Housing Support: Housing stipend up to $5,000 for the entire Fellowship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. Fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement. 

Housing Description: Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.

Valid Driver’s License: Required

Transportation Support Description: No public transportation is available at this site location. A personal vehicle or alternate mode of transportation (such as ridesharing via Uber, Lyft, Holoholo, etc.) at the Fellow’s expense, is required for commuting to and from work. Unfortunately, the Refuge is not located near public transit, and the Fellow will need to find their own vehicle for transportation.

Position Description: Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1992 and encompasses approximately 700 acres and is one of the few natural wetlands remaining in the Hawaiian Islands. The Refuge was established to protect the wetland habitat of two endangered wetland birds. It is the largest lowland wetland remaining on Maui. Keālia Pond is located along the south-central coast, between the towns of Kīhei and Mā‘alaea, it is a natural basin for a 56-square mile watershed from the West Maui Mountains.
The Refuge is seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated Fellow to enhance the visitor experience to the Nature Trail located outside the visitor center. We hope to recruit a Fellow who values the conservation mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
To implement this position, the selected Fellow will be responsible for:

• Researching and collecting input from refuge staff, volunteers, local plant and insect experts, books, articles, etc., to draft short narratives about the native plants and insects found in the garden.
• Designing a map of the path of the trail including locations of interpretation signs, sitting benches, art murals, etc.
• Designing a self-guided hike brochure that visitors can take through the nature trail.
• Creating and hosting a volunteer docent training focused on docent-led hikes through the nature trail.
• Leading guided tours through the nature trail with visitors to the Refuge.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to only undergraduate rising seniors and seniors who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach
• Communication/Marketing

Working Conditions Requirements:

The Fellow will work 60% in an office setting and 40% being outdoors in hot, dry, and buggy conditions.

Desired Characteristics:

• Self-motivated
• Creative
• Independent
• Excellent time management skills
• Willingness to learn
• Organizational skills

Housing Support: Housing stipend up to $5,000 for the entire Fellowship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. Fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement. The option to rent government housing at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is also available.

Housing Description: Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing. There is also an option to rent government-owned housing at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. Housing on the refuge is a furnished house, shared among other interns and refuge staff located just outside Portland, Oregon.

Valid Driver’s License: Not Required

Position Description: The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office (OFWO) in Portland, Oregon, is excited to provide a DFP experience with federal administrative and budget work with the intention of showing them what a rewarding career this work can be, supporting the Service’s science-based work. Our Fellow will get experience performing the work of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administrative and budget positions. There will also be opportunities for the Fellow to participate in biological field work, through which the Fellow will get an appreciation for the Service’s science-based conservation work.
The Fellow will serve as a fully functional member of both the Administrative and Budget Teams, providing support and guidance to general OFWO staff. The DFP will work on a range of ongoing projects and contribute to deliverables associated with the end of the fiscal year. To implement this position, the selected Fellow will be responsible for:

• Procurement,
• Proper coding of a large and complex budget with multiple cost structures,
• Budget execution,
• Budget tracking (i.e., expenses, reimbursables, invoices, payments),
• Remote data entry,
• Redistribution,
• Monitoring undelivered orders,
• Reviewing travel vouchers, and
• Monthly reconciliation.

At the conclusion of the internship, the Fellow will be able to competently navigate the federal administrative and budgeting systems and will have a working knowledge of the protocols and policies of the Service and the OFWO.

The Fellow will have the opportunity to participate in person office days at OFWO, as well as biological field work experiences. Transportation costs and support for field work will be provided. In office interactions will provide the Fellow a chance to network and garner an in-depth understanding of the mission of the Service and how we pursue conservation work within our agency, making them a valuable future employee.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to undergraduate rising seniors/seniors and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Business Administration
• Accounting

Working Conditions Requirements:

The work is performed in a clean, well-lit office setting. Incumbent is expected to perform duties in a safe manner, consistent with all applicable Department and Service safety standards. Most work occurs in an office setting and requires use of a computer keyboard and monitor. Incumbent must be able to deal with frequent interruptions.

Desired Characteristics:

• Experience in Microsoft Office 365 products
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Time management skills
• Ability to be flexible
• Self-motivated
• Works well with others

Housing Support: Housing stipend up to $5,000 for the entire Fellowship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. Fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.

Housing Description: Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing. The housing stipend should provide enough funds to find a suitable short-term rental location within the Olympia and Lacey area that has public transportation available within a several minute walk. Additionally, there are many non-governmental rental properties within 5 miles of the duty station.

Valid Driver’s License: Required

Transportation Support Description: The Olympia and Lacey area offers free public transportation via an extensive bus route. There are three bus routes that that typically run by our office every 30 minutes. All transportation for work duties will be provided by the office.

Position Description: This position is with the Western Washington Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office in Lacey, WA. Our office works with various partners (tribal, governmental, NGOs) to conduct scientific monitoring and evaluation for a number of fish species including bull trout, Pacific lamprey, O. mykiss, Pacific salmon, and introduced aquatic species. The geographic range of our studies covers headwaters of the Cascade Mountain Range, urban watersheds of Puget Sound, and rugged basins of the Olympic Peninsula. Our office also provides hatchery evaluation support for three National Fish Hatcheries within the Puget Sound Olympic Peninsula Complex.

This position explores the use of migratory sculpin species as indicators of the impact of fish passage barriers and the effectiveness of barrier removal actions. In 2013 a federal court injunction was issued that requires the state of Washington to increase removal of culverts that block salmon and steelhead access to habitat. Many of the culvert removal actions occur in lowlands streams where migratory sculpin are common. Assessing the effectiveness of the culvert removal can be difficult if the numbers of salmon and steelhead in the system are low. Using abundance and distribution surveys of migratory sculpin, which are more prevalent than salmon and steelhead, can help assess the effectiveness of culvert or other fish barrier removals. Increasing fish passage is a large conservation goal of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Fish Passage Program. Methods and principles developed in this position could be applied elsewhere throughout the country to assess barrier removal effectiveness.

This position incorporates all aspects of scientific field research. To implement this position, the selected Fellow will be responsible for:

• Literature review,
• Coordination and completion of field-based data collection,
• Leading a field crew, curation of data sets, and
• Scientific writing and presentations.

The Fellow will be mentored by a USFWS biologist with extensive experience in field research and will have opportunities to learn from many other biologists within the office and hatcheries. The Fellow will be able to assist with other ongoing projects and fieldwork and will learn or further develop skills in data collection and analysis.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach

Working Conditions Requirements:

• Ability to conduct field work involving hiking and carrying equipment
• Ability to lift/carry 50 pounds
• Ability and willingness to live in a remote camp for weeks at a time 

Housing Support: Housing stipend up to $5,000 for the entire Fellowship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. Fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement. 

Housing Description: Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.

Valid Driver’s License: Not Required

Position Description: This Fellowship will work to connect existing efforts to embody a welcoming and inclusive workplace across Programs and Offices in the Southwest Region (Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona). Employees should be able to be their authentic selves, be included in the conversation, and feel safe in their work and local community.

The Evaluating Employee Retention in the Southwest Region project will allow the Fellow to work across Programs and Offices to examine variables effecting current and future employee retention. To implement this position, the selected Fellow will be responsible for:

• Working with datasets from current and previous employees to look at trends in satisfaction and dissatisfaction with various aspects of the Region (i.e., local community, staff, supervisors, leadership, etc.).
• Creating surveys and questionnaires to conduct post-exit interviews with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees and Direct-Hiring Authority interns to glean information related to separation factors from the Region or Service as a whole.
• Evaluating the Region’s Purpose, Values, and Priorities framework across Programs and Offices to determine areas of improvement.

This Fellowship will produce detailed information of why employees have separated from the Region or the Service, while pinpointing variables that can be addressed and corrected. The Fellow will help improve the Region’s ability to be a valued employer and to fulfill our Purpose, Values, and Priorities framework.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to undergraduate rising seniors/seniors and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach
• Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
• Communication/Marketing
• Information Technology/Computer Sciences

Working Conditions Requirements: Fellow will need reliable access to internet. The Fellow will work independently a majority of the time. 

Desired Characteristics: Passionate about Equity, Inclusivity, Learning, Adaptability, Integrity, Caring for People, and Conservation.  

Housing Support: On-site housing available, at no cost to Fellow

Housing Description: The host site location is the Ozark Plateau NWR. Housing will be provided by the Sequoyah NWR or the Ozark Plateau NWR, depending on which has availability.

The refuges are approximately 85 miles from the Tulsa Ecological Services (ES)office. The Fellow would regularly work from the refuge, and occasionally come into the Tulsa ES office to meet with the ES staff helping to oversee and supervise this project. A work vehicle will be available for transportation from the refuge where the Fellow is housed to the Tulsa ES office.

For Sequoyah, all necessary amenities, such as grocery stores, can be found nearby in the towns of Vian (6 miles) and Sallisaw (27 miles). Sequoyah has a modular home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living area, kitchen, dining area, and a laundry room. For Ozark, all necessary amenities can be found nearby in the town of Siloam Springs, AR (21 miles). The housing at Ozark Plateau NWR has a bedroom, bathroom, living room, full kitchen, and a washer and dryer.

Valid Driver’s License: Required

Transportation Support Description: No public transportation is available at this site location. A personal vehicle or alternate mode of transportation at the Fellow’s expense, is required for commuting to and from work and personal needs. For personal transportation, such as grocery store trips, the Fellow will use their personal vehicle. For work, a vehicle will be available for the Fellow to use to travel from the refuge to the Tulsa ES office and to travel from the refuge to field sites with others from the refuge or ES offices.

