) are required.
- The ability to lift 50 lbs. and work in waders during the summer in a wetland is required.
- Work will be conducted in a semi-private office and a desk, chair, and multi-monitor workstation will be provided
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- project management experience
- teamwork experience
- leadership experience are desired characteristic
4-11: Synthesis of Pollinator Efforts in the SE Region
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Asheville Ecological Services Field Office, Asheville, NC
Housing Support: No housing stipend is provided
Housing Description: This is a remote position. Fellows will be responsible for their own housing arrangements.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: A synthesis of pollinator efforts has never been conducted in the SE Region of the USFWS. It is very likely that many efforts are ongoing that contribute to at-risk and listed species conservation and recovery of species that are not captured anywhere. This student will provide the first understanding of these efforts to leadership for further coordination and action. Understanding agency actions will also put us in a stronger position to negotiate conservation efforts with external partners. This work will require learning about the various agency programs, authorities, and types of work ongoing. A database, report, and presentation will be provided to Agency leadership. Social media and outreach products may also be developed. Specifically, the student will do the following:
- Inventory USFWS field stations across the southeast region to identify any and all pollinator conservation projects, initiatives, strategies, or other similar activities.
- Inventory USFWS regional-level programs to identify initiatives or actions related to pollinator conservation.
- Identify the Service’s legal authorities for pollinator conservation and how these authorities are being used.
- Coordinate their efforts with the Service’s Pollinator Conservation Center.
- Compile their findings in a presentation and report provided to the regional directorate team.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Education/Outreach
- Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
- Geographic and Information Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements: Students may need to drive a government vehicle or a rental car. The student may visit remote locations and engage in fieldwork outdoors that requires hiking and exposure to sun, heat, and insects.
Desired Characteristics: N/A
APPLY FOR THIS POSITION
4-12: Southeast Region Tribal DF
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Atlanta Regional Office 1875 Century Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA
Housing Support: No housing stipend is provided
Housing Description: This is a remote position. Fellows will be responsible for their own housing arrangements
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: The Service has a Trust responsibility with federally recognized Tribal Nations, including the 10 resident Tribal Nations within our region. This includes an obligation to consider how the Service’s actions and policies might affect the people, lands, and wildlife of Tribal Nations; a duty to seek and hear Tribal Nation’s concerns and interests about our proposed actions, both on and off Indian Country lands; and, most importantly, a priority to recognize and respect the sovereignty of Tribal Nations through a government-to-government relationship. In addition to the Trust Responsibility, the Region works with Tribal Nations on shared conservation goals, and many of the Service’s projects enjoy continued success because of the instrumental contributions of these partners. In our work, the Service places value beyond the boundaries of western science and seeks to learn from our partners, integrating modern and traditional knowledge into the species and places we conserve. These collaboratives have improved fish passage in our rivers, protected eagles in our skies, and enabled the preservation of species across the Region. These profiles will allow the Region to engage in pro-active outreach with Tribal Nations, supporting and enhancing collaboration and technical assistance, including supporting local Ecological Services Field Offices as well as regional departments like External Affairs, Migratory Birds, and Ecological Services. To implement this project, the Fellow will
- research and develop an internal reference profile of the Natural Resources programs for the 10 resident Tribal Nations in the Region.
- be responsible for developing a schedule, course of action, and process to complete the 10 profiles.
- communicate with the Tribes to ensure the profiles accurately depict how the Tribe would describe their natural resources (NR) assets and their NR program.
- identify areas of assistance and document ongoing projects occurring with Tribal partnerships within the Region.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences,
- Education/Outreach, Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts,
- Communication/Marketing,
- An enrolled Tribal member or an applicant who has experience or knowledge of working with Tribal Nations is preferred.
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Ability to travel to the Southeast Regional Office to deliver a final presentation and meet the RD, ES, NWRS, and FAC Team at the expense of the office
- Computer access with Internet connection (to include WIFI).
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Cross-Cultural communication skills
- Partnership building
- Project Management experience
- Teamwork Anthropology, Tribal and cultural resources
4-13: Wetland Suitability Model for North America Wood Ducks
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge, Stanton, TN
Housing Support: Housing is provided at no cost to Fellow
Housing Description: A 3-room bunk house is available with a full kitchen, living area, television, WiFi, and parking. The fellow may share the bunkhouse with up to 2 other occupants, but each occupant will have a private, lockable bedroom. The bunkhouse is located about 10 miles from the main office and 15 miles from Brownsville, TN where grocery stores and restaurants are located. The Fellow will need to provide their own transportation to and from the bunkhouse and the main office. Ride-sharing services, public transportation, and taxis are typically not available due to the location in a rural area.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: The Fellow will work at the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge in west Tennessee. Hatchie NWR has ~10,000 ac of forested wetlands with mature hardwood forests, dozens of lakes, and managed impoundments for waterfowl and other birds. The fellow will work with the National Wildlife Refuge System, Headquarters Division of Migratory Bird Management, and other programs (e.g., Science Applications) to build a spatial model predicting densities of breeding wood duck populations from regional and national wetland spatial databases across eastern North America. This model will be used to assess band deployment distribution for wood ducks across North America and identify gaps where goals can be refined to ensure adequate spatial coverage. To implement this project, the Fellow will:
- work with spatial data and software (i.e., R, ArcPro) as well as be introduced to aspects of waterfowl population modeling, harvest rate estimation, and regulation setting.
- have a high degree of autonomy to design and customize spatial analyses and products using their experience and judgement to demonstrate leadership and decision-making skills.
- work with biologists and managers from many programs within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Mississippi and Atlantic Flyway Council Technical Sessions.
- deliver a spatial model with maps, several presentations for multiple Flyway Councils and the Southeast Region, and a final report with information to guide band goal refinement in eastern North America for wood ducks.
This position allows the student to build a valuable network of contacts across many Service programs, branches, and organizational levels during their fellowship. Several professional development and training opportunities will also be provided during the fellowship.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to only graduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.) who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Geographic and Information Sciences
- Natural resources and environmental sciences
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Experience with statistical and spatial modeling software (e.g., R, Arc Pro) is required.
- A driver’s license and personal vehicle (to travel to and from the office and bunk house) are required.
- The ability to lift 50 lbs. and work in waders during the summer in a wetland is required.
- Work will be conducted in a semi-private office and a desk, chair, and multi-monitor workstation will be provided
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Project management experience
- Teamwork experience
- Leadership experience is a desired characteristic.
4-14: Wildlife Research: Habitat Use of Jackson Prairie Crayfish 1
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14-19)
Host site Location: Ecological Services Field Office, Jackson, MS
Housing Support: A housing stipend of up to $4,000 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing in the Jackson, MS Metro area. Personnel at the Mississippi Field Office will provide resources (e.g., websites, people to contact, etc.) to aid in their housing search. A personal vehicle is recommended for personal travel. A government vehicle will be furnished for work-related travel.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: This is a research position in cooperation with Jackson State University (JSU) in Jackson, MS. The student will work with students in Dr. Brent Thoma’s lab in the Department of Biology at JSU and biologists from the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Mississippi Field Office to gather and analyze data describing habitat use of the Jackson Prairie Crayfish (JPC). The JPC is being considered for listing as an endangered or threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act. However, very little is known about this species to inform a decision to list the species or not. The work the student will be engaged in is important and will have a direct impact on the decision that the FWS makes.
About half the work will be collecting data in the field on public lands in the Bienville National Forest about 45 minutes from the Jackson, MS Metro area. Days in the field start early (7:00 am). It will be hot, there will be bugs, and the work will be physically demanding. The other half of the work will be formatting the collected data to produce statistical summaries of the data and predictive models of habitat use. The student will have support from other students, Dr. Brent Thoma, and FWS biologists to complete assigned objectives including help in the field and with data analyses. To implement this project the fellow will:
- Collect data in the field, including measuring crayfish burrow density (a proxy for abundance) in standardized plots and model the response to abiotic (soils, soil moisture, slope, aspect, distance to roads and perennial water, water table depth) and biotic (plant community composition at the family level) variables.
- Format collected data to produce statistical summaries and predictive models of habitat use
The student will also have opportunities to work on other projects in the Thoma lab (genetics lab and crayfish field work) and will spend a total of 80 hours working with other FWS biologists in the field (fishes, aquatic turtles, gopher tortoise, frogs, bats) to gain a broad perspective on what conservation work with the FWS and in an academic environment are like. This program will help students decide if a career as a conservation biologist in the federal service is something they would like to pursue.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Ability to work outside in the sun during the summer in hot, humid conditions.
- Ability to walk up to four miles and lift and carry about 30 pounds in a pack.
- Familiarity with the basics of word processing software (for example, Word).
4-15: Wildlife Research: Habitat Use of Jackson Prairie Crayfish 2
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14-19)
Host site Location: Ecological Services Field Office, Jackson, MS
Housing Support: A housing stipend of up to $4,000 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing in the Jackson, MS Metro area. Personnel at the Mississippi Field Office will provide resources (e.g., websites, people to contact, etc.) to aid in their housing search. A personal vehicle is recommended for personal travel. A government vehicle will be furnished for work-related travel.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: This is a research position in cooperation with Jackson State University (JSU) in Jackson, MS. The student will work with students in Dr. Brent Thoma’s lab in the Department of Biology at JSU and biologists from the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Mississippi Field Office to gather and analyze data describing habitat use of the Jackson Prairie Crayfish (JPC). The JPC is being considered for listing as an endangered or threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act. However, very little is known about this species to inform a decision to list the species or not. The work the student will be engaged in is important and will have a direct impact on the decision that the FWS makes.
About half the work will be collecting data in the field on public lands in the Bienville National Forest about 45 minutes from the Jackson, MS Metro area. Days in the field start early (7:00 am). It will be hot, there will be bugs, and the work will be physically demanding. The other half of the work will be formatting the collected data to produce statistical summaries of the data and predictive models of habitat use. The student will have support from other students, Dr. Brent Thoma, and FWS biologists to complete assigned objectives including help in the field and with data analyses. To implement this project the fellow will:
- Collect data in the field, including measuring crayfish burrow density (a proxy for abundance) in standardized plots and model the response to abiotic (soils, soil moisture, slope, aspect, distance to roads and perennial water, water table depth) and biotic (plant community composition at the family level) variables.
- Format collected data to produce statistical summaries and predictive models of habitat use
The student will also have opportunities to work on other projects in the Thoma lab (genetics lab and crayfish field work) and will spend a total of 80 hours working with other FWS biologists in the field (fishes, aquatic turtles, gopher tortoise, frogs, bats) to gain a broad perspective on what conservation work with the FWS and in an academic environment are like. This program will help students decide if a career as a conservation biologist in the federal service is something they would like to pursue.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Ability to work outside in the sun during the summer in hot, humid conditions.
- Ability to walk up to four miles and lift and carry about 30 pounds in a pack.
