Position Description
Internship Title: Visitor Services Intern: Web Development and Outreach (1 Position)
Internship Sponsor: Shoreline Education for Awareness, Inc. (www.sea-edu.org) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex (www.fws.gov/oregoncoast)
Internship Location: Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 2127 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport OR 97365.
Length of Internship: 11 Months. December 2014 – October 2015.
Internship Summary: The Visitor Services Intern will work directly with the Visitor Services Manager for the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex to communicate with the general public through outreach, natural resource interpretation, website technology and social media. The intern will be responsible for building out six websites for the refuge complex, assisting with social media and conducting outreach and natural resource interpretation for school-aged children and the general public. This is a full-time internship requiring a 40-hour work week.
General Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to):
• Develop site content and graphics for six websites for the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
• Responsible for web development throughout the entire project life cycle with guidance from the Visitor Services Manager.
• Assist with communication, outreach and marketing for the Refuge Complex through a variety of media.
• Assist with social networking efforts of the Refuge Complex.
• Attend coastal fairs, celebrations and events to promote the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Plan and implement refuge outreach programs and special events for all ages that focus on wildlife conservation.
• Assist Shoreline Education for Awareness (www.sea-edu.org) with the development of natural resource interpretation programs.
• Foster an appreciation, understanding and responsibility for coastal wildlife and habitat among local communities and coastal tourists.
• Assist with general office duties directly related to outreach and natural resource interpretation.
• In the summer, serve as a rocky shore and seabird interpreter at popular state park and refuge viewing decks along the coast that overlook seabird and marine mammal rookeries.
• Organize, advertise and lead a minimum of 10 water-based canoe and kayak interpretive tours through Siletz Bay and Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuges.
Internship Requirements (you must have all of these to qualify):
• Bachelor’s Degree, or higher. Preferably in the field of natural resources.
• U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Ability and willingness to spend the majority of the workday indoors in an office developing content for refuge websites.
• Experience with and a desire to work with the general public and kids in an indoor and outside setting.
• Experience developing websites through content management systems or other.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and limited overnight travel.
• Experience canoeing or kayaking.
Preferred Qualifications (these are not required to qualify for the position)
• Familiarity with marine and estuarine ecosystems.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience working with the media (press releases, interviews) including social media.
• Motivated, energetic and detail-oriented.
Benefits Include:
• A taxable, monthly living allowance of $1,200.
• Upon successful completion of the term of service, receive an end of service award of $1,500.
• Professional development, trainings and networking opportunities.
• Free housing at Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge including utilities. Sorry no pets allowed.
Transportation Information:
• Government vehicle is available for government activities. You will need your own vehicle to commute to and from the job site.
How to Apply:
Send a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references to Dawn Harris at the email address below by November 7, 2014.
Questions about the internship?
Dawn Harris
Visitor Services Manager
Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex
2127 SE Marine Science Drive
Newport OR 97365
541-867-4550
dawn_harris@fws.gov