Position Description: The North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat) is a coordinated bat monitoring program across North America. This collaborative effort allows us to assess bat population status and trends, inform responses to stressors, and sustain viable populations.

We have many years of historical bat data across the southwest region from capture efforts, colony counts, mobile transects, and stationary acoustic monitoring, that have not yet been incorporated into the NABat database. The primary deliverable will be a compilation of legacy data that will be uploaded to the NABat Partner Portal, allowing for a more accurate assessment of bat population status and trends across the region.

These data will be used to inform species status assessments, recovery planning, changes in relative abundance in post-white nose syndrome (WNS) areas, and may also be used to guide consultation and other conservation planning processes for Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance. Efforts to incorporate legacy data will ensure that we are consistently using the best available information to inform our decision processes.

We also have many years of WNS and Pd (the fungal pathogen that causes WNS) surveillance data. These data currently exist as individual reports from the U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center and cooperating university labs. A secondary deliverable will be a compilation of these data and, if time allows, the development of an accessible on-line mapping tool that would allow users to search by species, date, location, results, sample type, etc., to better understand the current status and the progression of the disease across the region.

Many bat species can be identified through acoustic monitoring and the use of automated species identification software can facilitate this process. However, manual vetting of acoustic data is often necessary for reliable species identification. The manual vetting process is a specialized skill set that will be fostered through this opportunity. The selected candidate will also have opportunities to assist with bat data collection through acoustic monitoring and colony counts.

To implement this position, the selected Fellow will be responsible for:

• Compiling existing stationary acoustic data,
• Compiling existing mobile acoustic data,
• Compiling existing museum specimen data,
• Uploading data to the NABat partner portal,
• Assisting with bat emergence counts, and
• Assisting with acoustic data collection.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to undergraduate rising seniors/seniors and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach
• Geographic and Information Sciences
• Information Technology/Computer Sciences

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• Ability to conduct field work involving hiking and carrying equipment
• Ability and willingness to live in refuge housing during the Fellowship
• Ability and willingness to periodically commute the Tulsa ES Office from the refuge
• Ability and willingness to do occasional work at night for acoustic data collection and bat exit counts, along with a potential overnight stay at a different site when conducting field work

Desired Characteristics: 

• Interpersonal communication skills
• Project management experience
• Leadership roles (school, extracurricular, etc.)
• Teamwork skills
• Data management skills

Housing Support: On-site housing available, at no cost to Fellow

Housing Description: Functional, clean, double-wide mobile home. Housing is on the Marinoff Tract of the Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR, less than a 5-minute drive to the Santa Ana NWR Headquarters office on Military Highway. The Fellow would be able to utilize a government-furnished vehicle to drive to and from the office if needed. Groceries and other needs are within a 10-minute drive of the house.

Valid Driver’s License: Required

Transportation Support Description: Limited public transportation is available at this site location. A personal vehicle or alternate mode of transportation (such as ridesharing via Uber, Lyft, etc.) at the Fellow’s expense, is required for commuting to and from work and personal needs. Fellow may use a government-furnished vehicle to drive to and from the office from the bunkhouse. Public transportation near the refuge office and bunkhouse is limited, but U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff will assist the Fellow in obtaining any essential needs and services in town.

Position Description: The South Texas Refuge Complex (STRC)—made up of the Santa Ana and Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuges—is positioned along an east-west and north-south juncture of two major migratory routes for many species of birds. It is also at the northern-most point for many species whose range extends south into Central and South America. STRC is right in the middle of all this biological diversity, which is what has given Santa Ana NWR the name of the "jewel of the National Wildlife Refuge System." The Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR protects the last 275 river miles of the Rio Grande, covering a wide range of habitats and offers visitors an opportunity to see birds, butterflies and many other species not found anywhere else in the United States beyond deep South Texas.

The importance of this position to conservation is to gain a deeper insight into the needs of our communities, especially those voices who have not been heard and those who have not historically been provided a seat at the table. The issues of conservation are ever evolving and becoming more complex, therefore requiring conservation agencies and professionals to understand how to best involve a larger public to support conservation for generations into the future. This position will help refuge staff take a more strategic approach for designing and implementing our outreach efforts.

To implement this position, the selected Fellow will be responsible for:

• Interviewing and interacting with many neighbors, community members, and partners;
• Analyzing existing research and data;
• Creating a written report that will guide outreach efforts and management at the STRC; and
• Creating a presentation that will be shared and presented to different programs and levels of the USFWS including STRC staff, Region 2 Regional Office, NCTC, Urban Wildlife Conservation Program leadership, and others.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to undergraduate rising seniors/seniors and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach
• Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
• Communication/Marketing

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• Fluency in English and Spanish
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both written and orally.

Desired Characteristics: 

• Interpersonal skills
• Cross-cultural communication skills
• Public speaking skills
• Technical writing skills

Housing Support: Housing stipend up to $5,000 for the entire Fellowship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. Fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement. 

Housing Description: Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.

Valid Driver’s License: Required

Transportation Support Description: Public transportation is available, though options may depend on selecting housing locations in proximity to existing bus routes.

Position Description: Come shape the future for pollinator conservation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Center for Pollinator Conservation! This summer Fellowship will contribute to the development of the Center and create actionable science - turning data and analysis into operational recommendations.

To implement this position, the selected Fellow will be responsible for:

• Conducting field surveys for pollinators,
• Analyzing previous data and data sets,
• Using geospatial tools to identify priorities for pollinator surveys, and
• Developing strategic policy recommendations based on conducted analyses.

This position provides opportunities to practice geospatial skills, field survey skills, and also opportunities to engage with a broad network of agency scientists, leadership, partners and other interested parties/groups.

The Fellow will work out of the Midwest Regional Office in Bloomington, MN, as part of a national team. The work environment will be hybrid, with in-person and virtual meetings and seasonal field work that may require some travel.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to undergraduate rising seniors/seniors and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach
• Geographic and Information Sciences

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• Ability to work independently as well as with teams.
• Ability to conduct field work involving hiking and carrying equipment (10-20 pounds).
• Driver's license.

Desired Characteristics: 

• Written and verbal communication
• Interpersonal skills
• Teamwork
• Geographic information systems
• Technical writing and communications.

Housing Support: Housing stipend up to $5,000 for the entire Fellowship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. Fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement. 

Housing Description: Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing. This position is remote, with some travel required for field work and lab analysis. Duty-related travel expenses will be paid by the office to include transportation, lodging (on-site rustic cabin) and meals.

Valid Driver’s License: Required

Position Description: The position will be considered remote and will not be required to work from the Chicago Field Office (host office). The Fellow will conduct field work in Door County, WI, and Dupage County and Will County, IL. The Fellow will make at least one visit to a lab at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD and/or to the U.S. Geological Survey Midwest Science Center in LaCrosse, WI, and will attend a regional intern workshop in Bloomington, MN. Duty-related travel expenses will be reimbursed.

The Fellow will help advance the science behind the protection and recovery of the endangered Hine's emerald dragonfly. The Fellow will help advance conservation biology as eDNA is an emerging scientific method and there has been limited application to endangered species and aquatic invertebrates.

To implement this position, the Fellow will be responsible for:

• Reading reports and peer reviewed literature on the Hine's emerald dragonfly to gain a biological understanding of the species.
• Conducting a brief review of literature on aquatic eDNA sampling methods and compare it with the methods currently utilized for the dragonfly.
• Developing skills in all aspects of Hine’s emerald dragonfly larval sampling, eDNA sampling method(s) and procedures, and sample analysis.
• Documenting these field sampling and lab analysis activities in writing and with a photographic record.
• Drafting eDNA sampling protocols, in cooperation with academic researchers and USFWS Biologists, by compiling current methods used for the species and review of other potential methods used for other species.
• Assessing the current eDNA sampling and analysis methods used for the dragonfly and identity potential improvements and efficiencies.
• Being required to communicate regularly and as needed with their supervisor and will also take the initiative to contact internal and external partners, coordinate meetings, and give presentations.

The Fellow will have developmental opportunities with an introduction to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and various divisions and positions within the agency. The Fellow will develop skills in Hine's emerald dragonfly sampling techniques and project coordination and management skills and will have opportunities to demonstrate and improve communication skills.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to undergraduate rising seniors/seniors and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• Ability to conduct field work involving hiking and carrying equipment in Midwest summer conditions (i.e., high heat and humidity)
• Ability to lift/carry 50 pounds
• Ability and willingness to live in a remote cabin during some field work

Desired Characteristics: 

• Knowledge of genetics and the use of eDNA in surveying for aquatic species is very desirable.
• Interpersonal communication skills
• Cross-cultural communication skills
• Partnership building skills
• Project management skills
• Mentoring experience
• Public speaking skills
• Leadership roles (school, extracurricular, etc.)
• Teamwork skills

Housing Support: Onsite housing available, at no cost to Fellow 

Housing Description: There is a bunkhouse on the refuge that interns and Fellows can stay in. This house is shared housing with 3 rooms and 1.5 baths. The bunkhouse has beds, pots and pans, a television, a washer and dryer, books, games, and a DVD player. The bunkhouse is within a 3-minute drive from town, so there is quick access to many other amenities. The house does not have Wi-Fi, but there is an okay cellular signal. Anything requiring a very strong signal, like online gaming, would require a trip to town where many venues offer free Wi-Fi.

If the Fellow prefers to live alone, another house on the refuge is available, but the Fellow would need to bring their own furnishings, and payment for utilities would need to be worked out.

Valid Driver’s License: Required

Transportation Support Description: It is recommended, but not required, that the Fellow have a personal vehicle to make trips into town on their free time. There is a public transportation system in the area, but it would require about a 1.5 mile walk to the nearest pick-up location. For work duties, a government-owned vehicle will be provided. Housing is located on the refuge, so no vehicle is required for commuting to work.