- Familiarity with the basics of word processing software (for example, Word).
4-16: Co-develop the YC3 Summer camp at Vieques NWR
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Caribbean Islands NWR Complex, Vieques, PR
Housing Support: A housing stipend of up to $4,500 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: The host site is currently under contract to complete the reconstruction of on-site government-owned housing. If not completed prior to Fellowship, a housing stipend will be provided for the Fellow to locate and secure suitable alternative housing on the island.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: Host site description: The Caribbean Islands NWR Complex includes 9 national wildlife refuges off the coast of Haiti, in the US Virgin Islands, and in Puerto Rico. Vieques NWR is located on the island of Vieques, seven miles east of the main island of PR. It is the largest land refuge in the complex, open every day of the year with a visitation of approximately 250,0000 people per year. Vieques NWR is the only of the nine refuges with a sub-tropical dry and sub-tropical moist forest. The moist forest in MT Pirata is the only one set aside for conservation in the Neotropics within the entire NWR System. The Fellow would be instrumental in the development of a summer education pilot project that will connect kids with nature. Young people attract and can reach other young people. The Fellow could fill that ideal conservation ideal for other young people to look up to; especially if the local kids see themselves represented in this Fellow. Fellow’s tasks, duties, deliverables, and opportunities to learn: The Fellow will assist Vieques NWR with the launching of the YC3 (Youth & Conservation Community Center), primarily the Summer-camp pilot program. We have been working for years to develop the YC3 space for YCC and for our local non-governmental organization (NGO) partners to have space for youth programs, such as workshops, a library, and summer camps. The pilot summer camp is scheduled for summer 2023 with a focus on connecting kids with nature through classwork but mostly through field trips. These field trips will be to sites with partners doing various conservation projects and with outfitters who provide wildlife-dependent activities. The three-week pilot will be divided into a week with each age group: the Hawksbills (5-8 yrs.), the Green Sea Turtles (9-13 yrs.), and the Leatherbacks (14 to 17 yrs.). The Fellow will:
- learn about our programs, partners, and other stakeholders to actively implement this project.
- keep a log on a weekly basis.
- prepare a final report, presentation, and recommendations for other refuges in the complex will also be required.
The Fellow will also have professional development opportunities and exposure to numerous disciplines and programs including fire management, law enforcement, ecological services, and biology.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to only undergraduate rising seniors and seniors who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Studies
- Education/Outreach
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Bilingual with Fluency in English and Spanish
- Ability to conduct fieldwork involving hiking and carrying equipment
- Ability to lift/carry 50 pounds
Desired Characteristics:
- People skills
- great attitude
- good communicator
- organizational skills
- public speaking skills
- approachable
- teamwork skills
- time management
Northeast – Region 5 (CT, DE, DC, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, VA, WV)
5-1: Advancing Coastal Habitat Restoration in the Gulf of Maine
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Gulf of Maine Coastal Program, Falmouth, ME
Housing Support: Total housing stipend of up to $8,000 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate the reimbursement
Housing Description: Nearby University housing, seasonal rentals, and hotels, exist within a 10-mile radius of the office.
Valid Driver’s License: Not Required
Position Description: The Gulf of Maine Coastal Program is located in Southern Maine, in the town of Falmouth, adjacent to the historic City of Portland with its Old Port waterfront, working fishing wharves, and vibrant restaurants and arts. Falmouth is on the shore of Casco Bay and offers a multitude of recreational opportunities. The Program is located in a small office that serves as the duty station for approximately nine employees, contractors, and partners. The DFP opportunity with the Coastal Program supports the Region’s aquatic connectivity and coastal resilience priorities and will advance ecosystem restoration and coastal resilience through on-the-ground collaborative restoration. The DFP will have the opportunity to work on the following projects:
- Assist Service biologists and local partners in executing tidal habitat assessments in mid-coast, Maine in support of coastal diadromous fish restoration. Assessments will be utilized by the Service and partners in restoration designs and grant proposals.
- Conduct fieldwork and support a desktop GIS spatial analysis as part of a rapid geomorphic assessment. The DFP may contribute to recommending Priority River reaches for the restoration and recovery of the endangered Atlantic salmon.
- Develop communication and outreach products (story maps, web stories, one-pagers) that will be shared on the web and with key partners.
- Draft a 2-page prospectus on gaps and opportunities for future collaborative restoration within the Gulf of Maine Ecosystem.
The DFP can expect to develop the following leadership competencies, among others: Creativity/innovation, problem-solving, technical expertise, and team building. Over the course of the next five years, there will be increased demand for individuals with collaborative restoration experience given the influx of funding coming to federal agencies, states, and partners. 11 weeks with the Gulf of Maine Coastal Program will provide a DFP with the technical and non-technical experience that will help build the restoration workforce of the future.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences,
- Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts,
- Geographic and Information Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Ability to conduct fieldwork involving hiking and carrying equipment
- Ability to lift/carry 50 pounds
Desired Characteristics: Interpersonal communication skills
APPLY FOR THIS POSITION
5-2: American Eel Downstream Passage Study Design and Database
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Maine Field Office, East Orland, ME
Housing Support: Total housing stipend of up to $4,125 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.
Valid Driver’s License: Not Required
Position Description: The Maine Field Office is co-located with the Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery on Alamoosook Lake in East Orland, Maine, and is part of the Maine-New Hampshire Fish and Wildlife Service Complex. The Complex also includes three national fish hatcheries, two fish and wildlife conservation offices, and a coastal program office. This position is important to conservation because the selected Fellow will have the opportunity to develop a robust study plan that will aid FWS scientists in their ability to gather information regarding American eel route selection, survival, delay, and latent mortality at hydropower projects in Maine and throughout the region (which spans 14 states). This work will directly inform the protective downstream mitigation measures implemented at hydropower dams across Maine, where appropriate. Additionally, the Fellow will work on creating a database that will allow state and federal employees to develop a downstream passage survival standard for eel which will ultimately help to contribute to the protection of the larger eel population in the Northeast and globally. Deliverables the Fellow will produce for this project include:
- a robust downstream eel passage study plan based on existing literature, FWS and State biologist expertise, and studies previously submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in Maine, and throughout the region, to ensure route selection, survival, delay, and latent mortality at hydropower projects are appropriately evaluated; and
- a database (either Excel or Access) that consists of information related to eels pooled from published literature as well as surveys performed by our state partners.
Additional deliverables may be developed as time and collaboration with partners allows. Opportunities to learn will be abundant as the Fellow works to develop deliverables and learns about the American eel; collaborates with FWS staff across multiple programs; coordinates with state and federal agency, Tribal, and academic partners; is integrated into the broader MEFO Team and hydropower community; and, interviews/shadows personnel outside of the host site and program. The position is remote; however, all travel and lodging costs will be provided for optional one-week travel to the East Orland, Maine, Duty Station.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study: Biological Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements: The position is remote; access to the internet is necessary to attend meetings, connect with supervisors, etc.
Desired Characteristics: N/A
5-3: At-risk butterfly surveys and conservation planning
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Northeast Regional Office, Hadley, MA
Housing Support: Total housing stipend of up to $4,500 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: The Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing. Resources for finding housing will be provided if the Fellow chooses to live in the Hadley, MA area near the Regional Office for the summer, where there are numerous colleges and universities.
Valid Driver’s License: Not Required
Position Description: The Fellow will work with the Science Applications program based in the Northeast Regional Office in Hadley, MA on at-risk species of butterflies and other pollinators. The office is located about 2 miles from the University of Massachusetts and several other colleges and universities in the beautiful Pioneer Valley. At-risk species may become threatened or endangered in the future and some are poorly understood, needing more research to better understand their status and taxonomy. Addressing these scientific needs in collaboration with partners will help identify strategies for their management and conservation, potentially preventing them from needing to be listed under the Endangered Species Act. In this position, the Fellow will primarily focus on the Eastern Arogos Skipper, an at-risk butterfly species whose range stretches from New Jersey to Florida and along the Gulf Coast. The Fellow will:
- research and develop conservation recommendations for the species in collaboration with internal and external partners; and
- work with a team of biologists to conduct fieldwork to collect important data on the species to inform our knowledge of locations, habitat needs, and status. Fieldwork will take place on a variety of state, federal, military, and private properties throughout the species’ range. The Fellow will have the opportunity to develop skills in fieldwork, research, technical writing, project management, communication, GIS, data management, and butterfly and plant identification.
At the end of the summer, the Fellow will present their conservation recommendations to FWS and key partners, who will be able to incorporate them into their management plans. Depending on the Fellow’s interests, there may be opportunities to assist in writing other conservation plans or conducting fieldwork for other at-risk species of butterflies or bumblebees.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study: Biological Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Ability to conduct fieldwork involving hiking and carrying equipment
- Ability to lift/carry 50 pounds
- Ability and willingness to participate in fieldwork in all weather conditions for several weeks
Desired Characteristics:
- Teamwork skills
- Technical writing skills
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Fieldwork experience
5-4: Exploring Dietary Limitations of Aerial Insectivore Birds
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Northeast Regional Office, Division of Migratory Birds, Hadley, MA
Housing Support: Total housing stipend of up to $4,125 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing. Summer rental housing is available in the local area of the office. The Northeast Regional Office is within 2 miles of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and within 8 miles of 4 other colleges, and rental housing is readily available during the summer when many students are away. Many rental housing options are available within 2-3 miles of the office. The Fellow will need to provide their own transportation to and from the office. Depending on the distance and location from the office, this could include a personal vehicle, bicycle, and public transportation. Bus service is available in close proximity to the office.
Valid Driver’s License: Not Required
Position Description: This DFP Fellow position is located at the FWS Northeast Regional Office in Hadley, MA, and is hosted by the Migratory Birds Program. The Northeast Regional Office is the organizational hub for all the FWS programs in the region, providing abundant opportunities to learn about the many facets of the conservation mission of this agency and interact with people in a wide range of jobs supporting that mission. The Northeast Regional Office is located in a college setting, just 2 miles from the University of Massachusetts. The broader area around the office is a mix of suburban and rural communities providing a diversity of dining and entertainment, community events, and outdoor recreational opportunities. This DFP position will contribute to a larger initiative to understand the causes of population declines among North America’s aerial insectivore birds (birds that primarily eat flying insects). Over the past 50 years, more than 70% of the species in this group of birds have experienced population declines, with an estimated loss of 157 million birds. However, the causes of these declines are not clearly understood and hinder efforts to develop conservation strategies to halt these declines. This position will play an important role by investigating one of the possible causes of declines related to dietary limitations due to changes in the availability (abundance and nutrient content) of their insect prey during different portions of their annual migratory cycles. The Fellow will compile resources from the scientific literature on the breeding, migration, and wintering ecology of several focal species (e.g., whip-poor-will, common nighthawk, chimney swift, barn swallow) with particular attention to diet. Additionally, the Fellow will identify and contact researchers who have collected data on body condition or other health indices of the focal species. The Fellow also will undertake a preliminary analysis of how diet is correlated with body condition, using data from the non-breeding period available through willing collaborators. Deliverables will include:
- a database of reviewed literature and data sources
- a brief report summarizing results from the preliminary analyses, and
- a final presentation summarizing the compiled literature and analysis results.
