Position Type: In Person (Fellow will be required to report to the duty station regularly to complete the position)
Host site Location: Kihei, HI, Kealia Pond NWR, FWS Region 1
Fellowship Dates: Either May 20-August 9 or June 16-September 6, 2024 (with Orientation June 16-21 at NCTC)

Gabrielle Ruso is currently a graduate student at the University of Missouri where she is working on a PhD project investigating the potential effects of atmospherically-drifting agricultural contaminants on alpine lake ecosystems in the Sierra Nevada, CA. She received her B.S. in wildlife biology from Humboldt State University in 2015, and M.S. in Ecotoxicology from the University of Saskatchewan in 2019. Between her time in school, she has worked for several agencies on efforts that involve aquatic ecology and invasive species. Throughout her career, she has developed a strong interest in data science, especially with respect to managing and exploring long-term datasets. She plans to pursue a career in this direction, integrating data science and natural resources.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is partnering with Hispanic Access Foundation, Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS), and Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program (DDCF) to implement their 2024 Directorate Fellows Program (DFP).

Directorate Resource Assistant Fellows Program (DFP)

Who is the FWS?

The FWS mission is to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Our ~9000 employees work in all 50 states and U.S. territories in partnership with others to achieve this mission.

What is the DFP Fellowship?

The FWS Directorate Fellows Program (DFP) is an 11-week fellowship program that includes a direct hire authority (DHA) for a permanent position in FWS. Students must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a rising senior or senior in an undergraduate program or graduate degree program at the start of start of the 2024 DFP. Fellows selected for the 2024 DFP must successfully complete their 11-week fellowship and subsequently complete their degree requirements to meet eligibility requirements for the DHA.

The FWS DFP is for students interested in conservation careers. The 11-week fellowship focuses on projects that support FWS conservation priorities. The 2024 fellowships begin in mid-May and June 2024 and end in August or September 2024. Most projects are a good fit for students with majors in biological sciences and natural resources management. There are a limited number of projects that could be a good fit for other degree areas, such as education and outreach, social sciences/humanities, geographic and information sciences, law enforcement/ criminal justice, communications and marketing, and information technology. You are applying to be part of the 2024 cohort of up to 30 Fellows.

Past projects have included work on species conservation planning, field surveys and monitoring for species, landscape scale conservation partnerships, environmental law and policy, education and outreach, community engagement, digital communications, and many others that support our agency's mission.

Why is DFP important to FWS?

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service goal is to promote and maintain a diverse and inclusive workforce that thrives in an environment accessible to all and free of employment discrimination. DFP provides an opportunity for interested students from all diverse backgrounds, including women, minorities, and other underrepresented populations to gain valuable experience leading to a career in conservation.

DFP Eligibility Requirements

• Current students: Undergraduate rising seniors, seniors; enrolled or current graduate students
  • Students graduating in May 2024 or June 2024 are ineligible to participate in FWS DFP unless they provide verification that they have been accepted for enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate by October 23, 2023.
• Students pursuing biological science and/or natural resource management degrees. There are a limited number of projects that could be a good fit for other degree areas, such as education and outreach, social sciences/humanities, geographic and information sciences, law enforcement/ criminal justice, communications and marketing, and information technology.
• US citizen or National (Birth certificate or Passport must be provided)
• Must be 17 years of age or older
• Cumulative GPA must be 3.0 or higher
• Must be available for 12 weeks during summer 2024 (1 week orientation plus 11-week fellowship)
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check
• All applicants assigned male at birth and between the ages of 18-26 (born on or after January 1, 1960) must be registered with the Selective Service

Benefits

• $680 weekly stipend based on a 40-hour work week
• Travel expenses paid (within budget limitations) - roundtrip travel to and from fellowship site Travel expenses to/from the FWS National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV for a 1-week Orientation (June 16-21, 2024)
• Housing provided or housing stipends provided
• Hands-on experience in conservation
• One to two weeks of developmental experience during the 11-week Fellowship, including networking and learning about future employment opportunities
• Option for health insurance coverage throughout the fellowship term
• Fellows may be eligible for a permanent position in the FWS after successfully completing their fellowship and degree requirements

How to Apply

Submit an application package, including a:

• Completed application form, selecting up to 7 positions you are interested in
• Resume
• Current unofficial transcript showing a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA (must provide transcripts for all universities attended) including:
  
  • Name
  • Most current enrollment status
  • Cumulative GPA
• Acceptance letters (enrollment verification documentation)

Applications are due by January 13 at 11:59pm EST. In advance to completing your online application, you can view a PDF copy of the application here. NOTE: We will not accept PDF applications submitted by email. All applications must be submitted online through the application link found here.