Position Description: Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge includes 7,724 acres near Seymour, IN, and the Restle Unit, a 78-acre donated parcel near Bloomington, IN. This refuge is a flat-to-gently-rolling mix of bottomland and upland forest, wetland, and grassland habitat. Muscatatuck NWR has 7 grassland units, covering approximately 470 acres of the refuge. Each unit has different characteristics such as: size, soil moisture, flooding history, management practices, and a history of prescribed burning. These grasslands provide habitat for a large variety of species; however, the current composition of the grasslands is a concern. The native forb species are not competing well and there is encroachment of woody vegetation into the grasslands, especially by the invasive species autumn olive and multiflora rose. Efforts to improve the grasslands, including prescribed fire, seeding, and mechanical disturbance, have taken place. The position will be to analyze the efforts if grassland improvement and develop the step-down station specific protocol for prairie reconstructions.

To implement this position, the selected Fellow will be responsible for:

• Conducting vegetation monitoring in the grassland units,
• Entering refuge historical data and new collected data into an online database,
• Calculating and analyzing the results of the different restoration methods from the baseline, and
• Making recommendations for best management practices within the refuge limitations.

During the Fellowship, the Fellow will become familiar with and gain experience in invasive species management and techniques, including herbicide application and prescribed fire. There will be an opportunity for the Fellow to develop GIS skills as part of this project, but no previous GIS experience is necessary to be successful at this position. The Fellow will attend our region wide internship conference to network with other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees and interns. As time allows, the Fellow will be able to help with other refuge tasks and shadow other employees so they can gain knowledge of the work and efforts of the refuge. Some topics the Fellow would be exposed to include moist-soil management, infrastructure maintenance, and visitor services.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to undergraduate rising seniors/seniors and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• Ability to conduct field work involving walking through grasslands
• Ability to work outside in possible hot conditions and deal with bugs

Housing Support: Housing stipend up to $5,000 for the entire Fellowship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. Fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.

Housing Description: Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing. This will be a remote position—stable and dependable internet connection is required.

Valid Driver’s License: Not Required

Position Description: Sentinel Landscapes represent well-defined geographies where the military, conservation, agriculture, and forestry communities have shared interests. The U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Defense, and Interior created the Sentinel Landscape Partnership initiative to facilitate federal, local, and private collaboration to promote natural resource sustainability in areas surrounding military installations. In these areas, federal agencies work with local partners to provide financial and technical resources to private landowners. The goal is to increase sustainable management practices and connect private landowners with programs to keep working lands working. There are 12 Sentinel Landscapes across the Nation, and 5 are within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Region 4 geography. Staff from Ecological Services and Conservation, Science, and Innovation are already working with these partnerships.

This position seeks to increase opportunities to support imperiled and at-risk species by facilitating collaboration across state and Sentinel Landscape boundaries. For example, the Georgia Sentinel Landscape and the South Carolina Lowcountry Sentinel Landscape share a boundary, which represents an opportunity to assess how these two partnerships can collaborate on common goals. Staff from Ecological Services and Conservation, Science, and Innovation can help support this position to help facilitate conservation actions that support the goals and strategic plans of these landscapes and advance the mission of the USFWS Southeast Region to connect lands and waters to sustain fish, wildlife, and plants.

These two USFWS programs will collaborate to supervise a shared Fellow who will work within Southeastern Sentinel Landscapes to advance shared conservation goals and improve habitats for a wide array of species including those that are imperiled, at-risk, or conservation concern across boundaries.

To implement this project, the selected Fellow will be responsible for:

• Using GIS to identify priority locations for imperiled species and habitats that areas common to all Sentinel landscapes, to include habitat corridors between population locations;
• Reviewing and summarizing specific Sentinel Landscape plans to identify common priorities; and
• Assessing at least two Sentinel Landscape’s conservation and strategic plans to identify their shared goals, at-risk species, and important habitats as well as potential conservation actions and opportunities that advance those common elements.

The Fellow will explore working with existing tools such as the Southeast Conservation Blueprint, the At-Risk Species Finder, and the Landscape Recovery Tool to assess their utility as well as other data sets to help identify at-risk species across the two landscapes (e.g., NatureServe, DOD datasets, state heritage programs).

The Fellow will be able to build qualitative and quantitative data analysis skills, as well as understand the field of user experience in decision-making tool development and utilization. They will be asked to consider how we can take data collected across scales (i.e., landscape-level partnerships as well as unique user experiences) and translate this knowledge into a functioning, collaborative, and inclusive conservation partnership. They will be tasked with considering multiple ecological, social, and economic contexts, each influencing the conservation partnership in nuanced ways. They will learn how these large-scale partnerships function across jurisdictions while still representing shared values.

The Fellow for this Fellowship who has familiarity and experience with the data collection methods and analysis we would also prefer a Fellow who has had some level of experience with partnership-based conservation.

The Fellow will be responsible for providing a written summary and synopsis of the all the GIS work created, ensure the GIS information is shareable and available to be built upon for potential future work. Fellow will be responsible for accurate written and verbal communication with external partners as they will serve as a liaison for our Sentinel landscape within the South East region.

Minimum Education Level: Open to consideration only to graduate students (master's and PhD) who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach
• Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
• Geographic and Information Sciences
• Communication/Marketing

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• Ability to work on a computer for a full workday
• Ability to work effectively in a remote environment

Desired Characteristics: 

• Interpersonal and Cross-cultural communication skills
• Partnership building experience
• Project management experience
• Teamwork skills
• Data analysis skills GIS skills

Housing Support: On-site housing available, at no cost to Fellow

Housing Description: Modern housing is located at the refuge headquarters, which includes a full kitchen and laundry facilities. Housing will be shared with other interns.

Valid Driver’s License: Required

Transportation Support Description: No public transportation is available at this site location. A personal vehicle or alternate mode of transportation (such as ridesharing via Uber, Lyft, etc.) at the Fellow’s expense, is required for commuting to and from work and personal needs due to the current location of office and living facilities.

Position Description: The DFP candidate will assist in delivering place-based education programs to the community in target neighborhoods. Member will also assist with special event programing, youth fishing rodeos, community listening sessions, community engagement and outreach events for the complex and the creation of new programming for the refuge’s mobile visitor center trailer.

To implement this project, the selected Fellow will be responsible for:

• Assisting the Urban Coordinator in developing programs and information for the public in local area schools, summer camps, libraries and other groups;
• Developing educational and interpretation programs for students and/or general public;
• Assisting with public canoe and natural history tours; and
• Preparing for and staff special outreach events on the refuges and in the community.

The Fellow will have the opportunity to gain experience at other refuges located in the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges Complex, Fish and Aquatic Conservation Offices, and surrounding locations with activities such as (but not limited to) biology, restoration projects, and citizen science.

Operation of a refuge vehicle is required. Outreach programs may include intensive, hands-on activities on the refuge, as well as classroom presentations in schools throughout Orleans Parish.

Intern will be expected to:

• Develop interpretive signs that reflect the culture of the area;
• Develop trail signs;
• Partner with the Fish and Aquatic Conservation office, New Orleans Recreational District Commission (NORDC) and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in target communities to host three Get Out and Fish! events, as well as assist with teaching participants skills, such as tying hooks, baiting, casting, netting fish etc.;
• Participate in working groups for the target community;
• Assist in developing a volunteer staff for the refuge; and
• Conduct three off refuge programs in the community.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to undergraduate rising seniors/seniors and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach
• Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
• Geographic and Information Sciences
• Communication/Marketing

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• Will be a combination of field and office.

Housing Support: Housing stipend up to $5,000 for the entire Fellowship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. Fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.

Housing Description: Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing. This will be a remote position, allowing the Fellow to complete their work from their personal residence. The Fellow will need to have reliable Internet and access to a working space conducive to productive completion of their work.

Valid Driver’s License: Required

Position Description: This Fellowship opportunity with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will support our efforts in building a welcoming culture across the Southeast Region, which is our most essential resource and priority, our people, in delivering our mission.

The Fellow will work across programs and across the region and will be responsible for several aspects of implementation of our Supervisors Connect Initiative, a learning and development platform for Southeast Region managers.

To implement this project, the selected Fellow will be responsible for:

• Engaging stakeholders across the region to determine the needs, gaps, and barriers that currently exist,
• Developing useful evaluation tools to measure the impact of engagement and interventions,
• Forming parameters for program implementation,
• Creating a standardized Individual Development Plan (IDP) that emphasizes leadership development, and
• Building a SharePoint site that provides information, tips/tools, and other resources for supervisors.

The Fellow will receive coaching, guidance, support, and applicable resources along the way to complete the project successfully. During the 11-week Fellowship, the student will also have an opportunity to interact with regional leadership and visit local field offices to learn about the conservation work we do and the challenges we face.

Travel expenses that are position-related and developmental will be reimbursed.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to undergraduate rising seniors/seniors and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
• Communication/Marketing
• Business
• Organizational Development/Program Management
• Public Administration

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• Ability to work effectively in a remote, virtual environment, including reliable Internet service
• Ability to travel to field offices
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite of Applications

Desired Characteristics: 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct resources
• Analytical thinking
• Ability to be flexible and open to change
• Excellent customer service skills
• Sound judgment and good decision-making
• Ability to work well with others and collaborate
• Interpersonal skills
• Project management and business acumen
• Ability to take initiative and be proactive
• Website architecture/mapping and/or site/page design experience a plus 

Housing Support: On-site housing available, at no cost to Fellow

Housing Description: The Fellow may live on-refuge at Wertheim NWR (first 5 weeks) in a ranch style house or duplex. For the remaining 7 weeks, the Fellow would live at Morton NWR, Noyac NY, in a ranch style house. The ranch-style house has 3 bedrooms, a living/dining room, a kitchen, and laundry facilities. The duplex at Wertheim is a 2-bedroom house with a kitchen, living room, and laundry facilities. The houses may be co-ed and will be shared with 2 shorebirds or invasive species interns hired through American Conservation Experience. At Morton, Seasonal RV volunteers may also live on the refuge and share the use of the housing facilities, primarily the laundry facilities. To meet position needs and facilitate onboarding and project development, the Fellow may first house and report to Wertheim and then move to Morton.