The Fellow will have the opportunity to learn and develop skills related to collaborative research, partnership development, data and meta-data management, data analysis, and communicating project results and next steps.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Education/Outreach
- Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
- Geographic and Information Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Ability to organize and summarize large amounts of information, preferably with experience using spreadsheets, relational databases, or open-source tools (e.g., R, Python)
- Primary work will be done within an office setting, but optional developmental opportunities will include field work requiring the ability to hike and carry equipment (<50 lbs.)
Desired Characteristics:
- Fluency in Spanish preferred
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Teamwork skills
- Technical writing skills
- Data management and analysis skills
- Strong project management skills
5-5: Understanding Diet and Gamete Performance of Atlantic Salmon
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery, East Orland, ME
Housing Support: Total housing stipend of up to $4,125 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: This is a remote position. The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.
Valid Driver’s License: Not Required
Position Description: Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery is located in beautiful Downeast Maine, approximately one hour away from Acadia National Park. The hatchery is located on Alamoosook Lake in the town of East Orland, Maine. The DFP opportunity supports the Service’s effort to recover the Endangered Atlantic salmon in Maine. The Atlantic salmon in Maine are the last remaining population of this species in the lower 48 United States. Atlantic salmon in Maine are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Service manages joint jurisdiction with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Atlantic salmon populations are currently at historic low abundances and are almost entirely dependent on the Service’s conservation hatcheries to maintain population viability and persistence. The Service is currently working with its partners, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to reduce the amount of phosphorous reaching the hatcheries point of discharge, currently Alamoosook Lake. The primary source of phosphorous in the hatchery’s discharge is from the feed provided to the endangered Atlantic salmon brood stock for survival, growth, and reproductive development. The amount of phosphorous in the hatcheries’ discharge currently exceeds the limits set in its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. The Atlantic salmon at Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery receive the same level of federal protection under the Endangered Species Act as wild salmon found in Maine’s rivers. Through the analysis of existing data, the DFP will:
- need to use critical thinking and real-world problem-solving to better understand the relationship between the feeding rates of the Atlantic salmon at the hatchery and the spawning success of these endangered fish.
- complete data analysis from existing data investigating the relationships among hatchery fish feed amounts, Atlantic salmon spawning parameters (fecundity, fertilization rates, egg survival), and the amount of phosphorous in the hatcheries discharge. The findings of this analysis will be presented in a 2-3 page summary report.
- have the unique opportunity to interact with Service Project Leaders from Fish and Aquatic Conservation, Ecological Services, National Wildlife Refuges, and Service Law Enforcement.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to only undergraduate rising seniors and seniors who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Statistics
Working Conditions Requirements: The position is remote; access to the internet is necessary to attend meetings, connect with supervisors, etc. Desired Characteristics: Interpersonal Communication Skills
APPLY FOR THIS POSITION
Mountain-Prairie – Region 6 (CO, KS, MT, NE, ND, SD, UT, WY)
6-1: Eastern Colorado Renewable Energy Effects Analyst
Position Type: In person
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Colorado Ecological Services Field Office, Lakewood, CO
Housing Support: A housing stipend of up to $4,800 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing in the Denver Metro area. Personnel at the COFO Eastern Team will provide resources (e.g., websites, people to contact, etc.) to aid in their housing search.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: This position is located with the Colorado Field Office – Eastern Team in Denver, Colorado. This Ecological Services Field Office is close to mountain recreation opportunities, as well as the vibrant culture and food scene of the city. The Field Office is co-located with the Mountain-Prairie Regional Office, allowing many opportunities to network (virtually or in person, situationally dependent) with regional leadership and staff, including other Fellows and early career professionals. The Fellow will also gain exposure to the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatcheries, as Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR and Leadville National Fish Hatchery are nearby. The Colorado Field Office is dedicated to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility and welcomes a Fellow that will join us in our pursuit of becoming better allies to all people of marginalized and underrepresented identities and backgrounds. Increasing renewable energy production is a goal for both the Biden-Harris administration and Governor Polis. The Eastern Plains of Colorado are well-suited to both solar and wind energy production but are also home to several at-risk species, including lesser prairie-chicken, monarch, eastern black rail, and tricolored bat. Ecological Services is tasked with finding a path forward that allows for renewable energy production and conserving habitat for at-risk species. The products developed through this Fellowship will help COFO Eastern Team biologists provide defensible and consistent conservation recommendations for the candidate and listed species in the Plains. Additionally, the conservation measures will be incorporated into our public-facing project planning website which can then be used by project proponents and the public. The geodatabases created by the Fellow will be critical to creating a statewide map which will assist us in determining the best locations to site future renewable energy projects. To implement this project, the Fellow will:
- Compile institutional knowledge of COFO Eastern Team biologists and of peer-reviewed, scientific literature on the impacts of renewable energy and transmission line development on fish, wildlife, and their habitats.
- Develop conservation measures to protect candidate, threatened, and endangered species and their critical habitats across the Eastern Plains of Colorado that may be affected by renewable energy and transmission line development.
- Create a spatial database for completed and proposed renewable energy projects, species range and occupancy, and priority habitats in Eastern Colorado.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to only undergraduate rising seniors and seniors who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Geographic and Information Sciences
- Environmental Policy and Management
- Energy and Sustainability
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Energy and Clean Technology/Energy Production Technology
- Energy Science/Energy Studies/Energy Systems
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license
- written and oral proficiency in English
- proficiency in ESRI software and apps (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online)
- ability to work independently and collaboratively
- ability to review peer-reviewed, scientific literature and distill content to key management recommendations and conservation measures
- commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- partnership building
6-2: Analysis of elk movements on Baca NWR and Great Sand Dunes
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: Either: May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Baca NWR, Crestone, CO
Housing Support: On-site housing is provided on the refuge, at no cost to the student.
Housing Description: Multiple options for housing are available at either the Refuge or National Park. They vary from a remote one-bedroom single-wide trailer to a housing complex with a single-family home. The DFP will not share housing with other staff or interns. All housing has access to laundry and a government vehicle will be provided for travel to and from work.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: Baca NWR is in the San Luis Valley of South-Central Colorado. Baca NWR consists of 93,000 acres of wet meadows, high desert shrubs, and playa lakes, and is adjacent to the 146,000-acre Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. To implement this project, the Fellow will:
- develop and implement a project that evaluates the elk use and distribution on Baca NWR, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and surrounding public and Private Lands.
- use various methods/techniques to gather background information, including online research, a literature review, and communicating with local wildlife experts and other organizations.
- maintain close coordination and communication with refuge biologists, NPS biological staff, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff.
- receive close guidance from their supervisor, but they will have a high degree of autonomy to develop and implement the project.
- be responsible for developing GIS data analysis methods and protocol, collecting all field data, entering all data into electronic format, developing a presentation about the project, and giving a presentation to refuge staff, Regional Office staff, and other stakeholders.
This project will serve to support decision-makers in the elk management community with actionable data on the distribution of elk in the Baca NWR area along with an analysis of the effectiveness of elk management activities employed over the past few years. This information will be used to improve techniques employed for elk management in the area and help maintain a sustainable population for public hunters and wildlife watchers to enjoy.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study: Biological Sciences, Geographic, and Information Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements: The Fellow:
- should have the ability to work independently and closely with others.
- needs to have a strong work ethic, be motivated to learn new tasks and techniques, and be able to communicate orally and in writing to a wide range of audiences.
- must have a basic understanding of ungulate ecology and some level of skill with GIS
- should Ideally be able to:
- Walk 5 miles carrying 40 pounds over rough terrain in a high-elevation environment
- Have or develop off-road driving skills and have the ability to endure long days of off-road vehicle travel
Desired Characteristics: An individual with the desire to apply their knowledge of ecology and spatial analysis of biological data to answer real-world questions important to resource managers from multiple Federal, State, and Private agencies.
APPLY FOR THIS POSITION
6-3: Improving Communication Infrastructure between FWS and Tribes
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: Either: May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: This position may be completed from any one of the following locations:
Region 6 Regional Office, Lakewood, CO
Blackfeet Indian Reservation, or Polson, Flathead Reservation, Browning, MT
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Valentine, NE
Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Andes, SD
Lander Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, Lander, WY
Housing Support: A housing stipend of up to $4,800 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing. We can help provide resources (e.g., websites, people to contact, etc.) to aid in their Denver Metro area housing search.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: Build relationships across the Mountain-Prairie Region and help the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in its goals to build a more diverse workforce with this remote fellowship based out of Lakewood, Colorado. Working with the external affairs staff in the Mountain-Prairie Regional Office, you will:
- support the region’s Native American outreach and engagement.
- identify strategies to improve communication infrastructure, increase understanding, and build relationships between Native American Tribes and the Service.
- develop communication materials and gather the information that will assist the Service in increasing partnerships with Native American Tribes and give the Service essential tools to aid in communication.
The federal government and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have a distinct, unique obligation and opportunity to work with Tribes based on trust responsibilities, treaty provisions, and statutory mandates. The Service plays an important role in supporting Tribes as they exercise their sovereignty in the management of fish and wildlife resources on the more than 55 million acres of federal Indian trust land and treaty-reserved areas.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to only undergraduate rising seniors and seniors who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Education/Outreach
- Human Dimensions/Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Liberal Arts
- Communication/Marketing
- Other: Degree programs that are tribal-specific and not commonly listed are acceptable. For Example, B.S. Native Environmental Science, Indigenous Liberal Studies, Museum Studies, Tribal Studies and Leadership, Tribal Governance and Business Management, Inter-governmental Relations, Education for Native American and Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Working Conditions Requirements:
- written and oral proficiency in English
- ability to work independently and collaboratively
- commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Cross-cultural communication skills
- Teamwork skills
- Facilitation skills
- Technical writing skills
- Knowledge and understanding of the historic and contemporary issues facing
- Tribal communities and off-reservation Tribal members
6-4: Pollinator response to patch-burn management
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: Either: May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Waubay National Wildlife Refuge, Waubay, SD
Housing Support: On-site housing is provided on the refuge, at no cost to the student.
