Interns are an essential part of operations at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Once selected, you will become a dynamic member of our skilled and motivated team. Together we will harness the power of communication, science, and innovation to increase the visitors’ enjoyment and understanding of wildlife refuges and actively monitor and protect the wildlife that call this refuge home.
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge includes more than 14,000 acres of beach, dunes, marsh, and maritime forest. We have been designated as a Globally Important Bird area and are one of National Audubon Society’s top 10 birding hotspots. Migratory birds, the legendary ponies, picturesque landscapes and family friendly beach access likewise attract approximately 1.5 million human visits annually! As the fifth most popular shorebird refuge east of the Rocky Mountains, it receives the third highest visitation in the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Visitor Services Internships (3)
- Three interns selected for 13 weeks (May 18 – August 15, 2020)
Primary Responsibilities: Through training, mentoring, and sharing of best practices, you will be given the opportunity to connect people with nature by providing high quality customer service at the Visitor Center and by conducting informal talks from atop the historic Assateague Lighthouse. Working independently and as a team, you will also provide the public with safe, accessible, and high quality wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities and maintained facilities. Our high operational tempo offers numerous chances for you to become acquainted with a wide range of refuge operations and management activities including: habitat management, facilities and grounds maintenance, special event planning, Visitor Center operations, and interagency partnering.
Requirements:
- A recent college graduate or current student in Resource Interpretation, Communication, Education, Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, or a related field is preferred. Yet, all majors are encouraged to apply.
- Must have good oral communication and writing skills.
- Must be able to work independently and with others on a wide variety of tasks.
- Work involves frequent indoor and outdoor activities requiring some physical exertion such as walking over wet, rough, and uneven terrain; bending, crouching, stooping, reaching, lifting or similar activities.
- Willingness to work on weekends and some evening shifts.
Desired Background:
Experience speaking in front of groups (including children and school groups).
Knowledge of animal and plant identification.
Ability to communicate well with visitors and staff both orally and in writing.
Willingness to work in an outdoor setting that may involve extreme temperatures and exposure to biting insects.
Benefits:
• Experience of a lifetime!
• Free bunkhouse style co-ed lodging at Chincoteague NWR.
o Modern, furnished housing shared kitchen space, bathroom, laundry, wi-fi, and TV.
• Professional development, training, and networking opportunities.
• Uniforms provided.
How to Apply: An application packet is required and must include the following three items:
1. Cover letter
2. Resume with three references
3. Copy of current college transcript (official copy not necessary)
Send to: Laurel Wilkerson, Park Ranger
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
8231 Beach Road
Chincoteague, VA 23336
Email (pdf format) to: Laurel_Wilkerson@fws.gov
Application deadline is February 22, 2020. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
For additional information, visit our web-site at www.fws.gov/refuge/chincoteague