Generally speaking, Long Island is expensive. Morton NWR is in a suburban area in Sag Harbor, NY. It is part of the Hamptons, specifically Southampton, so it can be very pricey. Wertheim NWR is in Shirley, NY, and is generally less expensive than the east end of Long Island.

Valid Driver’s License: Required

Transportation Support Description: A government furnished (GOV) vehicle will be stationed at both Wertheim and Morton that will be shared between the Fellow and the biology interns. Long Island staff will coordinate schedules based on project priorities. The GOV will be available only for work tasks.

A personal vehicle is highly recommended/required and helpful for getting groceries, running errands, sight-seeing for use during the Fellow’s non-work hours.
Should a Fellow not have a personal vehicle, they would be placed in the Duplex while stationed at Wertheim, which is located .75 miles away from Headquarters. The Fellow could walk on refuge roads/trails to report to work during the first 5 weeks. The Wertheim site offers limited public transportation in the form of a county bus and the Long Island Railroad, which are within walkable distance. Rideshares or taxis could be secured from the headquarters building or the maintenance/ residential refuge entrance.

The Morton site housing is located adjacent to the Visitor Contact Station (VCS). There is no public transportation within walkable distance from housing/VCS. A personal vehicle or alternate mode of transportation (such as ridesharing via Uber, Lyft, etc.) at the Fellow’s expense, is required for use outside of work hours for personal use such as getting groceries, running errands and sight-seeing.

A variety of stores, restaurants, outdoor, and cultural activities are available in both Shirley and Sag Harbor. For additional information about public transportation can be found https://www.sct-bus.org/sctmap.html and https://new.mta.info/agency/long-island-rail-road.

Position Description: The populations of most shorebird species are in steep decline, and there's a widespread recognition that more must be done to protect shorebirds while also promoting responsible public uses of refuge beaches. The selected Fellow will continue work started in 2023 in collaboration with researchers at Virginia Tech to implement Community-Based Social Marketing (CBSM) at the Long Island NWR Complex in New York.

CBSM uses psychology and marketing techniques to encourage people to change their behavior. CBSM works at the community-level to promote engaging in a desired behavior by removing barriers/constraints and increasing the benefits of practicing a behavior. You'll have the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge research that operates at the intersection of biological objectives and human behavior, which will be invaluable for future conservation-based projects or jobs.

This position will build upon CBSM strategies that encourage beachgoers to walk around shorebird flocks, to leash dogs, and to take other actions that reduce human disturbance.

To implement this position, the selected Fellow will be responsible for:

• Organizing and/or hosting community outreach events,
• Developing message-tested signs for beach entry points,
• Creating and maintaining a “leash board” that provides leashes with positively framed messaging (“Wildlife beaches have dogs on leashes”) for beach-goers to use, and
• Collecting data on if and how disturbance is affecting migratory shorebirds.

You'll be challenged to be creative, persevering, and thoughtful, and to collaborate with a variety of professionals from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local partners. As the work progresses, the you will have ample opportunity to refine the techniques and messages and leave a lasting impact on refuges in Long Island and beyond.

When not at the office at Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge or meeting with partners, you'll be working primarily at Elizabeth Morton NWR and Amagansett NWR on Long Island, NY. Morton NWR and Amagansett NWR are home to beautiful beaches that are popular with both people and wildlife, and you'll be part of a regionwide effort to reduce human disturbance impacts on migratory shorebirds.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to undergraduate rising seniors/seniors and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach
• Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
• Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice
• Communication/Marketing

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• Ability to work in hot or humid conditions
• Ability to walk in sandy or uneven terrain
• Ability to carry signs or other equipment, up to 30 pounds
• Long Island is home to a very healthy population of ticks (additional measures are taken to provide appropriate personal protective equipment [PPE
• Use of a government-owned vehicle and UTV
• Adherence to JHAs, Policy and Training Requirements

Desired Characteristics: 

• Well-developed communication skills
• Comfortable interacting with partners or the public
• Ability to de-escalate conflict
• Ability to create partnerships
• Good organizational and time-management skills.

Housing Support: Housing stipend up to $5,000 for the entire Fellowship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. Fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement. 

Housing Description: Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing. There may be housing available at UMass Amherst 1 mile from station. Off-campus housing is likely available within 2 miles of the station on bus routes that connect to the Regional Office.

Valid Driver’s License: Not Required

Transportation Support Description: Public transportation is available. The Pioneer Valley Transportation Authority has a regular bus schedule linking the Northeast Regional Office to Hadley, Amherst, Northampton, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst including to housing, supermarkets, and shopping centers (https://www.pvta.com/). It is possible that housing will be available at UMass Amherst.

Position Description: The selected Fellow will work with the Northeast Regional Climate Change Team across all programs in the Northeast Region to better incorporate climate change as a regional priority and as part of other regional priorities, including at-risk species, landscape conservation, aquatic connectivity, coastal resilience, recovering listed species, and addressing the 3 billion bird loss. The Fellow would also work with state, federal, NGO, and tribal partners on specific climate change actions and at the Annapolis, MD Field Office with staff and partners on specific conservation projects and partnerships.

To implement this position, the selected Fellow will be responsible for:

• Playing a crucial role at a critical time to organize the region’s response to climate change by facilitating a region climate change team and plan,
• Participating in Regional Climate Change Team and national Climate Change Action Program team calls,
• Developing and refining tools for tracking climate change in regional programs, including the Resist-Accept-Direct framework and Nature-based solutions, and
• Organizing and assist facilitating a regional cross-program workshop and summarizing results into a draft plan.

There may be opportunities to participate with the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center at UMass Amherst and to travel to the Annapolis MD Field Office.

The Fellow will also have the opportunity to learn about all programs in the region at multiple hierarchical levels and staff from field stations and will have a minimum of one in-person field station visit.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to undergraduate rising seniors/seniors and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach
• Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
• Geographic and Information Sciences
• Communication/Marketing
• Information Technology/Computer Sciences

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• Work will be performed in an office setting at the Regional Office
• Fellow will have a cubicle and access to all common spaces, facilities and equipment of the program and all common spaces in the regional office. 

Housing Support: On-site housing available. 

Housing Description: On-site housing is available. Housing consists of an efficiency apartment located on the second floor above the main office and centrally located at the NEFC facility. The apartment is modest and does not meet ADA accessibility standards. All buildings on site, including the Genetics Laboratory, are within an easy few minutes’ walk from the apartment. To access neighboring towns for shopping and entertainment, private transportation (personal vehicle or ride-share) is required. Public transportation is limited in the area.

Valid Driver’s License: Not Required

Transportation Support Description: Public transportation is not available. A personal vehicle or alternate mode of transportation (such as ridesharing via Uber, Lyft, etc.) at the Fellow’s expense, is required for commuting to and from work and personal needs. There is no access to public transportation at or near the NEFC. Ride share companies service the area, but access to neighboring towns for basic shopping needs are 25+ miles round trip.

Position Description: The Northeast Fishery Center (NEFC) is one of seven U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Fish Technology Centers and is composed of the Lamar Fish Health Center, Lamar National Fish Hatchery, and the Conservation Genetics Laboratory. Located in rural Lamar, PA, the NEFC is an exciting duty location with a variety of outdoor opportunities and access to neighboring towns of State College and Lock Haven. The Conservation Genetics Laboratory at NEFC is a state-of-the-art facility fully equipped to engage in traditional population genetics projects and those centered on environmental DNA.

Genetic tools using environmental DNA (eDNA) are rapidly advancing and finding application in invasive species detection, endangered species, biodiversity assessment, food web interactions and a host of other areas of conservation need. Continued advancement of eDNA tools and the diversification of species they target, is reliant on access to high quality genetic data. This data generally involves sequencing of the mitochondrial genome, a region of circular DNA approximately 16,500 base pair in length which is the target of most eDNA assays.

The successful candidate will focus on the assembly and annotation of mitochondrial genomes from raw DNA sequence data. Completion of the project will provide training on the genetic analysis software package Geneious and sequence submission to the online public repository GenBank. It is anticipated that 20 mitochondrial DNA genomes will be completed and submitted to GenBank over the course of the internship.

In addition, the Fellow will edit existing NEFC protocols for clarity and be responsible for producing a draft protocol detailing the GenBank submission process. The successful candidate will also obtain the raw DNA sequencing data needed for mitochondrial genome assembly. The Fellow will interact directly and receive training from at least three members of the NEFC staff who have overlapping expertise in this project.

Primary duties include:

• Manipulate large genetic datasets
• Assemble genetic data and ensure quality
• Maintain detailed and accurate notes
• Annotate genetic data based on similarity of similar features found in public repositories
• Communicate with and submit data to public repositories of genetic data
• Edit and draft technical protocols for genetic data analysis

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to undergraduate rising seniors/seniors and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach
• Molecular and Cellular Biology, Genetics

Working Conditions Requirements: Candidates must be fluent in both written and spoken English. 

Housing Support: On-site housing available, at no cost to Fellow.