Housing Description: Waubay Bunkhouse is 2000 sq. ft., with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a laundry room (washer/dryer). Each bedroom has 2 beds. The bunkhouse is on-site and within walking distance of the office. The closest grocery stores are in Webster, SD which is a 25-minute drive, or Sisseton, SD, a 33-minute drive. Watertown, SD, a larger town, is about a 50-minute drive from the Bunkhouse.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: Waubay Wetland Management District is in the rolling hills of the Prairie Coteau region of Northeastern South Dakota, which is within the largest remaining tract of native Tall Grass Prairie in the USA. The Service is proposing changes to management practices to enhance resilience and adapt to the intrusion of invasive grass species. Effective evaluation for new management practices requires plant and pollinator inventory data. The Waubay WMD currently has historic data on butterfly species, however, lacks information on bumble bees. Currently, Waubay WMD needs someone to conduct pollinator and nectar resource surveys during the pre-burn and immediate post-burn management stages. The Fellow filling this position will help document pollinator species and their floral associates on federal lands (mostly Waterfowl Production Areas). Pollinator species of concern include the federally threatened Dakota skipper, monarch, regal fritillary, and potentially the endangered rusty-patched bumble bee, in addition to many other declining pollinator species. Factors responsible for pollinator declines include habitat loss in the form of conversion of grasslands to row crop agriculture and the invasion of non-native cool season grasses out of competing for native species on local grasslands. To implement this project, the Fellow will:
- collect data on butterfly and bumble bee species, including species richness, species distribution, species abundance, and plant-pollinator associations throughout the summer.
- train with an Ecological Services biologist in North Dakota on Dakota Skipper surveys.
- bring their Dakota Skipper survey experience back to the Waubay WMD and continue to look for Dakota Skippers on traditionally occupied Waterfowl Production Areas and adjacent lands on the Lake Travers Reservation.
- spend at least one week in the South Dakota ES office for project analysis and write-up. Deliverable: Report documenting species richness and relative abundance of pollinators from selected Waubay WMD properties from fieldwork and potential changes from previous years using existing Refuge databases.
The urgent need for biologists with both management and pollinator experience makes this project an excellent step into graduate school or post-graduate employment.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study: Biological Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements: Ability to conduct fieldwork involving hiking and carrying equipment
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- teamwork skills
6-5: Prairie plant response to patch-burn management
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Waubay National Wildlife Refuge, Waubay, SD
Housing Support: On-site housing is provided on the refuge, at no cost to the student
Housing Description: Waubay Bunkhouse is 2000 sq. ft., with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a laundry room (washer/dryer). Each bedroom has 2 beds. The bunkhouse is on-site and within walking distance of the office. The closest grocery stores are in Webster, SD which is a 25-minute drive, or Sisseton, SD, a 33-minute drive. Watertown, SD, a larger town, is about a 50-minute drive from the Bunkhouse.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: Waubay Wetland Management District is in the rolling hills of the Prairie Coteau region of Northeastern South Dakota, which is within the largest remaining tract of native Tall Grass Prairie in the USA. The Service is proposing changes to management practices to enhance resilience and adapt to the intrusion of invasive grass species. Effective evaluation for new management practices requires plant and pollinator inventory data. The Waubay WMD currently has historic data on butterfly species, however, lacks information on bumble bees. Currently, Waubay WMD needs someone to conduct pollinator and nectar resource surveys during the pre-burn and immediate post-burn management stages. The Fellow filling this position will help document pollinator species and their floral associates on federal lands (mostly Waterfowl Production Areas). Pollinator species of concern include the federally threatened Dakota skipper, monarch, regal fritillary, and potentially the endangered rusty-patched bumble bee, in addition to many other declining pollinator species. Factors responsible for pollinator declines include habitat loss in the form of conversion of grasslands to row crop agriculture and the invasion of non-native cool season grasses out of competing for native species on local grasslands. To implement this project, the Fellow will:
- collect data on butterfly and bumble bee species, including species richness, species distribution, species abundance, and plant-pollinator associations throughout the summer.
- train with an Ecological Services biologist in North Dakota on Dakota Skipper surveys.
- bring their Dakota Skipper survey experience back to the Waubay WMD and continue to look for Dakota Skippers on traditionally occupied Waterfowl Production Areas and adjacent lands on the Lake Travers Reservation.
- spend at least one week will be spent in the South Dakota ES office for project analysis and write-up.
Deliverable: Report documenting species richness and relative cover of prairie plants, especially larval host and nectar sources from selected Waubay WPAs and Lake Traverse Reservation lands. It will also compare current communities to plant communities from previous years/management regimes. The urgent need for biologists with both management and pollinator experience makes this project an excellent step into graduate school or post-graduate employment.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study: Biological Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements: Ability to conduct fieldwork involving hiking and carrying equipment
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- teamwork skills
6-6: Updating the Region 6 Mega Biological Opinion
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Lakewood Regional Office, Lakewood, CO
Housing Support: A housing stipend of up to $4,800 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing. FWS can help provide resources to secure a short-term, month-to-month lease (e.g., websites, people to contact, etc.) to aid in their Denver Metro area housing search.
Valid Driver’s License: Not Required
Position Description: Mega Biological Opinion Revision Section 9 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibits taking federally listed species unless authorized by the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Section 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA allows for the issuance of recovery permits for otherwise prohibited acts if the activity is for scientific purposes. Permits may be issued for activities including but not limited to scientific research, monitoring populations, and performing captive propagation to further the recovery of a federally listed species. The 2023 DFP project introduces the fellow to critical sections of the ESA to improve the understanding of how the recovery permitting program impacts listed species and their conservation range wide. The project is an ongoing effort and an extension of the previous DFP work on revising and restructuring the Mega Biological Opinion for Region 6’s recovery permitting program. Specifically, you will learn how the FWS administers the ESA, focusing on assessing the effects of our recovery permitting program through the section 7 consultation process. During your fellowship, you will continue the work of our prior fellows by focusing on a transition to standalone biological opinions. You will:
- draft a biological opinion using existing language and data from multiple sources including source literature, five-year reviews, recovery plans, and species status assessments.
- have an opportunity to choose a species to work on that is actively being managed. You will work with local species experts and regional coordinators to gain practical knowledge of how FWS conserves listed species.
Your project manager will provide developmental opportunities to build skills in leadership, critical and strategic thinking, innovation, creativity, and independent work habits. You will have opportunities to network with other DFPs, staff in field offices, and other Regions to learn about diverse and exciting conservation efforts across the country. Your DFP project manager will guide you through this 11-week project to ensure you gain a strong foundation in how the FWS delivers our mission of working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study: Biological Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements:
- written and oral proficiency in English
- ability to work independently and collaboratively
- ability to review peer-reviewed, scientific literature and distill content to key management recommendations and conservation measures
- commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication
- Leadership roles
- Teamwork
- Technical writing
Alaska – Region 7 (AK)
7-1: Data Scientist: Alaska aerial wildlife survey application development
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: Either: May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Regional Office, Anchorage, AK
Housing Support: A housing stipend of up to $6,500 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing. A housing stipend will be offered by FWS for 9 weeks in Anchorage, Alaska. Government housing is available for 2 weeks at remote refuge field stations.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: Fellow position’s importance to conservation: The National Wildlife Refuge System is completing a multiyear effort aimed at identifying priority Resources of Concern (pROCs), associated management objectives, and surveys to inform whether objectives are being achieved. Surveys are foundational to refuges because they provide information that informs management decisions impacting natural resource conservation. Survey data collection traditionally relies on paper data sheets, but mobile data collection applications now provide an improved approach to collecting data. Unlike paper datasheets, mobile data collection apps allow for standardized data inputs, quality assurance, improved efficiency, and fewer sources of error by removing the need to manually digitize data. They also provide a “moving map” for users to use for navigation and to accurately collect spatially-explicit data. Due to the size and remoteness of Alaska refuges, many surveys of pROCs involve an observer in a fixed-wing aircraft (aerial surveys). Despite the importance of data from aerial surveys to Alaska refuges and the need to standardize data collection protocols, aerial surveys in Alaska largely do not utilize data collection applications to their fullest potential. This position would address the need to develop a standardized aerial survey data collection application for Alaska refuges using ESRI Field Maps. While addressing a refuge need in Alaska, the products from this effort will also benefit surveys in other regions and FWS programs. To implement this project, the Fellow will:
- be responsible for developing an aerial survey data collection application using ESRI Field Maps
- be tasked with completing a needs assessment for the application using information gained from a sample of refuge biologists and regional data managers.
- learn the logistics involved in aerial surveys in Alaska
- gain first-hand experience in a fixed-wing SuperCub at a remote Alaska refuge.
- become familiar with ESRI ArcGIS Online and the Field Maps application by completing ESRI E-Learning courses.
- apply these skills by developing a Field Maps application for aerial survey data collection, including instructions and outreach to refuge biologists.
This opportunity would provide the fellow with:
- experience shadowing a field biologist at a remote Alaska refuge,
- experience working with FWS Inventory and Monitoring Program and Refuge leadership staff in Alaska,
- experience as a data scientist (refine GIS skills, develop a custom application for natural resource management), and
- an understanding of FWS data management best practices, from planning and acquiring data to storing, evaluating, and preserving data.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to only graduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.) who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Geographic and Information Sciences
- Computer science
- Data management
- Statistics
Working Conditions Requirements:
- The job requires office and some fieldwork.
- Occasional travel by various means of surface and air transportation is required to visit refuge field stations.
- A variety of temperature and weather extremes may be encountered while in the field.
Desired Characteristics:
- Project management experience
- Technical writing skills
- Experience managing data
7-2: Indigenous Arctic Research Collaborator
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: Either: May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Regional Office, Anchorage, AK
Housing Support: Housing is provided, at no cost to the student.
Housing Description: FWS will secure housing at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) for the DFP and other summer fellows. The housing is a suite, with shared common spaces and private, locking bedrooms. This housing is located approximately 2.5 miles from FWS AK Regional Office.
Valid Driver’s License: Not Required
Position Description: The Service’s Alaska Region – in Anchorage, AK–is looking for a fellow to support meaningful consultation and engagement with Alaska’s Indigenous communities in Arctic Research work. This fellow, which will work within the AK Region’s External Affairs (EA) team and be supervised by the Alaska Native Affairs Specialist, will primarily focus on two deliverables of the Arctic Research Plan’s Biennial Implementation Plan focused on participatory research and Indigenous leadership in research. Scientific research in the Arctic–including work conducted by the Service and other Federal agencies–has not always been equitable to Indigenous Knowledge and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK) However, meaningful engagement with Indigenous people and inclusion of ITEK is critical to conservation. The Interagency Arctic Research Policy Council (IARPC) recently updated its plan to bring Indigenous Leadership into research across federal agencies, the private science sector, and academia. This plan acknowledges that research may cause harm to Indigenous peoples and their way of life and lays out deliverables to assist researchers in developing Indigenous relationships, collaborating with Arctic communities, and bringing equity to science and Indigenous Knowledge. To implement this project, the Fellow will:
- create a best practices document for Federal agencies on meaningful consultation and engagement in Arctic research with Alaska Indigenous communities;
- create a self-guided training toolkit, utilizing existing resources and creating new resources, for scientists. Topics may include cross-cultural communication, consultation, participatory research, Indigenous Knowledge, an overview of Indigenous culture groups, formal agreements, and how to contract and consult with Indigenous companies and individuals; and
- contribute to at least one other EA communication and/or partnership-building effort alongside colleagues (e.g., Arctic Youth Ambassadors Program, developing stories for web and social media posts, and coordinating communications with Service programs).