Application questions or issues may be directed to Ivone Watson, ivone@hispanicaccess.org

If you have met the eligibility requirements for the 2024 DFP, Hispanic Access will later share additional info via email for you to apply for specific DFP projects throughout the United States. Application questions or issues may be directed to Ivone Watson, ivone@hispanicaccess.org

Available Positions

Please make note of the position number and title of those that you are interested in applying to. Position descriptions are not available on the application. You can only select up to 10 positions.

Pacific - Region 1 (WA, OR, ID, HI, MP, GU, AS)

1-1: Monitoring Herbicide Effects on Threatened Oregon Coast Butterflies
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: June 19 - September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation June 11-16)
Host site Location: USFWS Newport Field Station, Newport, OR

1-2: Bear Education and Outreach in the North Cascades
Position Type: In Person
Fellowship Dates: June 19 – September 1, 2023 (tentative Orientation at NCTC June 11-16)
Host site Location: North Cascades National Park, Marblemount, WA

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is partnering with Hispanic Access Foundation, Greening Youth Foundation, Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program, Thurgood Marshall College Foundation (TMCF) and American Indian for Higher Education Consortium to implement their 2022 Directorate Fellows Program (DFP).

Who is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) mission is to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Our ~9000 employees work in all 50 states and U.S. territories in partnership with others to achieve this mission.

What is the DFP Fellowship?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Directorate Fellows Program (DFP) is an 11-week fellowship program that includes a direct hire authority (DHA) for a permanent position in FWS. Students must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a rising senior or senior in an undergraduate program or graduate degree program at the start of the 2022 DFP. Fellows selected for the 2022 DFP must successfully complete their 11-week fellowship (+1 week of orientation) and subsequently complete their degree requirements to meet eligibility requirements for the DHA.

DFP is for students interested in conservation careers. The 11-week fellowship focuses on projects that support FWS conservation priorities and begins in mid-May and June 2022 and end in August or September 2022. Most projects are a good fit for students with majors in biological sciences and natural resources. There are a limited number of projects that could be a good fit for other degree areas, such as education and outreach, social sciences/humanities, geographic and information sciences, law enforcement/ criminal justice, communications and marketing, and information technology. You are applying to be part of the 2022 cohort of over 90+ Fellows. 

Past projects have included work on species conservation planning, field surveys and monitoring for species, landscape scale conservation partnerships, environmental law and policy, education and outreach, community engagement, digital communications, and many others that support the agency's mission.

Why is DFP important to FWS?

DFP Eligibility Requirements

• Current students: Undergraduate rising seniors, seniors; enrolled or current graduate students 
  • Students graduating in May 2022 or June 2022 are ineligible to participate in FWS DFP unless they provide verification that they have been accepted for enrollment in an undergraduate, graduate or Ph.D program before the start of the 2022 DFP fellowship (May/June 2022).
• Students pursuing biological science and/or natural resource management degrees. There are a limited number of projects that could be a good fit for other degree areas, such as education and outreach, social sciences/humanities, geographic and information sciences, law enforcement/ criminal justice, communications and marketing, and information technology.
• US citizen or permanent resident
• Must be 17 years of age or older
• Cumulative GPA must be 3.0 or higher
• Must be available for 12 weeks during summer 2022 (1 week of orientation plus 11-week fellowship)
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check
• Males born after 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service

Benefits

• $540 weekly stipend based on a 40-hour work week
• Travel expenses paid for field/in-person projects - roundtrip travel to and from fellowship site
• Travel for a 1-week orientation at the FWS National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV - TBD if virtual
• Housing provided or housing allowance provided in select locations
• Hands-on experience
• Fellows may be eligible for a permanent position in the FWS after successfully completing their fellowship and degree requirements

How to Apply

Application questions or issues may be directed to Nina Martí (nina@hispanicaccess.org), Anastasia Hernández (anastasia@hispanicaccess.org), Crystal Strong (crystal@hispanicaccess.org), Yashira Valentin Feliciano (yashira@hispanicaccess.org), or Michelle Neuenschwander (michelle@hispanicaccess.org).