Housing Description: Leadville National Fish Hatchery is located approximately 5 miles southwest of Leadville, CO. The nearest convenience store is ~2 miles distant, and the nearest grocery store is ~6 miles away. Leadville offers restaurants and all necessities; larger towns are within ~30 miles. The hatchery maintains a 3-bedroom bunkhouse with full cooking facilities and amenities at the station. The 1960s vintage house is decently furnished with beds, linens, living room furnishings, dishes, utensils, cooking pots/pans, and appliances. The house will be provided with an internet hotspot.

Valid Driver’s License: Required

Transportation Support Description: No public transportation is available at this site location. A personal vehicle or alternate mode of transportation at the Fellow’s expense, is required for commuting to and from work and personal needs. The Fellow also has the option of driving their personal vehicle to the Hatchery. No public transportation options exist near the hatchery.

Position Description: This position is located at the Leadville National Fish Hatchery near Leadville, CO. Leadville is a hub of mountain recreation and is a hotspot to climb some of Colorado’s 14’ers, hike the Colorado Trail, participate in the Leadville Race Series, fish the upper Arkansas river, and numerous other recreational opportunities. Leadville is centrally located in Colorado and has ready access to Denver, Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR, Alamosa NWR, The National Eagle Repository, and other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offices.

The greenback cutthroat trout is the state fish of Colorado and was once thought to be extinct. A remnant population was discovered in 2012 and wild fish were brought to the hatchery to develop a captive broodstock with the goal of recovering the species in its native range. The USFWS works closely with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Trout Unlimited, and other parties to further this goal.

The Fellow will produce a hatchery genetic management plan (HGMP) for the greenback cutthroat trout, a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, and a draft broodstock management plan (BMP) for the same species. The HGMP and BMP are essential to the recovery of greenback cutthroat trout as fish originating at the Leadville National Fish Hatchery are released in the wild at multiple locations every year. There is currently only one naturally recruiting stream and one “wild” broodstock location; with the captive broodstock at Leadville NFH there are only 3 potential broodstock sources available, making genetic concerns paramount. The HGMP and BMP are integral to developing and maintaining best management practices for a rearing and propagation program. The stock has been particularly problematic in both captive and wild recovery populations; the potential for inbreeding depression and lack of genetic diversity in the only remaining wild population has led to discussions of genetic rescue, which should be a component of this position. The Fellow will also have an opportunity to work with Ecological Services biologists in the finalization of the 5-year review for greenback, as well as the draft recovery plan.

To implement this position, the selected Fellow will be responsible for:

• Developing and delivering a Genetic Management Plan in consultation with US Fish and Wildlife Service biologists and culturists,
• Developing and delivering a Broodstock Management Plan in consultation with USFWS biologists and culturists
• Researching published management plans from state and federal programs to develop comprehensive documents for Leadville National Fish Hatchery,
• Including considerations of genetic rescue into the Hatchery Genetic Management Plan, and
• Working with Ecological Service biologists during the finalization of the 5-year review and draft recovery plan for the greenback cutthroat.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to undergraduate rising seniors/seniors and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach
• Fish biology
• Genetics

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• Valid driver’s license required
• Familiarity with genetics and fish biology
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to review peer-reviewed, scientific literature and distill content
• Ability to hike up to 2-5 miles one-way on steep and uneven terrain while in high elevation.
• Ability to work at high elevation (Leadville’s elevation is over 10,000’)

Desired Characteristics: 

• Experience and/or interest in aquatic biology and ecology
• Written communication skills
• Oral communication skills
• Interpersonal communication skills (such as emotional intelligence, active listening, learning mindset, responsibility, empathy, teamwork, and positive attitude)
• Commitment to diversity equity and inclusion

Housing Support: Housing stipend up to $5,000 for the entire Fellowship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred.  Fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement. 

Housing Description: Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing. The housing stipend would cover any short-term lease for housing in the City of Bismarck. Public transportation is available to commute to the duty station. A federal vehicle is available for all field work associated with the project.

Valid Driver’s License: Required

Transportation Support Description: Public transportation is available to commute to the duty station. A federal vehicle is available for all field work associated with the project.

Position Description: The North Dakota Ecological Services Field Office is in the rolling hills along the Missouri River, which is centrally located in North Dakota. The field work is in a variety of diverse and beautiful landscapes in the rugged badlands, Missouri Coteau slope, and drift prairie ecosystems. Pollinator species of concern include the federally threatened Dakota skipper, monarch, regal fritillary, and 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 competing native species on local grasslands. Management of grassland may also be responsible for declining pollinator species. Effective evaluation to determine the effect of management practices requires plant and pollinator inventory data. Historic pollinator distribution is available for some sites to determine changes over time in these species. Current data on pollinator species is essential to evaluate currently listed trust resources, and to evaluate potential candidate species that may be listed in the future.

To implement this position, the selected Fellow will be responsible for:

• Collecting data on pollinators and vegetation, including species richness, species distribution, species abundance;
• Training with an Ecological Services biologists in North Dakota to learn pollinator, vegetation, and data analysis skills; and
• Report analyzing trends in the vegetation composition, pollinator richness, presence of trust pollinator species, and historic abundance of pollinator species at various sites throughout North Dakota.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to undergraduate rising seniors/seniors and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• Ability to conduct field work involving hiking up to 10 miles and carrying equipment up to 50 pounds for multiple consecutive days in various weather conditions.

Desired Characteristics: 

• Interpersonal communication skills
• Teamwork skills

Housing Support: Housing stipend up to $5,000 for the entire Fellowship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred.  Fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.

Housing Description: Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing. Boise, ID: La Pointe or Green Leaf River Edge student apartments, located 2 miles for the duty station and on a single bus route. Additional options are available: https://www.boisestate.edu/housing/boise-state-off-campus-marketplace/. Multiple Air B&B, VRBO, etc. options.

Lakewood/Denver, CO: The Fellow will need to secure a short-term, month-to-month lease in the Denver Metro area. We can help provide resources (e.g., websites, people to contact, etc.) to aid in housing search.

Valid Driver’s License: Not Required

Transportation Support Description: Public transportation is available.

Boise, ID: excellent city-wide public transportation system; bicycle-friendly city with multiple protected routes.

Lakewood, CO: A Denver area RDT Light Rail train station is within 1/2 mile of the Regional Office (RO) and reaches most parts of the city. Denver also has a bus system Regional Office employees use.

Position Description: The Fellow will work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mountain-Prairie Region (Region 6) Science Applications Program. The Fellow may choose to work in Lakewood, CO, or Boise, ID. The USFWS Regional Office located in Lakewood (a suburb of Denver) houses approximately 150 employees from all programs and will provide exposure to the agency’s responsibilities and professional networking opportunities. Lakewood is near the mountains and a half-day drive to public lands, including national parks and wilderness areas. Easy public transportation connects Lakewood to downtown Denver and a rich variety of cultural places and events. The Boise site is the Snake River Field Station, a U.S. Geological Survey research facility specializing in sagebrush ecosystems. Located in historic Fort Boise, 1 mile from the state Capitol building. Boise is surrounded by open space and easy access to both mountain and desert adventures. World class fly fishing and whitewater rafting are within an hour’s drive, whereas the city itself is very walkable, with abundant seasonal events.

The Fellow will be joining a Science Applications Program that, among other projects, leads the USFWS Grassland and Sagebrush Ecosystems Teams, which play crucial roles in science-driven conservation in these biomes. The Science Applications team supports these priorities through a variety of landscape and species conservation tools including the Sagebrush Conservation Design, Conservation Efforts Database, High Divide Landscape Conservation Design, River Conditions Tool, and the Grassland and Sagebrush Conservation Portal.

To implement this position, the selected Fellow will be responsible for:

• Co-developing a work plan (using their project management skills) and building an online interactive decision support product that facilitates USFWS staff and partner accessibility and use of these conservation tools for decision making;
• Developing a communications plan that facilitates distribution of the product to USFWS staff and partners across a broad geography; and
• Growing their skills in information design, communication, ESRI digital applications, and data processing.

While working with a multidisciplinary design team, the Fellow will gain experience collaborating with science and management experts and increase their knowledge in applying science to challenging landscape conservation problems.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to only undergraduate rising seniors and seniors who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach
• Geographic and Information Sciences
• Communication/Marketing
• Information Technology/Computer Sciences
• Decision Support

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• Written communication skills
• Oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to work at a computer workstation for extended periods

Desired Characteristics: 

• Skills or experience in basic project management, communications, computer software, and building digital applications using ESRI products
• Interpersonal communication skills
• Teamwork
• Technical writing skills
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion 

Housing Support: Housing stipend up to $5,000 for the entire Fellowship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred.  Fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement. 

Housing Description: Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing. A housing stipend is included up to $5000. Housing options in Anchorage, AK, include student university housing (if available) or shared housing with other interns and DFP Fellows. Distance of duty station is less than 3 miles from the university housing we've obtained in the past.

Valid Driver’s License: Required

Transportation Support Description: Public transportation is available in Anchorage as is access to a government vehicle and bike. The city offers many trails for biking and walking.

Position Description: Anchorage is Alaska's largest city. With the Chugach Mountains to the East and Cook Inlet to the west, the city is both metropolitan and wild, with bears, moose, and Pacific salmon juxtaposed against an urban environment. The Anchorage school district is also one of the most diverse in the country with equally diverse human connections to the outdoors (and lack thereof due to barriers).

You will be joining a team facilitating meaningful and inclusive community connections to nature in urban Alaska. Our vision is outdoor spaces that are welcoming and accessible to people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives: where favorite memories are made; wellbeing found; relationships formed; wild foods are collected and shared; seeds of stewardship sowed and grown; and the norm is to be ‘outdoorsy’ in safe and culturally affirming ways.