This project will provide the fellow experience:
- Working with diverse stakeholder groups (including environmental nonprofits) at different FWS organizational levels and across programs to achieve their objectives,
- Shadowing External Affairs staff and building experience in communications and relationship-building work (e.g., Alaska Native Relations, partnerships such as Arctic Youth Ambassadors, social media, story writing, media relations, congressional relations),
- Taking the initiative to deliver on these objectives and take personal responsibility for their workload,
- Presenting about their experience –including their deliverables– at an AK Region all-hands meeting, to the EA team, to the AYA team, and potentially others at the end of the fellowship.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Education/Outreach
- Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
- Communication/Marketing
- Native American/Indigenous Studies
Working Conditions Requirements: The fellow will primarily work in the office and may take short day trips with the Supervisor to meet Tribal leaders and attend classes. Ability to work with other cultures, respectful of Indigenous languages and customs.
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Cross-cultural communication skills
- Project management experience
- Teamwork skills
- Technical writing skills
- Mentoring experience (optional)
- Public speaking skills (optional)
- Leadership roles (optional)
- Facilitation skills (optional)
7-3: Communicating the Anthropocene Perspective
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Yukon Flats NWR, Fairbanks, AK
Housing Support: Housing is provided, at no cost to the student.
Housing Description: Comfortable modern mobile home with high-speed Internet, one block from the office in a vibrant downtown Fairbanks. Public transportation is easily accessible in downtown Fairbanks.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: For this position the Fellow with live and work in downtown Fairbanks, Alaska. The Anthropocene is bringing substantial changes to Alaska’s landscapes, resources, and lifeways. Using the Alaska Region Anthropocene Roadmap, the Fellow will help address what actions do we need to take to help Alaska employees start reflecting Anthropocene perspectives in their conservation work, how we meaningfully engage in discussions about the Anthropocene perspective, and how to prepare for the future in a changing climate. To implement this project, the Fellow will:
- interact with a variety of staff spanning multiple programs in the Alaska region,
- lead discussions, coordinate two regional webinars on Anthropocene-related topics, and develop a communication site for the Anthropocene Guiding Coalition.
- be provided with the opportunity to participate in fieldwork at the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge conducting surveys and banding waterfowl, in addition to assisting the Anthropocene Guiding Coalition
- shadow refuge biologists, gain an understanding of the importance of data management to the Service, and witness firsthand social and environmental changes impacting fish, wildlife and their habitats.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to only undergraduate rising seniors and seniors who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Education/Outreach
- Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
- Communication/Marketing
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Ability and willingness to live in a remote camp for weeks at a time.
- Ability to conduct fieldwork involving hiking and carrying equipment.
- Ability and willingness to fly in small aircraft and small powered boats.
- Ability to lift/carry 50 pounds Comfortable speaking in public.
- Comfortable leading and facilitating meetings.
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Technical writing skills
- Teamwork skills
- Facilitation skills
- Public speaking skills
7-4: Strengthening Partnerships with Alaska Natives via Migratory Birds
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14-19)
Host site Location: Migratory Bird Management Division, Anchorage, AK
Housing Support: On-site or local housing provided, no cost to the student
Housing Description: Housing at Utqiagvik (9 of 11-week stay) will be at the FWS bunkhouse; Housing in Anchorage will be at the university dormitory or rental
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: The Fellow will participate in a 2-month long field effort studying the breeding ecology of shorebirds at the remote village of Utqiagvik, Alaska; then need to bring this newly acquired knowledge back to the FWS Regional Office where they will share what they have learned with FWS and external partners engaged in migratory bird co-management. The Fellow will:
- receive initial intensive guidance from Supervisor but then be expected to quasi-independently oversee a crew conducting an intensive field study.
- also, establish connections and develop outreach activities in Utqiagvik to better transfer migratory bird knowledge between Western Scientists and Indigenous People.
The principal tasks/deliverables are:
- to successfully collect field data on shorebird breeding ecology (i.e., lead field crews, collect data, produce excel data files),
- to conduct at least three outreach activities at Utqiagvik to share Western knowledge and learn about Indigenous cultural values of migratory birds, and
- to convey knowledge gained from these experiences with FWS staff at the regional office to help strengthen relationships with Indigenous and rural Alaskan people.
The insights gathered by the Fellow will help enlighten and bridge gaps in knowledge sharing between FWS and Indigenous people, improving our ability to conserve migratory birds.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to only graduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.) who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study: Biological Sciences, Education/Outreach, Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
Working Conditions Requirements:
Desired Characteristics:
- fluency in English
- ability to conduct long hours of fieldwork in inclement conditions (e.g., cold, snowy weather)
- interest or experience with conducting migratory bird studies
- interest in other cultures
- interest in conveying information to others through outreach and learning from others
- strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
- mentoring or leadership experience
Pacific Southwest – Region 8 (CA, NV)
8-1 Advancing Implementation of California Central Coast Joint Venture
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office, Ventura, CA
Housing Support: A housing stipend of up to $5,000 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing. Housing options include summer dormitories and amenities at either California Polytechnic University – San Luis Obispo; California State University – Channel Islands; University of California – Santa Barbara; University of California – Santa Cruz; or California State University – Monterey Bay. The intern should have their own personal vehicle to use while off duty; however, government vehicle(s) can/will be provided while on duty. Work travel is subsidized.
Valid Driver’s License: Required Position Description: The Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office (VFWO) of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Region 8 and its partners are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated, and talented Kendra Chan Conservation Fellow to help advance overlapping missions and visions of the VFWO and California Central Coast Joint Venture (C3JV), a new broad-scale partnership focused on conserving migratory bird and pollinator species and promoting the wellbeing of associated ecosystems and diverse human communities within its area of influence. The Fellow’s project will involve:
- field data collection and analysis,
- technical report writing,
- public outreach and engagement,
- and internal and external scientific communications,
All tasks are intended to help advance the mission and vision of the C3JV during an early phase of implementation. Specifically, the Fellow’s study species will involve a set of listed or at-risk bird and pollinator species in need of recovery to prevent extinction, conservation priorities identified by project leaders, and authorized by federal and state Endangered Species Acts. The Fellow’s project is important because it will:
- help advance the mission and vision of the C3JV during an early phase of implementation,
- focus on building inter-agency capacity to recover and conserve listed or at-risk bird and pollinator species across a global biodiversity hotspot, and
- require the inspiration and mobilization of diverse human communities to work together.
The Fellow will:
- collaborate with FWS and C3JV personnel as well as private, academic, and non-governmental partner organizations during an 11-week period to generate a technical report on the project’s major findings,
- present three internal and external seminars (i.e., including one at the 2024 Ecological Society of America conference in Long Beach, California) inspired by the report,
- host or co-host three or more scientific outreach and engagement events with diverse, public audiences across the C3JV’s area of influence, and
- publish two or more short media articles to communicate the Fellow’s personal story and experience(s) before, during, and/or after the summer internship.
Opportunities for learning include practice with data collection and analysis, written and oral communication, and project and meeting management as well as federal service and leadership.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to only graduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.) who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences,
- Education/Outreach,
- Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
- Geographic and Information Sciences
- Data collection and analysis
Working Conditions Requirements: –
- Fluency in English required;
- Fluency in Spanish is helpful, though not required
- Ability to conduct fieldwork involving hiking, carrying equipment, and identifying avian species.
- Ability to lift/carry 50 pounds maximum, especially toward conducting a field or outreach event.
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Cross-cultural communication skills
- Partnership building experience
- Project management experience
- Mentoring experience
- Public speaking skills
- Leadership roles (school, extracurricular, etc.)
- Teamwork skills
- Conflict management skills
- Facilitation skills
- Technical writing skills
More specifically:
- Basic to intermediate level of familiarity with data storage (e.g., Access, Excel) and analysis (e.g., R, ArcGIS) software programs and associated tools and skills (e.g., models, graphics, cartography).
- Basic to intermediate skills in meetings, projects, and time management; especially when collaborating with diverse groups of people toward a shared goal(s) and objective(s).
- Basic to intermediate level of familiarity with or interest in birds, pollinators, and their habitats (e.g., species and vegetative/structural identification or associated knowledge).
- Basic to intermediate skills in scientific research as well as written and oral communication (e.g., literature review and synthesis, technical writing, and presenting work to others).
8-2: Development of a Neural Network for Sucker Identification
Position Type: In person
Fellowship Dates: May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19)
Host site Location: Klamath Falls Fish and Wildlife Office, Klamath Falls, OR
Housing Support: A housing stipend of up to $2,400 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing. The Supervisory Staff will assist the fellow in finding housing by searching out short-term leases, student housing, month-to-month contracts, and long-term Airbnbs, all of which are available in Klamath Falls. The staff will contact property management companies and provide information to the fellow, as well as do walk-throughs of the properties prior to the fellow’s arrival.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: The site is in Klamath Falls, Oregon, which is a high desert community in the eastern Cascades and full of opportunities to mountain bike, hike, and float on the river. This specific position is integral in disentangling our inability to distinguish endangered fish species from third species and hybridized forms, which will allow us to focus our efforts on priority individuals, which are becoming even rarer. To implement this project, the Fellow will:
- be responsible for developing and implementing a neural network to determine species identification using geometric morphometric data.
- be responsible for writing code in R that analyzes data from images of Lost River, shortnose, and Klamath largescale suckers, and categorizes individuals into species based on lip morphology. This analysis will be used to build a neural network using R that will provide the framework for sorting through hundreds of images of suckers to determine their species.
- have the opportunity to learn how a neural network is programmed and will grow in their knowledge of data science practices.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study: Biological sciences, Data Science
Working Conditions Requirements: No specific working requirements for this position
Desired Characteristics:
- Proficiency in R software
- Technical writing skills
- Ability to problem solve while working autonomously
8-3: Analyzing the impacts of changing climate on endangered butterflies
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: San Francisco Bay-Delta Fish and Wildlife Office, Sacramento, CA
Housing Support: A housing stipend of up to $3,000 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: This is a remote position. The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.
Valid Driver’s License: Not required
Position Description: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recognizes that changing climate conditions represent a growing threat to the Nation’s wildlife and the habitats they use. Service biologists often use statistical analyses to evaluate how species of conservation concern respond to variations in climate in the past, and in turn, can use this information to predict how these species may respond to changing climate conditions in the future. These analyses can employ qualitative approaches and/or numerical approaches and simulations to evaluate how climate conditions, such as variations in temperature and precipitation trends, might be influencing ESA-listed species. To implement this project, the Fellow will:
- help develop a quantitative climate analysis for the endangered Lange’s metalmark butterfly associated with the Antioch Dunes ecosystem in California.