Application Deadline:

Applications are no longer being accepted for the 2022 program.

Applicants may apply to as many projects as they are qualified for and interested in. Selected applicants will work on a specific project strategically designed to support the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's priorities.

Given Hispanic Access Foundation's mission and vision we encourage those who culturally identify as Latino/a to apply; however we do not discriminate with regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, personal appearance, marital status, familial status, family responsibility, pregnancy or other pregnancy-related conditions, childbirth, disability, military/veteran status, citizenship status, religion or political affiliation, or any other status protected by federal or state law, local ordinance or Executive Orders. The Hispanic Access Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Civilian Climate Corp (CCC) Fellow

The National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) is developing a climate adaptation planning framework (Framework) that utilizes existing plans, data on climate change and other stressors, ecological transformation, and a structured decision-making process to inform how Refuges will address climate change.  The NWRS will employ a team of Civilian Climate Corps (CCC) Fellows with complementary skill sets to further develop and refine the climate adaptation planning framework in areas around the country.

WORK PRODUCTS

The CCC Fellows will primarily use existing data/information to test and make recommendations to refine the Framework, with a focus on “Climate-smart Infrastructure Management” where feasible. Where existing information is insufficient for planning purposes, the Fellows may conduct original analyses, with assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and other subject matter experts. The Fellows will receive guidance for testing the Framework on their assigned Refuge or region from an FWS Oversight Team, which will also assist with identification of available data and parameter selection for evaluating data. Additionally, Fellows may have opportunities to engage with national climate change organizations (e.g., USGS Climate Adaptation Science Centers, U.S. Global Change Research Program, etc.) for guidance related to spatial tools, analyses, or other adaptation planning materials specific to their assigned refuge or region.

SPECIFIC TASKS

• Identify and review existing Comprehensive Conservation Plans (CCPs), Land Protection Plans (LPP) or similar plans for the assigned refuge or region
• Conduct literature reviews on localized climate change, adaptation, landscape scale conservation, use of spatial analyses and tools, and other pertinent publications related to climate change effects
• Engage with FWS programs and USGS for support, training, and identification of spatial datasets and tools
• Conduct analyses to better understand climate trajectories and ecological effects
• Develop projected climate change narratives and effects specific to the assigned refuge or region
• Assess climate change vulnerability and risk for resources
• Develop recommendations and inform decision making

LEARNING GOALS

• Understand the structure of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and be introduced to all Service programs
• Gain an understanding of how to incorporate climate change considerations and adaptation into planning, guidance, and policy for the National Wildlife Refuge System
• Understand a variety of methods to communicate science and engage audiences across all demographics, with an emphasis in engaging with historically marginalized communities
• Connect and develop networking ties with managers, scientists, conservation professionals, resource specialists and partners throughout the Service

MENTORING

Fellows will have access to a variety of different employees, styles, and viewpoints throughout refuge programs and regions and will interact with Fellows from other internships and programs. The team of Fellows will report to NWRS/NRPC staff, with daily work overseen by a refuge manager and each Fellow will also receive support from a mentor and at least one other refuge staff member (e.g., refuge biologist or similar). Supervisors, mentors, and support staff will work regularly with Fellows and will provide opportunities for career development. Additionally, CCC Fellows will have ongoing opportunities to interact with each other and regular check-ins with the FWS Oversight Team.