The selected Fellow will be responsible for:

• Organizing listening sessions within diverse neighborhoods,
• Incorporating feedback from those sessions into in person and virtual fish and wildlife programming, and a final presentation/report, and
• Communicating with community members, youth organizations, partners and scheduling/facilitating meetings and in-person programming in Anchorage.

Beyond those deliverables and tasks, developmental and learning opportunities include in-person and virtual fieldwork and job shadows outside of Anchorage as well as interactions with staff in other FWS programs.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to undergraduate rising seniors/seniors who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• Ability to work on a team

Desired Characteristics: 

• Teamwork
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Experience scheduling meetings and programs
• Good organizational skills

Housing Support: On-site housing available, at no cost to Fellow.

Housing Description: We have several housing unit buildings on site, and a commons area building. All of the housing units are all located at the HQ Complex with a walking path direct to the Visitor Center and HQ buildings. The provided housing includes either a single or shared room with another roommate. Housing units have shared common areas (kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and living room).

There is personal Wi-Fi available, however, it is satellite-based and has very limited daily use. We ask that no games, steaming videos, or large file downloads occur as we have many guests on a very limited Wi-Fi network. It also only works in the commons area building—it will not reach to all cabins.

Valid Driver’s License: Required

Transportation Support Description: Housing units are all located at the HQ Complex with a walking path direct to the Visitor Center and HQ buildings.

Position Description: Strategic Foresight seeks to look beyond the immediate horizon and provide organizations different views of the future. This position will assist in applying strategic foresight to Refuge planning and the challenges Kenai Refuge is facing in a changing climate. Spend the summer on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and be part of our vision to serve as an anchor for biodiversity on the Kenai Peninsula despite global climate change, increasing development, and competing demands for Refuge resources. Native wildlife and their habitats will find a secure place here, where Refuge staff and partners work together, using the best science and technology available, to ensure that biological health is maximized, and human impacts are minimized.

Visitors will feel welcomed and safe by means of a wide variety of wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities, facilities, and interpretive and educational programs that encourage informed and ethical use of the Refuge’s natural resources. The Refuge will achieve excellence in land, water, and Wilderness stewardship; and—with careful planning, forethought, and human determination—an enduring legacy of abundant plant, fish, and wildlife populations will be ensured for people to enjoy today and into the future for this phenomenal land we call “The Kenai.”

To implement this position, the selected Fellow will be responsible for:

• Assisting in identifying ways to apply Strategic Foresight Methods to refuge planning and the challenges Kenai Refuge is facing in a changing climate,
• Working collaboratively with staff develop a case study and agenda and follow-up plan for a muti-day Strategic Foresight Workshop,
• Researching and summarizing existing materials and concepts on Strategic Foresight Methods and how those methods and concepts can be applied to mission and challenges of the National Wildlife Refuge System and Kenai Refuge in Alaska,
• Participating in coordination and facilitation of meetings and workshop,
• Applying tools and methods for running effective meetings, facilitation and team building exercises to workshop planning,
• Working collaboratively with staff to guide participants through learning selected Strategic Foresight Methods for a multi-day workshop, and
• Developing an online NWRS Alaska Region Strategic Foresight Toolbox where participants can access workshop materials, resources, training tools, and microlearning tools.

While at the Kenai NWR the selected Fellow will learn about Strategic Foresight, the multi-disciplinary study of change and its implications in the context of the future, and will assist Kenai NWR and Regional staff in organizing and co-facilitating a Strategic Foresight workshop as their final product. Foresight is not about predicting ‘THE’ future, but rather about uncovering a range of plausible alternative futures, and then identifying the indicators that suggest the various ways the future is unfolding.

Additionally, the Fellow will also learn about Refuge management and planning. Using Strategic Foresight, the Fellow will bring together insights from a variety of disciplines including economics, engineering, biology, communication, and social science to help U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff plan for the future. While here, the Fellow will have the opportunity to assist Kenai Refuge Staff in remote fieldwork, monitoring fish, wildlife and their habitats and also to be a part of remote field work in the variety of habitats the Kenai offers.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to undergraduate rising seniors/seniors and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach
• Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
• Communication/Marketing
• Economics

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• The work environment will include office and field time outdoors.
• The Fellow will be provided a workstation and is required to provide personal clothing and outdoor gear to allow them to work in a variety of weather conditions: Knee boots, waders, bear spray, mosquito repellent, and project-specific field equipment.

Desired Characteristics: 

• Teamwork
• Facilitation skills
• Public speaking skills
• Technical writing skills
• A successful DFP will be open to new ideas, creative, and a problem solver

Housing Support: Housing stipend up to $5,000 for the entire Fellowship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred.  Fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement. 

Housing Description: Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing. Private shared housing or University of Alaska, Anchorage dorm rooms if available.

Valid Driver’s License: Required

Transportation Support Description: Public transportation is available. A government-owned vehicle will be available on an as-needed basis, but otherwise, the Fellow will rely on public transportation, bicycle, and carpool.

Position Description: Wildlife conservation in Alaska is an energy intensive activity, relying heavily on air and boat travel to cover large geographic areas, and contributing to our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Consequently, any regional response to climate change must include limiting our own emissions and incorporating climate-friendly practices into our management and culture.

Through its Sustainable Operations Initiative, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks to reduce its carbon footprint by using less energy, consuming fewer materials, and appropriately altering our conservation practices and business operations to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
The Fellow will help the Alaska Region develop the tools, information, and engagement needed to reduce our carbon footprint and move to a culture of sustainable operations.

To implement this position, the selected Fellow will be responsible for:

• Developing the internal network to engage all employees in this work through communications, information sharing, and training;
• Establishing a carbon footprint baseline for regional facilities, vehicles and operations;
• Identifying an efficient and effective tracking method that can be used by programs and field stations to track carbon footprint across years; and
• Developing a 2-year work plan that includes mitigation actions that can be achieved with existing resources.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to only undergraduate rising seniors and seniors who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach
• Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
• Communication/Marketing

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• This would be virtual and in the Regional Office setting, which is a typical office building. 

Housing Support: Housing stipend up to $5,000 for the entire Fellowship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. Fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement. 

Housing Description: Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing. Assistance and advice in identifying local housing opportunities and options will be provided as needed to ensure the Fellow has a safe place to reside during their Fellowship.

Valid Driver’s License: Required

Transportation Support Description: Public transportation is available. The Fellow will be responsible for their transportation to and from the Carlsbad field office. Public transportation (bus) is available to within 0.5 miles of the Carlsbad office.

Position Description: The Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (CFWO) is located in coastal San Diego County, CA. Along with our Palm Springs sub-office, we administer the Endangered Species Act across more than 50,000 square miles of southern California.

The Fellow will complete three deliverables for this project with the CFWO:

1. A written status assessment for a listed or non-listed species in southern California,
2. Monitoring or species surveys of at least three listed plant occurrences, and
3. A presentation to summarize work performed 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. The Fellow will engage with partners (such as researchers and State/Federal agencies) to gather new information and identify important conservation activities.

The Fellow will also visit at least three listed plant occurrences to map the occurrence extent and update occurrence statuses. The Fellow will use Collector and ArcGIS software to manage data and submit data to the appropriate database(s). Finally, the Fellow will 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 U.S. 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 only undergraduate rising seniors and seniors who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• The Fellow should be able to conduct field work, which may involve hiking over steep, brushy, or uneven terrain. The Fellow should have a valid driver's license so that there are two drivers available when working in the field (i.e., conducting plant surveys).

Housing Support: On-site housing available, at no cost to Fellow.

Housing Description: Housing is available at the Refuge bunkhouse, which is located at the south end of the Refuge approximately 2 miles from the Refuge Headquarters and approximately 5 miles from Alturas, CA. Although a car is recommended, it is not required as most necessities are within biking or long-walking distance. A walking and biking trail connects the Refuge visitor center to town. The town of Alturas has your basic accommodations available such as grocery stores, gas stations, health clinic, post office, public library, restaurants, etc.

Valid Driver’s License: Required

Transportation Support Description: Public transportation is limited in this location. We recommend that the Fellow bring a personal vehicle. If the DFP chooses not to bring a personal vehicle, there is a walking and biking trail that connects the Refuge visitor center to town. There is also a Sage Stage bus service available. They have local routes around town, but they also have routes to Reno, NV, Redding, CA, Klamath Falls, OR, and Canby, CA. Local bus fare from the Refuge provided housing to Alturas is $2.00.

Position Description: This position will be assisting Modoc National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in the monitoring and management of conservation easements held by the USFWS. Modoc NWR is located outside the town of Alturas, CA, in the High Desert Region of the Great Basin. The Refuge is an oasis for wildlife created by the Pit River which is fed by snowmelt form the Warner Mountains.

This work upholds the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to manage the lands entrusted to the USFWS for the good of the resource and the American people. This Fellowship position will continue work started and carried on by DFP Fellows since 2014.

The selected Fellow will be responsible for:

• Contacting and communicating with USFWS conservation easement landowners,
• Driving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV),
• Completing vegetation survey monitoring on conservation easements,
• Comparing the vegetation survey results to those taken 5 and 10 years ago,
• Completing photo-monitoring on the easements,
• Comparing new photos to previous year photos,
• Conducting fence checks and map maintenance needs in ESRI Field Maps,
• Mapping invasive species present on the easements,
• Using multiple computer programs and tools such as Microsoft Office, ArcGIS Pro, and ESRI Field Maps,
• Writing comparison reports of 2014 and 2019 vegetation surveys to 2024 survey data, with regards to hay and grazing effects and invasive species management for each easement,
• Conducting data management activities for current and past survey data as well as other easement information, and
• Verbally presenting the results of survey data as well as a report of the state of all easements to Modoc NWR staff.