- use standard statistical approaches to explore whether climate variables appear to be influencing the population size and viability of this endangered butterfly, and
- then propose future work to help the Service better understand the possible influences of a changing climate on this and other endangered butterfly species.
The approach developed during this DFP project could also be used for other threatened and endangered butterflies in other areas. This project is mission-critical because it will help support the Service’s goal of understanding the possible influences of changing climate conditions on species listed under the ESA. The most recent 5-year review for Lange’s metalmark butterfly emphasized that developing a better understanding of the impacts of changing climate conditions would be useful and help support the recovery of this species. Information from this project will also contribute to presentations at scientific and technical meetings, and we anticipate that this project will likely contribute to at least one peer-reviewed article in a scientific journal.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to only undergraduate rising seniors and seniors who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Statistics,
- Mathematical biology
Working Conditions Requirements: This is a remote office-based position.
APPLY FOR THIS POSITION
8-4: Rare species surveys, monitoring, and status assessment
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office, Carlsbad, CA
Housing Support: A housing stipend of up to $4,500 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: The Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing and for transportation to and from work.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: The Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (CFWO) is located in coastal San Diego County, California. Along with our Palm Springs sub-office, we administer the Endangered Species Act across more than 50,000 square miles of southern California. For this project with the CFWO in Carlsbad CA, the Fellow will complete three deliverables:
- a written status assessment for a listed or non-listed species in southern California,
- monitoring or species surveys of at least five listed plant occurrences, and
- a presentation of their projects to the Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office.
For the status assessment of a species in southern California, the Fellow will:
- apply conservation biology principles to synthesize new information, update species’ biology and threats, and develop recommendations to support species recovery.
- engage with partners (such as researchers and Federal agencies) to gather new information and identify important conservation activities.
- visit at least five listed plant occurrences to map occurrence extent and update occurrences status.
- use Collector and ArcGIS software to manage data and submit data to the appropriate database(s).
- provide a brief synthesis of findings. For this project component, the Fellow will have the opportunity to conduct fieldwork in different southern California ecosystems.
We emphasize developmental opportunities for Fellows to learn about the Endangered Species Act and the work of an Ecological Services Field office. For example, Fellows will network with Fish and Wildlife Service staff and others in their DFP cohorts, and attend site visits with staff biologists and partners.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Geographic and Information Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements: The Fellow should be able to conduct fieldwork, which may involve hiking over steep, brushy, or uneven terrain. The Fellow should have a valid driver’s license.
APPLY FOR THIS POSITION
8-5: Shorebird Survey Coordinator for Stillwater NWR
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, Fallon, NV
Housing Support: On-site housing on the refuge, at no cost to the student
Housing Description: Refuge housing is provided approximately 15 miles from the refuge office. A personal vehicle is preferred for local commuting. The bunkhouse is a larger, single-family home (three bedrooms and 2 baths). A full kitchen with necessary appliances and utensils for food prep is available. There is a washer/dryer on-site as well. There is a landline and internet available, however, cell phone service is a little spotty. Housing will likely be shared with seasonal biotech.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge is a part of the Lahontan Valley Wetlands and is designated as a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network Site of hemispheric importance. Historically and in good water years, it supported over 250,000 shorebirds annually and had counts of Long-billed Dowitchers exceeding 150,000 individuals, about a quarter of the global population. Agency staff and other professional biologists and volunteers have surveyed shorebirds at the Lahontan Valley Wetlands WHSRN site since 1986. This is one of longest running datasets available for a wetland site across the western United States. Recently, Audubon’s Saline Lakes Program, Manomet, and the USFWS collaborated with NDOW to analyze these data sets and update the monitoring protocols to improve management across the valley. This position will assist in implementing these changes. Deliverables will include:
- Updated GIS database with survey points/transect information
- Maps for volunteer surveyors
- Improved access database for historical and future shorebird survey data
- Produce a draft site-specific protocol using the USFWS template and the current version of the survey instructions.
This fellowship will provide numerous opportunities to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders including Refuge staff, Audubon’s Saline Lakes Program, Manomet, and the Nevada Department of Wildlife. The fellow will also gain skills in coordinating with partners, volunteers, biologists, and land managers on landscape-level monitoring.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Geographical and Information Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements: Ability to conduct fieldwork involving hiking and carrying equipment. Other requirements that relate to the position
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Partnership building experience
- Project management experience
- Public speaking skills
- Teamwork skills Facilitation skills
- Technical writing skills
8-6: Yellow-billed cuckoo monitoring protocol for SRNWR
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Sacramento River NWR, Willows, CA
Housing Support: On-site housing is provided on the refuge, at no cost to student.
Housing Description: Housing is provided in a shared bunkhouse at the Sacramento NWR complex headquarters. Travel to field sites will be provided by the station. The bunkhouse has a small studio apartment available. It has a small kitchenette, bathroom, and bedroom that are not shared. It’s attached to a more classic bunkhouse with shared bedrooms, bathrooms, and a large common area with a full kitchen and living room with a TV and sofas. The selectee will also have access to the common area of the bunkhouse.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge (SRNWR) was established in 1989 primarily to protect important riparian habitats along the 100-year floodplain of the Sacramento River. To date, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has acquired approximately 11,000 acres along an 80-mile stretch from Red Bluff to Colusa. Much of the management of SRNWR has been restoring riparian habitat along this stretch either by restoring degraded remnant habitat or former agricultural fields. Some of the riparian habitats that occur on SRNWR include mixed riparian forest, willow scrub, cottonwood forest, valley oak woodlands, and a mixture of grasslands. One species of management concern that occurs on Sacramento River NWR is the western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus; hereafter “cuckoo”). The cuckoo, once thought to be fairly common in the western US, was listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 2014. The cuckoo is a secretive bird that is difficult to detect; this presents land managers with a challenge when developing monitoring plans. The Fellow selected for this position will:
- conduct a pairwise comparison of two survey techniques – callback and audio recording, and
- develop a framework, in consultation with the Refuge Manager and Biologist, for a site-specific monitoring protocol. Developing a monitoring protocol for SRNWR will allow land managers to understand population trends and habitat use of cuckoos. This, in turn, will allow managers to be empowered by understanding cuckoo responses to historic restoration efforts, as well as to refine future efforts.
- spend one week developing their network and learning about different departments within the FWS at the Sacramento Regional Office.
We anticipate the Fellow to work with different refuge support and cross-programmatic groups. We have also set aside one week in the program for the Fellow to travel to other wildlife refuges, fish hatcheries or other field stations in the region to provide the Fellow with additional networking and opportunities to evaluate other programs within the FWS.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Geographical and Information Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Conduct field work involving hiking and carrying equipment
- Work in harsh conditions – the Central Valley of California is a Mediterranean climate and can be very hot and dry in the summer
- Be comfortable navigating, mostly alone, in riparian habitats. There is cell service at most of the sampling units.
Desired Characteristics:
- Ability to work independently
- Strong technical writing and analytical skills
Headquarters – HQ 9 (DC Metro Area)
9-1: Alaskan Art – Be Informed Buy Informed
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Inspection Office, Region 9, Anchorage, AK
Housing Support: Total housing stipend of up to $6,000, for the entire internship, is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: Housing will be identified by the Anchorage Inspection Office, and there is currently a tentative request made to the University of Alaska Dorms. If that is not possible, the duty station will identify alternative housing for the fellow. The site is 6.9 miles by personal vehicle, 6.7 miles by bicycle, and/or a 53-minute, $4.00 bus ride.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: Fellow will live in Anchorage, AK, and work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, and wildlife inspectors based at the Anchorage International Airport. To implement this project, the Fellow will:
- independently work on an outreach project important to our law enforcement program.
- have the opportunity to assist wildlife inspectors conducting wildlife inspections at a Customs Port of Entry and
- then transfer knowledge learned into an informational guide educating the public, local businesses, and Alaska Native artisans on the do’s and don’ts of international travel and the shipping of Alaskan art made with wildlife parts.
The experience will provide opportunities to network with internal and external conservation partners.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Education/Outreach
- Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
- Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice
- Communication/Marketing
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Will need to pass a background check for working on an active airfield.
- Ability to lift/carry 50 pounds
Desired Characteristics:
- Experience working with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat software
- Coursework in Wildlife Management or Criminal Justice
- Publication experience
- Wildlife identification skills
- Knowledge of traditional Alaska Native handicraft creation and/or study
9-2: Arizona Indian Arts and Crafts Act Research Specialist
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14-19)
Host site Location: Office of Law Enforcement, sits in Region 2, Chandler, AZ
Housing Support: Total housing stipend of up to $7,500 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: Fellow will live in Chandler, AZ, or the local commuting area, and will work with Fish and Wildlife Service special agents at the Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) in Chandler, AZ. The Fellow can anticipate travel within the state. In addition to enforcing laws that protect fish, wildlife, and plants, the OLE has a dedicated unit of special agents who investigate violations of the IACA. This investigative unit’s efforts have led to arrests, indictments, and convictions of those who fraudulently produce or sell counterfeit American Indian and Alaskan Native art and craftwork. Wildlife species are often an integral component of this art and craftwork. To successfully implement this project, the Fellow will:
- Utilize research and analytical skills to identify vendors operating within the state of Arizona engaged in selling Native American and Alaska Native art and craftwork. This will include data mining open sources of information; site visits; and targeted searches of the FWS Law Enforcement Management Information System’s importation/exportation declaration records for wildlife species used in this art and craftwork.
- Categorize and organize resulting information in a comprehensive, searchable electronic file format for referral to the IACA investigative unit.
This assignment will present the Fellow with opportunities to interact and become familiar with a wide range of positions and potential employment within OLE, as well as develop and hone their project management skills. The Fellow will gain a working knowledge of applicable Federal statutes while supporting IACA investigative efforts as a member of a dynamic investigative team. IACA protects authentic Native American artists from unfair competition caused by counterfeit artwork.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study: Any and all degrees/studies are welcome to apply.
Working Conditions Requirements: Personal vehicle required. Will need a valid driver’s license.
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Teamwork and writing skills
- Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Adobe software knowledge and experience
9-3: Effects of herbicides on manatees and Florida’s ecosystem
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Ecological Services Office, Gainesville, FL
Housing Support: No housing or housing stipend available.
Housing Description: The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: Fellow will live in Gainesville, FL, and work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, supporting and aiding an investigation of the use of herbicides utilized by state agencies and agricultural operations in Florida. If these herbicides are present in existing tissue samples collected from deceased manatees and other collected samples, determine toxicity levels and possible links to these herbicides being linked to manatee UMEs or associated with the reduction in other wildlife indicator species and or improper use of these chemicals in violation of federal or state laws, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Endangered Species Act.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Geographic and Information Sciences
- Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice
- Environmental Sciences
- Toxicology
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Ability to lift/carry 50 pounds
- Ability to work in an outdoor environment in adverse conditions
- Ability to travel in a vehicle to remote areas of Florida
- Ability to work on live or deceased wildlife.
