2020 Environmental Outreach Internship

• April-September (6 months, start and end dates flexible)

• 8-16 hours per week, Saturdays required but otherwise flexible

• $12.00 per hour stipend

• May fulfill internship credit requirements at educational facilities

Location: The position will be based out of Neal Smith National

Wildlife Refuge, located 20 miles east of Des Moines. The Refuge,

managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, features approximately 6,000 acres of endangered

tallgrass prairie, oak savanna and sedge meadow habitat. The mission of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is to actively protect, restore, reconstruct and manage these diverse native ecosystems

Duties: The environmental outreach intern will assist Refuge staff in performing various duties related to environmental outreach and education. Internship duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Educating the public about the Refuge, tallgrass prairie, native plants/wildlife and other

environmental topics through outreach programs

• Attending presentations, festivals, farmers markets, school programs, and other community events

• Drafting articles, news releases, presentations, lesson plans and other media to explain tallgrass

prairie, native plants/wildlife and the Refuge

• Assisting refuge staff with environmental education, interpretive program development and

presentation, staffing the Visitor Center, planning and facilitating special events and other duties

Qualifications: Any qualified person 18 years or older with a valid driver’s license is eligible (including non-students). Applicants should have an interest in tallgrass prairie. Public speaking and outreach experience are strongly preferred. Applicants should be willing to do physical tasks outside during hot, humid weather.

Additional information: Payment and employment is through the Friends of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Housing is not provided, but staff can provide information on local rental options.

To Apply: Submit the following by 11:59PM March 14th: 1) a one-page cover letter highlighting your qualifications and describing why you would like to participate in this internship and what you hope to gain from this experience, 2) a resume noting education, experience, and skills, including 3 references with contact information, and 3) a letter of recommendation written by an educator or employer.