The Fellow in this position will gain knowledge of multiple programs within the USFWS including, National Wildlife Refuge System, USFWS Easement program, and the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. The Fellow will receive multiple trainings and be given the option to conduct informational interviews with other USFWS personnel outside of Modoc NWR.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to undergraduate rising senior/seniors and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• Ability to conduct field work involving hiking and carrying equipment
• Ability to lift/carry 50 pounds
• Ability to do field work requiring regular and recurring physical activity such as prolonged standing, walking over wet and/or rocky surfaces, stooping, bending, kneeling, and climbing
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions such as high heat
• Willingness to learn how to drive ATVs
• Basic plant identification skills
• Basic knowledge of or familiarity with GIS

Desired Characteristics: 

• Comfortable working independently
• Conflict management skills

Housing Support: Housing stipend up to $5,000 for the entire Fellowship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred.  Fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement. 

Housing Description: The Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing. Duty station will support the Fellow in locating appropriate housing with necessary amenities. Many housing options are available in Sacramento, such as studio and shared apartments, rented rooms in homes, and long-term vacation rentals. These options are typically within the range of the $5,000 housing stipend. They also usually offer standard amenities including Wi-Fi and laundry. There are multiple neighborhoods within commuting distance of 10 miles or 30 minutes from the duty station. For example, the Fellow may locate housing in the neighborhoods of Arden (within 2 miles of duty station) or Midtown (within 7 miles of duty station). These neighborhoods offer many amenities in walking distance, such as grocery stores, laundromats, restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, and entertainment. These neighborhoods also have transportation options as described below.

Valid Driver’s License: Not Required

Transportation Support Description: Public transportation is available. There are transportation options outside of using a personal vehicle to commute to the duty station and to meet personal needs during the Fellowship. Sacramento has a large public transportation network with buses and light rails. There are multiple stops near the duty station that are within 10 minutes of walking. Alternatively, the duty station will coordinate transportation support with other employees. We will also help the Fellow locate housing that is in walking distance to grocery stores, laundry facilities, and other essentials. Finally, Uber and Lyft both operate in the area.

Position Description: The Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office is located in the heart of Sacramento, CA. As one of the agency's largest duty stations, our Office is lead for more than 100 species across 38 counties. Our Office core values are belonging, safety, respect, fairness, representation, and equal access. These values are essential to fulfilling our mission of natural resource protection for the expansive jurisdiction that we serve.

The Fellow will support our mission by identifying the conservation needs of species in habitats that range from northern California coastal dunes to Central Valley alkali scrub, to the famed Yosemite National Park. The Fellow will address critical conservation issues by identifying species on which we should focus future funding based on species status, biodiversity hotspots, and vulnerability to climate change. The Fellow will collaborate with partners to synthesize the conservation needs of these species. The Fellow will recommend projects to meet the greatest conservation needs.

The Fellow will complete the following deliverables:

• Conservation implementation plan that identifies species on which we need to focus recovery efforts and conservation actions;
• Conservation implementation schedule that assigns a priority level for each action, provide a process for implementing the actions, and estimate a completion timeline;
• List of funding priorities (The Fellow will leverage partnerships to identify on-the-ground opportunities to implement the conservation actions. The Fellow will create a list of funding priorities that identify potential partners, funding sources, and estimated budgets for the highest priority recovery actions.); and a
• Presentation (The Fellow will present their findings to the Office and make recommendations for funding priorities.)

In addition to development of communication, leadership, partnership strengthening, and data analysis skills during the course of fulfilling these deliverables, we will provide other developmental opportunities to the Fellow. The Fellow will receive cross-training in other programs and field training applicable to their species, such as rare amphibian or plant surveys. The Fellow will also build a professional network with the State agency California Department of Fish and Wildlife, other Federal agencies, including the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management, and research universities.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to undergraduate rising seniors/seniors and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach
• Geographic and Information Sciences
• Communication/Marketing

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• Office-based position with up to 80% computer time
• When teleworking, be able to work on computer and attend virtual meetings from home or alternative worksite
• When in-person, be able to attend in-person meetings in office or conference room and be able to work on computer and attend virtual meetings in cubicle
• Office environment includes cubicle and office workspaces, social spaces, and a wellness room

Housing Support: Housing stipend up to $5,000 for the entire internship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. Fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement.  

Housing Description: Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.

Valid Driver’s License: Required

Transportation Support Description: Limited public transportation is available at this site location. A personal vehicle or alternate mode of transportation (such as ridesharing via Uber, Lyft, etc.) at the Fellow’s expense, is required for commuting to and from work and personal needs. Personal vehicle recommended for personal travel as public transit is available but not reliable.

Position Description: The Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office's (VFWO) Santa Cruz Suboffice is located in Watsonville, CA. The VFWO works on administering the Endangered Species Act (ESA) within seven counties in central and southern California. The Santa Cruz Suboffice is strategically located within several narrow endemic ESA-listed species' ranges. For this position, the Fellow would help further recovery efforts for the ESA-listed Ohlone tiger beetle (OTB), which is endemic to the Santa Cruz area only occurring in approximately 10 discrete locations.

The Fellow would analyze data and develop findings that provides the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and resource managers with information to inform management of OTB habitat. Specifically, we do not fully understand how oviposition (egg-laying) sites are chosen by OTB females. For example, at Glenwood Preserve, the most well-studied OTB site, OTB have not been observed ovipositing outside of a relatively small, well-defined area, despite the appearance of suitable habitat located in abundance adjacent to this area. Therefore, the Fellow will analyze historical and current information regarding OTB oviposition site selection to provide an understanding of preferred site conditions.

Information to be investigated and analyzed may include the:

• Relationship between historical OTB burrow locations or abundance with historical rainfall data at Glenwood Preserve;
• Habitat components at Glenwood Preserve, University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC), and Santa Cruz Gardens to determine variance between OTB occupied and adjacent unoccupied areas to include components such as vegetation density, effects of fire, elevation, slope, soil compaction, density, and moisture;
• Relationship between small mammal burrows to oviposition site selection at Glenwood Preserve, UCSC, and Santa Cruz Gardens;
• Relationship between artificial small mammal burrows to oviposition site selection; and
• Small mammal burrow presence and/or abundance at extant and/or extirpated OTB sites.

The Fellow will provide results in a standard written report, which includes statistical analysis of a subset of findings and maps. The Fellow also will develop an online or printed summary or article describing their experience in terms of coordination with partners and how this coordination contributed to achieving the project goals.

We anticipate the Fellow developing or improving skills involving collecting data, writing a professional report with substantial findings, and learning about species conservation. The Fellow will gain critical thinking skills by adapting methodologies or altering component collection during the fellowship. Additionally, the Fellow will improve their communication and coordination skills by working with USFWS, UCSC, Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, and the Center for Natural Lands Management to ensure proper training, access to project sites, and data transfer.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• Ability to work outdoors in high temperatures. Ability to walk and hike through natural habitats.

Desired Characteristics: 

• Interpersonal communication skills
• Teamwork skills
• Ability to work independently
• Technical writing skills

Housing Support: Housing stipend up to $5,000 for the entire Fellowship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred.  Fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement. 

Housing Description: Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.

Valid Driver’s License: Not Required

Position Description: Since the launch of the Service’s electronic permitting system in 2020 (known as ePermits), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff have sought to develop a “Turbo-Tax” / Choose-Your-Own-Adventure style tool, or “Permit Wizard,” to help members of the public determine if they might need a permit for activities involving wildlife using a progression of “yes / no / not sure” questions. With 82 application forms within the ePermits system, it's challenging for a diverse variety of people and businesses to figure out what kind of permit application they might need. Permits help to ensure positive conservation outcomes and compliance with our bedrock conservation laws, including the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and an international sustainable trade treaty for threatened plants and animals known as CITES. Examples of people, businesses, and organizations that need permits include zoos and aquariums that conserve and transport endangered species, horticultural producers selling protected plant species like orchids and cacti, private landowners seeking to protect threatened species on their property like monarch butterflies, airports that need to remove potentially dangerous bird populations from runways, tribal members who wish to use eagle feathers for religious purposes, and orchestras that travel overseas to perform and have instruments incorporating protected species such as ivory and rosewood.
Tasks, Duties, and Deliverables

• Complete a basic training about a “human-centered design,” a research and product development approach,
• Lead the effort to create a Permit Wizard prototype in collaboration with the ePermits Team,
• Conduct feedback sessions with permit applicants about the prototype,
• Improve the permit wizard until its ready for deployment,
• Create a presentation about lessons learned from your experience, and
• Give your presentation to key audiences, including staff members, senior leaders within the agency, and colleagues at the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (part of the White House).

Please know this is a high-profile position. In addition to being discussed in recent Congressional hearings, ePermits was highlighted and provided tasks to achieve in President Biden’s Executive Order on "Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery to Rebuild Trust in Government." Improving our customer experience is paramount, and YOU will play a part in accomplishing this goal! This is a remote position. The multidisciplinary ePermits Team works collaboratively nationwide and has fun doing it!

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to undergraduate rising seniors/seniors and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach
• Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
• Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice
• Communication/Marketing
• Information Technology/Computer Sciences
• Human Centered Design and Psychology

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• Must be able to use a computer with ease and use basic software applications.
• Must be able to work with a high level of independence as a remote worker.

Desired Characteristics: While not required, experience with design, software or website development, research, interviews, social science, and customer service will be helpful in this role. An eagerness to collaborate, learn about the fascinating world of conservation permits, and desire to engage with a wide variety of permit applicants and business representatives are also valuable attributes.

Housing Support: Housing stipend up to $5,000 for the entire Fellowship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred.  Fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement. 

Housing Description: Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.