Desired Characteristics:
- Experience working with Microsoft Office, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat software.
- Coursework in Biological Sciences or Criminal Justice.
9-4: Government and Information Specialist, Forms Program
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Region 6 IRTM, Lakewood, CO
Housing Support: No housing or housing stipend available
Housing Description: This is a remote position. The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.
Valid Driver’s License: Not Required
Position Description: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the Service) recognizes that the quintessential to good governance is a citizen’s ability to access the Government’s services. Many of the forms found throughout the Service are used in support of our mission, from fishing or hunting permits to hiring and onboarding employees, to assist in the protection of endangered species. In a drive to increase equity, diversity, and inclusion for all user groups, especially nontraditional users, we are looking to provide better access to all FWS forms and support for the rest of the Service. This work is key to the conservation mission of the Service. The more involved the American citizenry is in the process of conservation the greater the level of stewardship by the public. By increasing the ability of the public to interact with the Service we increase their access to our conservation process.
- The Fellow works within a large professional network.
- Work will increase access to Service programs and services through the expansion of the Forms program for people with disabilities.
- Increase access to all internal and external Forms created or maintained by the Service for all persons with disabilities and their support communities.
- Identifying, updating, and bringing Service Forms into Section 508 and all other regulatory compliance.
- Work across the Service and the Department of the Interior to ensure compatibility with all regulatory requirements to provide ease of use and accessibility for all Americans.
- Create and present training for Service staff demonstrating proper procedures on form creation, compliance, and regulatory requirements.
- Work directly with the Service’s Chief Records Officer.
- Attend and participate in Forms and Section 508 management workshop
- Engage with staff across the Service and the Department of the Interior.
The position is open to remote work throughout the country, therefore there will not be a host site or housing stipend provided by the Service.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
- Geographic and Information Sciences
- Communication/Marketing
- Library Science
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Written and oral proficiency in English.
- An ability to represent the Service in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
- Office setting
Desired Characteristics:
- Knowledge of the requirements of the American Disability Act, especially Sections 504 and 508, is recommended.
9-5: How can social media support USFWS Law Enforcement?
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Remote position, reporting to FWS Headquarters, Falls Church, VA
Housing Support: No housing or housing stipend available (remote position).
Housing Description: This is a remote position. The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.
Valid Driver’s License: Required.
Position Description: In this remote position, the Fellow will collaborate with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) staff across the country to develop a comprehensive digital communications strategy for the Office of Law Enforcement (OLE). The Fellow will:
- Conduct informational interviews with OLE staff, staff from other FWS programs, and external law enforcement and regulatory agencies to learn about current digital communication strategies
- Participate in job shadows with OLE Special Agents, Wildlife Inspectors, and other support staff to learn about the work of OLE
- Synthesize their research and experiences into recommendations for OLE around social media content, website content, digital asset management, and best practices for representing sensitive subjects like wildlife trafficking in digital communications
Some travel may be required for this position, and the selected Fellow may be required to drive a vehicle while traveling. A valid driver’s license is required for this position. The mission of the Office of Law Enforcement is to protect wildlife and plant resources through the effective enforcement of federal laws. By working with federal, state, tribal, and foreign enforcement agencies, and other conservation partners, we combat wildlife trafficking, help recover endangered species, conserve migratory birds, preserve wildlife habitat, safeguard fisheries, prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species, and promote international wildlife conservation. Social media and other digital communications present an opportunity to create a far-reaching conservation impact. Developing a digital communications strategy will aid the Office of Law Enforcement in educating the public about our mission and work, encourage informed use of wildlife products, expand opportunities to gain information about illegal wildlife activities, and recruit skilled and diverse candidates for law enforcement careers.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Education/Outreach
- Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
- Geographic and Information Sciences
- Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice
- Communication/Marketing
- Media Studies
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Environmental Studies
- Public Policy
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Familiarity with digital communication tools and trends.
- Reliable access to a high-speed and secure Internet connection is required.
Desired Characteristics:
- Fluency, writing, and speaking in English
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and/or similar tools.
- Speaking and writing ability in a language other than English
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Previous experience creating social media or web content or managing social media accounts.
- Strong skills in cross-cultural communication, project management, leadership, and partnering.
- Familiarity with law enforcement and/or wildlife trafficking content is a plus.
9-6: Implementing a National Conservation Communication (Digital Storytelling) Framework
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: USFWS Office of External Affairs – Division of Marketing Communications, Falls Church, VA
Housing Support: No housing or housing stipend available. (Remote position.)
Housing Description: This is a remote position. The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.
Valid Driver’s License: Not Required
Position Description: This remote position is within the Office of External Affairs – Division of Marketing Communication, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s HQ Office in Falls Church, Virginia. Working closely with the Service’s National Social Media Manager and National Digital Strategists Team, the Fellow will complete a rigorous project that enhances the Service’s brand and online presence to better connect the American people with conservation and public lands through storytelling and digital communication (including but not limited to social media). To implement this project, the Fellow will:
- Develop original social media posts for the agency’s flagship national @USFWS accounts (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn) and create web stories around national priorities and timely/seasonal happenings related to fish, plant, wildlife, and habitat conservation
- Develop an agency-wide communication metrics (evaluation) toolkit
- Apply project management skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity to improve and enhance digital communication products and strategy
- Foster improved internal coordination, resulting in more effective and efficient external communication about fish, wildlife, plant, and habitat conservation across America
- Network with digital media experts across the U.S., in addition to agency leadership
- Implement a newly launched national editorial calendar; national digital media content strategy and framework; and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility audience communication toolkit
- Identify training needs and opportunities and develop training resources related to effective and measurable conservation communications
- Develop tools and resources to be used across the agency’s digital media community, including strategies and recommendations to bring a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens to all the Service’s social media platforms, allowing the agency to better connect with the American people in an accessible, engaging, and empathetic manner
- Research and apply social science insights to apply in day-to-day communication practice and inform evidence-based approaches to effective communication
The Fellow’s work will ensure that the Service’s online tools, channels, platforms, and communication products meet the needs of 21st-century Americans, including excellence in customer service and providing an informative, educational, and fun experience that connects people from all backgrounds and geographies with nature and opportunities to get involved.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Brand Management
- Business Administration
- Communication/Marketing
- Biological Sciences
- Education/Outreach
- Environmental Science
- Geographic and Information Sciences
- Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
- Information Technology/Computer Science
- Journalism
- Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice
- Management/Business/Operations
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Policy
- Social and Digital Media
- Sociology
- Technology Policy
- Writing
Working Conditions Requirements: Ability to work at a computer for up to 8 hours a day. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
Desired Characteristics:
- Creative Writing Skills
- Conflict Management Skills
- Cross-Cultural Communication Skills
- Event Planning Experience
- Focus Group Design/Implementation Experience
- Interpersonal Communication Skills
- Leadership Roles (school, extracurricular, etc.)
- Management/Facilitation Skills
- Mentoring/Team Leadership Experience
- Partnership Building Experience
- Project Management Experience
- Public Speaking Skills
- Social and/or Digital Media Content Production Experience
- Social Media Analytics/Metrics/Evaluation Experience
- Survey Design and Implementation Skills
- Teamwork Skills
- Technical Writing Skills
9-7: Indian Arts and Crafts Act Intelligence Research Specialist
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: Either: May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Region 2 Regional Office, Sit in Region 2 – Work for Region 9, Albuquerque, NM
Housing Support: Total housing stipend of up to $7,500 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: This position would work with the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) staff as an Indian Arts and Crafts Act (IACA) Intelligence Research Specialist. This DFP project will focus on gathering information regarding violations of the following federal statutes:
- 18 U.S.C. 1159 (Indian Arts and Crafts Act)
- 18 U.S.C. 1341 (Mail Fraud)
- 18 U.S.C. 1343 (Wire Fraud)
- 18 U.S.C. 545 (Smuggling)
In addition to enforcing laws that protect fish, wildlife, and plants, the OLE has a dedicated unit of special agents who investigate violations of the IACA. This investigative unit’s efforts have led to arrests, indictments, and convictions of those who fraudulently produce or sell counterfeit American Indian and Alaskan Native art and craftwork. Previous IACA investigations revealed jewelry importers in the United States would procure jewelry made overseas and sell the imported jewelry to retail stores in the United States. The retailers advertise that this jewelry is made by Native Americans and increase the retail price to coincide with the authentic Native American art market. The jewelry is designed to resemble Native American heritage, art, and culture. It is manufactured and distributed in a manner consistent with past practices that violated the IACA. The Fellow in this position will data mine the FWS Law Enforcement Management Information System’s (LEMIS) importation/exportation declaration records. This would include targeting wildlife species used in Native American-style art and craftwork, export locations known for smuggling Native American-style jewelry, wholesalers/importers, and historical patterns. The primary objective is to identify unknown manufacturers/smugglers and refer these targets to the FWS IACB investigative unit. This assignment will present the Fellow with opportunities to see a wide range of potential employment within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement from administrative support positions to Wildlife Inspectors and Criminal Investigators. The Fellow will have the opportunity to support IACA investigative efforts and be a part of an investigative team. IACA protects authentic Native American artists from unfair competition caused by counterfeit artwork.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Education/Outreach
- Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
- Geographic and Information Sciences
- Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice
- Communication/Marketing
- Any and all degrees/studies are welcome to apply.
Working Conditions Requirements: Personal vehicle required. Will need a valid driver’s license.
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Teamwork skills
- Writing skills
9-8: Monitoring nocturnal aerial insectivores for conservation
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Atlantic Flyway Office, Division of Migratory Bird Management, Patuxent National Wildlife Research Refuge, Laurel, MD
Housing Support: Total housing stipend of up to $1,000 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: Affordable temporary housing is available on-site at Patuxent National Wildlife Research Refuge. While optional, this housing is more affordable than many other local options and will provide the Fellow with the opportunity to meet and engage with other visiting researchers and temporary field technicians. Located on the Central Track of the refuge, it provides access to miles of trails for nature hikes, biking, and bird watching and easy access to the Chesapeake Bay, Washington DC, and Baltimore.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: This project is hosted by the Service’s Division of Migratory Bird Management Atlantic Flyway Office at Patuxent National Wildlife Research Refuge. The office is co-located with the U.S. Geological Survey Eastern Ecological Science Center. The Fellow will make an immediate contribution to migratory bird conservation in the Atlantic Flyway. Nightjars are priority species of conservation concern and current hypotheses posit these species are declining due to agriculture and urbanization. The lack of scientifically based estimates of population trends prevents scientists from evaluating competing hypotheses and managers from implementing effective actions to ensure the long-term conservation of these species. A scientifically defensible monitoring program is needed to provide baseline data for research and to guide management. To implement this project, the Fellow will:
- work with federal, state, and provincial agency biologists to conduct an analysis to determine the number and distribution of survey locations necessary to assess the status of nightjars.
- use available data and recently developed analytical methods for the analysis.
