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Connecting Latino Youth to Natural Resource Conservation: Northeast Urban Wildlife Refuges Program

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To introduce diverse youth to careers in natural resource conservation, Hispanic Access Foundation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have developed a new partnership that will hire college and graduate students at national wildlife refuges throughout the Northeast. Through this project, seven young adults, ages 18-35, will be introduced to natural resource careers through 12-week paid internships involving hands-on work with, and training by, natural resource professionals employed by the USFWS. Students will be introduced to various real-world public education, interpretation and communications, conservation and rehabilitation activities through work assignments at seven USFWS sites and through informal and/or formal training sessions provided by USFWS employees.

Participants will receive specialized training, mentoring and ongoing support from HAF to effectively carry out their assignments and to build or enhance skills such as culturally appropriate or bilingual community outreach in a manner consistent with local site priorities. The 12-week internship period will generally begin in May or early June and conclude in August, depending on specific requirements of the project site

Award / Eligibility Details:

These are the basic qualifications looked for in an applicant: aged 18 to 35; possess US citizenship or US work authorization; be enrolled in a post-secondary educational program or have graduated from college within the past year; have a strong interest—or relevant experience—in areas pertaining to natural resource management, wildlife management, biology, community outreach, environmental education; and bilingual skills (Spanish/English) are helpful but not required for all positions. Priority will be given to applicants currently living in the Northeast region (including the states of MA, CT, RI, NY, NJ, PA, and MD). Highest priority will be given to applications received by January 20. Top candidates will be selected for interviews during the month of January, and will receive additional details about specific assignments.

Deadline: Late January each year

Academic Level: All, Graduate, Post-Graduate, Post-Undergraduate, Undergraduate

Type/Purpose: Internship / Professional Development, Public Service Program

Field of Study: All, Arts & Humanities, Business, Education / Teaching, Public Affairs / Policy, Social Sciences, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

Location: United States

Citizenship eligibility: All, Foreign Citizen / International Student, Permanent Resident, US Citizen, US National

Special Circumstances:

For more information: https://hispanicaccess.org/our-projects/connecting-latino-youth-natural-resource-conservation-northeast-urban-wildlife-refuges