Individual Placement - Environmental Education Participant

The Student Conservation Association is seeking an Environmental Education Intern for an immersive program at the James River Ecology School. The role involves leading environmental education programs for K-12 students, developing interpretive talks, and managing recreational opportunities. The internship runs from April 7 to November 15, 2025, and requires a driver's license, physical fitness, and experience with youth. Housing is provided at wildlife refuges, but the position is remote.
Conservation Begins Here

Environmental Education Individual Placement

Position Summary

The refuge has the great pleasure of serving as partner and host to the James River Ecology School. This immersive environmental education program focuses on connecting students with the science that creates the wonders of nature. The internship will partner with the James River Ecology School to offer students an immersive and educational experience at the Refuge.

Schedule

April 7, 2025 - November 15, 2025

32 Weeks

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Environmental Education Intern will be responsible for assisting the refuge in the following activities: Leading and supporting environmental education programs for students K-12; Working with a small team of educators to support curriculum-based programming for youth visiting the James River Ecology School at Presquile National Wildlife Refuge; Developing and presenting a variety of interpretive and orientational talks, nature walks, and ecological demonstrations to a diversity of general public audiences, and organized groups; Assisting with the management of wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities involving hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, environmental education, and interpretation; Directly leading projects with volunteers and youth in outdoor projects; Providing administration support that may include writing news releases, developing flyers, and creating content for a variety of platforms; and Assisting with the maintenance of facilities, and grounds.

Marginal Duties

In addition to the activities at Presquile NWR, the intern will also assist at the other three wildlife refuges within the Complex (Rappahannock NWR, James River NWR, and Plum Tree Island NWR).

Required Qualifications
• Driver's license required
• Personal vehicle recommended for commuting and access to field locations when government vehicles are not available.
• The candidate will participate in extensive hiking and paddling. A high level of physical fitness and dexterity is required.
• The position requires the selectee to be comfortable in working outdoors in all conditions, with others, and individually.
• Selectee must be self-motivated and take initiative. Previous experience working with youth and around water is preferable.
• To serve as an AmeriCorps Member, applicants must: Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;
• Being at least 18 years or older;
• Having a high school diploma or equivalent;
• Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks.

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications

Strong communication skills are essential. Housing is available at Presquile NWR and Rappahannock NWR. The majority of the internship is based out of Presquile NWR, and to a lesser degree Rappahannock NWR.

Hours
• 40 per week
• The work schedule will include some weekends and evenings.
• 32 Weeks

Living Accommodations
• Housing provided by FWS onsite.

Compensation
• Weekly living allowance: $450*
• One-time travel allowance: $1,100*
• Eligible for a 1200-hour AmeriCorps education award of $5,176.50 upon successful completion of service.
• Public Land Credits are available upon successful completion of this term for members ages 18-30.
• All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes

Personal Vehicle Information
• Required

Additional Benefits
• Interpretive Skills
• Off-Road Vehicle Safety
• AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.