- facilitate discussions among agency biologists to finalize objectives for the monitoring program.
- organize periodic meetings with the Landbird Committee to discuss project progress.
- conduct the analysis with assistance from agency biologists.
- author a final report detailing the purpose, objectives, methods, and results of the project.
- deliver a final presentation to the Atlantic Flyway Non-game Technical Section during their summer meeting, which will aid the Atlantic Flyway Non-game Technical Section and the Migratory Bird Program to develop a budget and obtain funds and resources for monitoring nightjars in the Atlantic Flyway.
The Fellow will have the opportunity to:
- work with Federal, State, and Provincial biologists from as many as 20 agencies.
- meet and work with post-doctoral researchers at the Eastern Ecological Science Center and refuge biologists at the Patuxent National Wildlife Research Refuge.
- job shadow professionals from refuge biologists to mid-level project leads and supervisors, up to the Assistant Director for Migratory Birds.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Geographic and Information Sciences
- Mathematics
- Statistics
Working Conditions Requirements: N/A Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Public speaking experience
- Teamwork skills
- Facilitation skills
- Statistical programming experience, preferably in R language or related language
9-9: Rapid Species Assessments to Support ESA Listing
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: Either: May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Ecological Services Headquarters, Falls Church, VA
Housing Support: No housing or housing stipend available
Housing Description: This is a remote position. The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.
Valid Driver’s License: Not Required
Position Description: The US Fish and Wildlife Service developed the Species Status Assessment (SSA) framework to characterize the species’ viability and inform decisions and planning under the Endangered Species Act. The Branch of SSA Science Support was recently created within the Ecological Services Program at Headquarters to provide scientific support to Service biologists and teams conducting SSAs across the country. The Branch specializes in providing scientific advice and technical support for biological assessments. Due to a large number of species on the national listing work plan that require assessment, the Branch seeks to prioritize its workload by identifying upcoming SSAs that best match the Branch’s skillset. The fellow will help in this prioritization and gain unique work experience at the science-policy interface. To implement this project, the Fellow will:
- assist the Branch in workload prioritization by conducting rapid data assessments for species on the national listing work plan. The resulting assessments will also be used directly by FWS field offices as the foundation for their SSAs.
- review scientific literature to identify information that is available and relevant to the SSA process and where important information gaps exist.
- summarize the types and sources of data on the life history, range, distribution, abundance, habitat, and threats for each species. Information from the rapid assessments will be used to determine a potential analytical approach for conducting the SSA, which can then be used to prioritize species based on their degree of correspondence with the Branch’s expertise.
- apply their research and critical thinking skills to compile the species information and data gaps, while building an understanding of the endangered species listing process.
- interact with ES Headquarters staff in addition to field office biologists, external scientists, and other federal partners while compiling species data.
- have a high degree of autonomy as this is a stand-alone task, but will also be supported by the Branch’s multidisciplinary team of 9 biologists and analysts.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study: Biological Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Detail-oriented, with excellent time management and organizational skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and spreadsheet software
- Ability to work independently and in collaborative settings
- Ability to conduct computer work for up to 8 hours per day
Desired Characteristics:
- Experience reviewing and synthesizing scientific literature
- Experience with data management or visualization
9-10: Supporting Tribally Led Conservation Nationally
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Headquarters/Skyline, Falls Church, VA
Housing Support: No housing or housing stipend available
Housing Description: This is a remote position. The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.
Valid Driver’s License: Not Required
Position Description: In January 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration set a national goal of conserving or restoring at least 30% of America’s lands and waters by 2030. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is joining with other federal agencies in supporting a 10-year, locally-led campaign called “America the Beautiful” to help our nation achieve this goal. To meet this momentous opportunity, the Service built a diverse team of dedicated staff across the agency to map the path forward on immediate tasks, identify additional actions, and track our progress, including a team dedicated to one of the top priorities associated with the campaign: supporting Tribally led conservation. This DFP project will address one of the Service’s key opportunities to catalyze our support for Tribally led conservation. Specifically, the DFP will help us develop a thorough understanding of what ideal support for Tribal capacity looks like, including characterizing Tribal capacity, identifying ways the Service can support Tribal capacity through existing resources and programs, and drafting a proposal for what we could do with additional resources. This is an unparalleled opportunity for professional development, networking, national influence, and working alongside leadership on an issue of real significance to the Service and to Tribes. Join us to help the Service fulfill the promise of our nation’s first-ever national conservation goal and deliver lasting positive change for the Service and our partners!
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Education/Outreach
- Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
- Geographic and Information Sciences
- Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice
- Communication/Marketing
Working Conditions Requirements:
- This is a remote position with an optional site visit based on the fellow’s interests and availability.
- The work will mostly involve reading and writing documents, participating in virtual meetings, and using MS suite products such as Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint.
Desired Characteristics:
- Willingness to try new things and learn on the job
- Openness and curiosity about different ideas
- Ability to work independently
In addition, our DFP will have lots of opportunities to grow in these areas:
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Project management experience
- Public speaking skills
- Teamwork skills
- Meeting facilitation skills
- Technical writing skills
9-11: Data visualization to inform conservation decisions
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: FWS Headquarters, Falls Church, VA
Housing Support: Total housing stipend of up to $1,100 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: This is a remote position. The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.
Valid Driver’s License: Not Required
Position Description: Assist the Fish and Wildlife Service with visualizing data to make conservation decisions from your home! We are looking for a creative, independent, self-motivated, and conservation-minded undergraduate student to assist the Data Management Division to discover new ways to communicate data visually. Our ideal candidate will have a strong background using computers, representing data visually, and have an interest in learning new software and applications. The successful candidate will spend 5 days in professional development at our National Conservation Training Center at Shepherdstown, WV for a data management workshop. You will get to work with staff in the FWS Headquarters office to work on challenging data visualization issues with important datasets while interacting with numerous staff from various programs. This position has the potential for a lot of networking for the fellow with Service staff from across the United States. New software skills will be obtained and the fellow will be challenged to truly think outside the box to help us visualize our data in new ways and to help us realize the potential of data visualization. Input will come from the Chief Data Officer and various Data Division staff. There is also a strong likelihood that the fellow will interact with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) staff and software as they review both spatial and aspatial datasets. The fellow will be provided time for online tutorials and learning to acquire new skills and to refine existing skills with data visualization and data creation and storage. From discussions of cybersecurity to GIS to data, prepare to be immersed in learning both spatially and visually. The report and tutorial developed by the fellow will be used to help educate Service staff regarding the power and opportunities behind data visualization tools.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to only undergraduate rising seniors and seniors who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study:
- Biological Sciences
- Geographic and Information Sciences
- Communication/Marketing
- Informational Technology
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Candidate must have reliable Internet access – a laptop will be provided
- Must have valid identification for travel to National Conservation Training Center
Desired Characteristics:
- Technical writing skills
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Experience in Computer Science, Data Science, or Data Analysis
9-12: Web-based Geospatial Application Specialist
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: Either: May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: HQ IRTM, Lakewood, CO
Housing Support: No housing or housing stipend available
Housing Description: This is a remote position. The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.
Valid Driver’s License: Not Required
Position Description: The USFWS is looking for a creative, independent, self-motivated, and conservation-minded undergraduate student to assist the Branch of Geospatial Data Services to deploy new applications within our ArcGIS Online platform to help Service staff more easily visualize and analyze land cover/vegetation data that are vital to refuge planning, species status assessment, and so many other processes that drive our decision making. Our ideal candidate will have a strong background using computers, remote sensing, and GIS while learning the industry-standard WebGIS platform used by thousands of Service staff. Additionally, the successful candidate will spend 5 days in professional development at our National Conservation Training Center at Shepherdstown, WV for a data management workshop.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study: Geographic and Information Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements:
- Candidate must have reliable internet access
- Must have valid identification for travel to National Conservation Training Center
Desired Characteristics:
- Experience with remote sensing and GIS
- Strong general computer skills
- Strong technical writing and communication skills
9-13: Foreign Species Fellow: Candidate Notice of Review
Position Type: Remote
Fellowship Dates: Either May 22 – August 4, 2023 (tentative Orientation May 14 -19) or June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: Virginia, Falls Church, Headquarters Office
Housing Support: Total housing stipend of up to $1,000 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. The fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.
Housing Description: This is a remote position. The fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.
Valid Driver’s License: Required
Position Description: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is statutorily required to assess annually the status of species listed as candidates under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Because of higher priority actions, we cannot always prioritize updating the status of candidate species. Therefore, assistance to complete this task is highly valuable to meet both our statutory requirements and our mission. Accurate status assessments assist conservation planning efforts by providing advance notice of potential listings under the ESA and awareness of species’ status.
- The Fellow will update status assessments for 14 foreign species by conducting literature searches and analyzing complex biological data and making recommendations that support or justify decisions related to the ESA.
- Other duties may include performing similar assessments for domestic species, reviewing and consolidating literature for foreign species on the annual work plan and orally presenting a summary to decision-makers, and attending weekly and monthly staff meetings.
By performing the duties above, the Fellow will learn how the Service makes recommendations to list a species as an endangered species or a threatened species under the ESA. Additionally, the Fellow will work in the Ecological Services program and will interact with multiple programs in the headquarters office and/or regional and field offices to learn the full breadth of the programs and responsibilities of the Service.
Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to only undergraduate rising seniors and seniors who will not complete their degree requirements before September 15, 2023.
Fields of Study: Biological Sciences
Working Conditions Requirements: This is a remote position.
Desired Characteristics:
- Interpersonal Communication
- Teamwork
- Technical Writing
- Knowledge in wildlife biology, environmental science, and policy, ecology, or similar preferred
- Experience with basic computer applications
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Applications will be accepted until January 2, 2023, 11:59 PM EST. Interested and qualified applicants are encouraged to apply now!
More information and the applications can be found here: MANO Project – U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE – DIRECTORATE RESOURCE ASSISTANT FELLOWS PROGRAM (DFP). Applications close on Jan 2nd.
The Newport field office is specifically looking for a student to help with the project Monitoring Herbicide Effects on Threatened Oregon Coast Butterflies. The Fellow will be integral in leading the effort to implement a new, assertive approach to address unknown effects of herbicide on the threatened Oregon silverspot butterfly and its habitat, a key understanding necessary to move forward with best management practices for its recovery. The project will be hosted by the Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge and supervised, for the Fellow, by Samantha Derrenbacher (samantha_derrenbacher@fws.gov). Please feel free to send along any questions you may have about the Oregon silverspot project.
The La Grande field office is looking for a student to help with Freshwater Mussel Habitat Associations within the Blue Mountains. The fellow will be assisting the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla in gathering and managing field data as part of a larger long-term research and restoration effort. This position in particular is geared toward tribal members. Housing will be provided at the CTUIR fish hatchery along the South Fork Walla Walla and supervised by Laura Navarrete (laura_navarrete@fws.gov).