Since each Fellow comes with a unique background and different goals, an Individual Development Plan will be developed during their first week to identify areas of interest. With nearly 300 employees in various programs at headquarters and networking opportunities at refuges across the country, additional shadowing opportunities can be arranged to meet the interest(s) of the Fellow.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Recent college graduates with a bachelor’s degree capable of committing to a 1.5 year long fellowship
• Ability to communicate well verbally and in writing
• Familiarity with landscape ecology, climate change science, natural resource management and GIS (Geographic Information System)
• Knowledge of or strong interest in one of the following broad topic areas:
  • Geospatial Biology/Spatial Ecology/GIS Specialist
  • Environmental/Civil/Structural engineering or Facilities Management
  • Hydrology/Water Resource Management/Water Policy or Law
  • Environmental Economics or Planning/Environmental Justice/Public Lands Governance
  • Climate Change Ecology/Landscape Conservation Design
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite. Proficiency or knowledge of general modeling techniques/software, statistical programs (e.g., R, Python, etc.), and ArcGIS system software
• Ability to work with a team and independently
• Enthusiasm for conservation, positive attitude, self-starter and organized, mature and responsible, adaptable
• Willingness to learn

PAY AND BENEFITS

• A weekly stipend of $600 based on a 40-hour work-week and health insurance benefit.
• Moving and weekly commuting stipend (up to budget limits).
• Housing stipend of up to $1400/month.
• Travel and training stipend within budget limits.
• Public Land Corp (PLC) Eligibility for 2 years– after completing 640 hours. PLC status provides special non-competitive hiring status when applying to select federal positions.

LOCATIONS

• Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, Washington OR Malhuer National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon
• Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico
• Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Texas
• Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, Indiana
• Santee National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina
• Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Alaska

HOW TO APPLY

All applications should be submitted through HAF’s MANO Project application page. A resume and two references will be required for submission. Your application or resume should include professional and educational experience, along with any awards, technical skills, or volunteer activities.Application questions or issues may be directed to Evelyn Ramirez at evelyn@hispanicaccess.org and Michelle Neuenschwander at michelle@hispanicaccess.org. Phone interviews and final decisions will be made by a HAF and FWS representative.

Tangy started her career in public land conservation taking the opportunity to work in a restaurant in Yellowstone National Park to explore the park and shadow NPS staff. The next summer, Tangy was accepted into the Latino Heritage Internship Program (LHIP) where she worked at the NPS Intermountain Regional Office as a public and legislative affairs intern. It was through this experience that she was able to get a better understanding of the broad range of issues faced by federal land management agencies, as well as how they implement direction from the Washington Office.

As an LHIP Outreach Intern in 2017, Chantelle facilitated Urban Ranger programs with youth in San Antonio. These programs explored the basic mission history and the natural resources around the city in connection with the site’s origin and importance. Through this first project, Chantelle taught kids that nature is everywhere! Even if it’s just in your backyard, the urban flora and fauna are an inherent part of our everyday lives. Not only did Chantelle work to cultivate conservation values in youth, but she also found the opportunity to cultivate her own connections to the Missions’ history and resources.

Over the course of two years, Keila has been instrumental in identifying opportunities for the forest to collaborate with partners in creating opportunities for local communities to learn more about the forest’s ecosystem, natural resources, and how to enjoy them responsibly. In 2018, Keila organized a Latino Conservation Week (LCW) trip to the San Gabriel River, partnering with Self Help Graphics & Art (SHG), Homeboy Industries, the Gateway to Nature, and REI.

Jessica Godinez was selected to be part of HAF’s first Resource Assistant cohort with the U.S. Forest Service in 2018. She supported the Rocky Mountain Regional Office in Lakewood, CO as an Outreach Coordinator and during peak-season worked on Mount Evans as a Field Ranger. Her role was to build partnerships to provide underrepresented communities with opportunities to engage with and steward public lands.

Ariel has been part of the Hispanic Access familia since 2016 when she was a sophomore at Smith College. She was selected to be part of the first cohort of U.S. Fish and Wildlife interns, serving as the Urban Outreach and Fisheries Intern at Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge in Hadley, MA. Ariel shared that she felt empowered by the outreach and educational work she conducted during that internship.