Conservation Visitor Services Intern

Conservation Begins Here

Visitor Services and Volunteer Coordinator Intern

(Requisition-PO-00800480)

Position Summary 

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Since 1957, program participants have protected and restored national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country. 

This Visitor Services Internship includes a breadth of exposure to refuge complex operations. The intern’s primary responsibilities will be to oversee the refuge’s environmental education and volunteer programs. As the complex is composed of five units that are primarily closed to the public, the visitor services program is small, but important.

PLEASE NOTE: Local applicants only. Applicants must have their own housing on O'ahu. Housing is not provided by the Refuge.

Schedule 

January 12, 2025 - September 7, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

The intern will help to facilitate seasonal guided bird tours, organize volunteer events, assist with the bunkhouse program, and provide environmental education programming to interested parties on and off the refuge. As the primary volunteer coordinator, the intern will help to ensure that all requisite volunteer paperwork is signed and archived, that training requirements are met, and that volunteers follow all rules and regulations. They will identify and train core volunteers to assist with volunteer program management and be responsible for all volunteer vetting and scheduling.

The intern will also work closely with the refuge’s biology team to assist with refuge operations, to become intimately familiar with our mission and work, and to identify priority volunteer projects. The intern will engage with FWS’ broader visitor service’s community, and with the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program, to provide connectivity with those programs and to relay opportunities to refuge leadership. The intern will report directly to the Project Leader, with day-to-day coordination with the senior visitor services SCA intern and the station’s Wildlife Biologist.

Marginal Duties 

Marginal duties may include, but are not limited to:

· Volunteer services team coordination

· Coordinating with external parties

· Coordination with Friends of Oahu NWR

· Contact station development and management

· Answering central phone line

· Coordinating distinguished visitor events

· Attending community association meetings

· Records management

Required Qualifications 

Congenial and friendly attitude

· Experience with and willingness to give public lectures and programming

· Comfort in leading and managing volunteer groups, including disciplinary action, when necessary

· Ability to speak clearly, loudly when necessary, and with articulation

· Ability to maintain positivity despite large competing workloads and frequent shifts in priorities

· Timeliness

· Flexibility

· Ability to work effectively independently and in groups

· Appropriate hygiene and attire for a professional work setting representing the Federal government

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications 

· Knowledge of native Hawaiian plant and animal species, including common/latin/Hawaiian names

· Knowledge of invasive species management techniques

· Knowledge of local peoples, customs, and cultures

· Established trust-based relationships with local organizations

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

No housing provided. Candidates must possess their own housing on O'ahu.

Compensation  

$650/week - living allowance

$480 - duty-related reimbursements (for duty-related gear, travel, and commuting)

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits 

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

Equal Opportunity Statement 

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. 

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.