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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.