This is a six month internship starting 05/07/2018 and ending 10/06/2018. With efforts targeted toward urban youth, recruitment will be geared toward hiring a member from the local community.

The Intern will work with local conservation organizations and schools to broaden the impact of their outreach efforts. The Intern will work directly for our Environmental Education Specialist in support of the black-footed ferret conservation strategy utilizing and enhancing existing curriculum on wildlife and habitat of the Refuge, developing outreach and environmental education materials, developing schoolyard and community habitats, caring for captive black-footed ferrets, training volunteers in seed collection and planting, distributing seed packets and performing other outreach related duties.

The Intern will learn about the unique environmental and cultural landscape of Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, and share their love of nature as an instructor developing outreach programs for schools, summer camps, community events, and field trips. This position will be part of our visitor services team to facilitate and lead programs, field trips, lessons, games, hikes, and arts and crafts to provide curriculum based and place based environmental education in traditional and nontraditional settings.

Animal Caretaking:

For the entire season, at least 10 hours a week will be spent providing for the needs of black-footed ferrets including feeding, cleaning living spaces, health monitoring and reporting, and providing enrichment activities.

Environmental Education (black-footed ferret):

During most of the season, the Intern will spend 20 hours per week developing and conducting research for educational programs and products including a program outline and resource materials, pamphlets and brochures. Lessons and programs will integrate creativity and interpretive techniques for communicating refuge management messages about black-footed ferrets to all age groups to enhance visitor awareness and knowledge.

Moreover, the Intern will assist with leading environmental education programs as scheduled, to include curriculum-based programs, summer camps, scouts, and other programs for youth groups. Additionally, he/she will staff special events incorporating the mission of the Service and information about the Refuge System. Finally the Intern will assist in developing and creating black-footed ferret booth activities for Refuge Day.

Visitor Center:

The Intern will help the Refuge invest in improving communications with key audiences by spending a minimum of 8 hours per week providing interpretation and site orientation of refuge resources to visitors of all ages in an urban field station to communicate service priorities. He/she will assist with logistics, operations, and staffing for the Visitor Center to include opening and closing the facility, minor housekeeping, and stocking informational and educational materials. The Intern will provide quality customer service, greet visitors, respond to inquiries, make and confirm program reservations, and promote upcoming programs. He/she will complete and submit program activity reports in a timely manner, and ensure visitor information is stocked, updated and current in kiosks such as trail maps and fishing permits. The Intern will develop interactive activities for the Visitor Center including the Discovery Room.

Volunteer Program:

For 2-3 hours per week, the Intern will assist with managing the Refuge Volunteer Program to include updating hours of service, inventory and distribution of awards and uniform components, and entering data into the volunteer computer-based program. He/she will assist in communicating refuge policy to other volunteers and ensure volunteer service agreements are current. The Intern also will assist in planning, organizing, and implementing an annual recognition event for volunteers.

Finally, this project has the support of the Refuge’s Project Leader and Visitor Services Manager and Chief of Operations, along with Natural Resource Program managers. The Refuge is providing a world class visitor center and environmental education building along with all of the materials, expertise and training to ensure that the Intern will have the tools and equipment needed to be successful in this position.

• US Citizenship Required
• Driving Logistics
• Valid Drivers License Needed
• Personal Vehicle Required
• A personal vehicle will allow the member to travel during off hours to sights and location for recreation purposes.

SCA’s mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.