Valid Driver’s License: Not Required

Position Description: Fellow position’s importance to conservation: The project's importance to conservation is emphasized by FWS Director's Order 227, which underscores the growing significance of fostering relationships and sharing knowledge with Indigenous Groups in the realm of co-stewardship and resource conservation. The project aims to magnify this value by creating case studies that showcase the benefits of co-stewardship in enhancing resource management, conservation efforts, and community engagement. These case studies, through their exploration of diverse collaborations, provide profound insights into partnership dynamics, integration of diverse perspectives, and positive outcomes. Beyond facilitating informed decision-making, they cultivate a deep understanding of the complex interplay between cultural, ecological, and societal factors. The anticipated impact is significant, as these case studies will serve as guiding lights, empowering staff across all levels with practical insights to nurture and sustain meaningful relationships.

To implement this position, the selected Fellow will be responsible for:

• Developing several case studies showcasing co-stewardship initiatives involving Indigenous Groups that highlight collaboration and lessons learned. This will involve thorough research on existing co-stewardship initiatives, collaborative partnerships, and the integration of Indigenous Knowledge in resource management.
• Analyzing the dynamics, successes, challenges, and outcomes of these efforts.
• Collaborating with Indigenous communities, Refuge Managers, staff, and relevant entities to gather information, insights, and perspectives as well as build strong relationships and maintain open communication channels.

Fellows' opportunities to learn: We will select two Fellows to collaborate together on development of the case studies – which amplifies the impact of the project while also creating an environment where they can support and learn from each other. The Fellows will have encouraging mentorship from Native American Liaisons and other Native American Program leaders. The Fellows will spend a week shadowing leaders throughout the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and will also connect regularly with a career mentor who will provide guidance throughout their Fellowship and beyond. The Fellows will also have time to interview professionals from various fields in the Service, gaining insights into different paths and uncovering where their interests meet exciting career possibilities.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach
• Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
• Communication/Marketing
• American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian studies

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• Ability to work from home and participate in a dynamic and engaging virtual working environment. Availability to travel to headquarters and shadow with senior leadership and Refuge staff.

Desired Characteristics: 

• Interpersonal communication skills
• Partnership building
• Project management experience, and 
• Critical thinking

Housing Support: Housing stipend up to $5,000 for the entire Fellowship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred.  Fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement. 

Housing Description: Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.

Valid Driver’s License: Not Required

Position Description: Fellow position’s importance to conservation: The project's importance to conservation is emphasized by FWS Director's Order 227, which underscores the growing significance of fostering relationships and sharing knowledge with Indigenous Groups in the realm of co-stewardship and resource conservation. The project aims to magnify this value by creating case studies that showcase the benefits of co-stewardship in enhancing resource management, conservation efforts, and community engagement. These case studies, through their exploration of diverse collaborations, provide profound insights into partnership dynamics, integration of diverse perspectives, and positive outcomes. Beyond facilitating informed decision-making, they cultivate a deep understanding of the complex interplay between cultural, ecological, and societal factors. The anticipated impact is significant, as these case studies will serve as guiding lights, empowering staff across all levels with practical insights to nurture and sustain meaningful relationships.

To implement this position, the selected Fellow will be responsible for:

• Developing several case studies showcasing co-stewardship initiatives involving Indigenous Groups that highlight collaboration and lessons learned. This will involve thorough research on existing co-stewardship initiatives, collaborative partnerships, and the integration of Indigenous Knowledge in resource management.
• Analyzing the dynamics, successes, challenges, and outcomes of these efforts.
• Collaborating with Indigenous communities, Refuge Managers, staff, and relevant entities to gather information, insights, and perspectives as well as build strong relationships and maintain open communication channels.

Fellows' opportunities to learn: We will select two Fellows to collaborate together on development of the case studies – which amplifies the impact of the project while also creating an environment where they can support and learn from each other. The Fellows will have encouraging mentorship from Native American Liaisons and other Native American Program leaders. The Fellows will spend a week shadowing leaders throughout the Fish and Wildlife Service and will also connect regularly with a career mentor who will provide guidance throughout their Fellowship and beyond. The Fellows will also have time to interview professionals from various fields in the Service, gaining insights into different paths and uncovering where their interests meet exciting career possibilities.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to both undergraduate and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences Education/Outreach
• Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
• Communication/Marketing
• American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian studies

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• Ability to work from home and participate in a dynamic and engaging virtual working environment. Availability to travel to headquarters and shadow with senior leadership and Refuge staff.

Desired Characteristics: 

• Interpersonal communication skills
• Partnership building
• Project management experience
• Critical thinking

Housing Support: Housing stipend up to $5,000 for the entire Fellowship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred.  Fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement. 

Housing Description: Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing. There are numerous non-governmental rental properties available in Fort Collins, CO, especially in the summertime as it is a college town, and many students are gone for the summer.

Valid Driver’s License: Required

Transportation Support Description: Public transportation is available. Although Fort Collins is not a large city, it has been ranked as the best place to be car free in Colorado and the 7th best place nationwide. Fort Collins is relatively compact with commercial areas containing numerous grocery stores, restaurants, salons, medical centers, etc., within walking distance of residential areas. Additionally, Fort Collins' public transportation system (Transfort) offers 22 regular routes with all day service within the city and less frequent service to neighboring communities (e.g., Loveland). Fort Collins also has an extensive network of bike trails that provide access to all major areas and auto drivers are accustomed to watching out for frequent bikers. Finally, ride share options, such as Uber and Lyft, are widely available and commonly utilized by CSU students.

Position Description: This position is in the Branch of Air and Water Resources for the Natural Resource Program Center (NRPC) in Fort Collins, CO. The NRPC is part of headquarters for the National Wildlife Refuge System, with NRPC staff providing scientific support to wildlife refuges throughout the nation. The Fellow will primarily be involved in data collection and analysis efforts related to the Dragonfly Mercury Project on wildlife refuges. Mercury contamination is a pervasive problem that negatively impacts the well-being of fish, wildlife, and humans. Mercury is released into the atmosphere from multiple human activities (e.g., the burning of fossil fuels), which can then be deposited into remote areas far from the polluting source. The Dragonfly Mercury Project uses dragonfly larvae to measure and monitor mercury concentration in protected areas (e.g., parks, wildlife refuges) throughout North America. The project is a collaborative effort among Department of the Interior agencies (USFWS, NPS, USGS), several universities, and non-profit organizations. Over the last 10 years, more than 100 protected areas have been sampled with data contributing to a better understanding of mercury contamination patterns which helps to identify management options. The selected Fellow will be responsible for:

• Gaining expertise in aquatic sampling techniques and associated data collection methods by sampling 8-10 National Wildlife Refuges for the Dragonfly Mercury Project,
• Being able to identify aquatic invertebrates commonly found in multiple eco-regions throughout North America,
• Investigating the potential influence of climate change on mercury occurrence and levels across the National Wildlife Refuge System by conducting a literature review,
• Preparing a written report describing findings from the literature review which will contribute to future research designed to inform how water resources are managed on National Wildlife Refuges,
• Providing 2 to 3 presentations at various outlets such as the Natural Resource Program Center, the All-Hands Meeting for the National Wildlife Refuge System, or the USFWS Climate Change Community of Practice monthly meeting, and
• Contributing to at least one publication in a peer reviewed journal focused on the Dragonfly Mercury Project in the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to undergraduate rising seniors/seniors and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• Written and oral proficiency in English
• Ability to conduct field work involving hiking, sampling in aquatic areas, and carrying equipment up to 25 pounds
• Ability and willingness to travel to remote areas.

Desired Characteristics: 

• Interpersonal communication skills
• Technical writing skills
• Experience with literature review and data analysis

Housing Support: Housing stipend up to $5,000 for the entire Fellowship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. Fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement. 

Housing Description: Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing.

Valid Driver’s License: Required

Position Description: The Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) Hadley SAC Office is one of the busiest and largest Regions in the OLE program in terms of complexity of issues, number of States, and import and export of wildlife trade responsibilities. The Fellow will be a part of the management team as a special emphasis project lead. This position is important to the OLE and conservation of species (domestic and foreign), and the Fellow will assist OLE in assessing and identifying the gaps and direction of work to combat wildlife trafficking in emerging social media marketplaces. Working with an assigned OLE Wildlife Inspector and Special Agent, the Fellow will:

• Canvas social media marketplace platforms, such as Facebook marketplace, neighbor, and other social media marketplaces for the sale, offer for sale, and consummated transactions of wildlife (live and products);
• Document the species, the monetary or trade transactions, the methods of shipping and transport, the place of sale and final destination, and other relevant information for use in informing and guiding OLE's anti wildlife trafficking enforcement in emerging social media markets; and
• Produce a comprehensive report of findings and possible actions for OLE efforts at the inspection and investigation aspects to combat the illegal wildlife trade at the national program level.

In addition to their core duties, which are remote, the Fellow will have the opportunity to visit ports of entry with Wildlife Inspectors/Agents, conduct informational interviews with U.S. Fish and Wildlife personnel outside of the station and program, job shadow Wildlife Inspectors and Special Agents at Headquarters and the Regional Offices, and have opportunities for additional meetings and trainings as needed or desired.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to undergraduate rising seniors/seniors and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach
• Human Dimensions/Social Sciences/Humanities/Liberal Arts
• Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice
• Information Technology/Computer Sciences
• Computer Science/Business/Economics

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• While working remotely or while on duty-related travel, the Fellow will require great people skills. Work is mostly on your own pace with check ins and guidance and may require access to OLE systems; confidentiality is required.

Desired Characteristics: 

• Strong social media and analytic skills
• Strong people skills
• Strong internet and computer skills
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision