Hiawatha National Forest
interpretive internships
Summer 2019
Estimated Start Date: May 15th
Outreach
Hiawatha National Forest and Hiawatha Interpretive Association are recruiting to fill two Interpretive Internships for the 2019 summer season in Munising, Michigan.
About The Internship
Looking for an opportunity to enhance the experiences of National Forest visitors of all ages?
Want to help educate people from around the world about the natural environment that surrounds us? Have good communication skills or looking to gain some?
The Hiawatha National Forest has an Internship opportunity for you!
- Interpretive Interns will:
- Learn interpretive program development and delivery
- Create and present interpretive programs to Forest visitors
- Lead lighthouse walking tours and other ranger-led hikes/walks
- Educate and inform the public at special events such as Kids Fishing Day and Pictured Rocks Day
- Support formal and informal programs and events on Grand Island
- Develop and facilitate informal interpretive programs such as table talks or visitor center talks
- Deliver Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl messages
- Explore various methods of environmental and outdoor education
- Engage with youth of all ages for More Kids in the Woods, Life of Lake Superior, and Our Global Kids programs
- Plan and develop environmental and outdoor education programs for youth
- Design and develop media and marketing materials
- Assist with summer program promotion
- Provide customer service and answer visitor questions
- Interns will also:
- Attend required agency trainings, including any from partner agencies
- Answer phones, return messages, restock retail inventory, provide directions and information at local visitor center and/or district office
- May spend time assisting with environmental education in local schools and community
- Work on career development
- Internship specifics:
- Expect to work an average of 40 hours/week
- Schedule to include evening, weekend, and holiday hours
- Length of the internship is 14-18 weeks, preferable mid-May through early September (start and end dates are somewhat flexible)
- $250/per week stipend
- Government housing (bunkhouse style with communal kitchen and restroom facilities) will be provided
- At times when a government owned vehicle is not available, mileage reimbursement may be authorized for use of personally owned vehicle for official travel (at $0.54/mile with $150 maximum allowance during the season)
- Scheduling will be drafted and monitored by FS staff – Intern should remain flexible and can expect to work alone, with other interns, or alongside FS staff
- Opportunities for occasional work in other FS departments may be arranged to allow exposure and awareness to the vast array of careers available, dependent upon intern interest and agency availability
Work Conditions
Expect outdoor work in various terrain such as sandy or rocky shorelines with the potential for biting insects. Conditions will vary from cool to very hot to humid to rainy. Incumbent should be in good physical condition and needs to be equipped with leather boots, long pants, and long sleeve shirts each day to protect the body from the elements, scratches and insect bites. Any specialized equipment required by the Forest Service for specific tasks will be provided by the government. Interns will participate in safety discussions or trainings prior to starting any new activities and will be thoroughly briefed on job hazards.
Intern should also expect to spend time indoors, mostly working in a visitor center or office environment. Position involves standing extended periods of time and may involve use of office equipment such as computers, copiers, laminators, and phones.
Requirements
A valid state driver’s license is required for all of these positions and successful applicants will have to attend defensive driving training to utilize government vehicles for work. The ability to work independently without direct supervision is essential. A Forest Service uniform will be provided and will be worn for the majority of work days.
Qualifications
Interested candidates must possess strong communication skills and have some experience with customer service, public speaking, and/or foundational knowledge in natural resources and outdoor recreation. Must be able to interact well with children and adults. Applicants must also be self-motivated, reliable, flexible, and have a positive attitude. Preferred applicants will be enrolled or recently graduated from a degree program in natural resources, outdoor recreation or other related fields.
Application Process and Contact Information
For more information about these positions please contact Brenda Rebitzke, West Zone Recreation Program Manager, at 906-474-6442 ext. 2119, or Melissa O’Donnell, Interagency Education Specialist, at 906-202-4031.
If you are interested in the above opportunities, please send a completed resume, including references, and a cover letter to Melissa O’Donnell at modonnell@fs.fed.us . The hiring panel will begin reviewing application March 5th until positions are filled. Submit your application as soon as possible for full consideration.
Duty Station
Munising Ranger District is located at the junction of H-58 and M-28 in Munising. The District manages the portion of the Hiawatha National Forest that lies in Alger, Schoolcraft and Marquette counties including the Grand Island National Recreation Area. This office sits on the southern shore of Lake Superior.
The Hiawatha National Forest lies in the central and eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Approximately 1 million acres fall within the Forest boundary. Hiawatha National Forest’s uniqueness stems largely from its proximity to three Great Lakes. The Great Lakes affect its weather, recreation opportunities, scenery, historic sites, hydrology, and ecosystem diversity. The Forest’s recreation niche, “Your Great Lakes National Forest” captures some of this uniqueness by focusing on the Forest’s “Great Lakeshores” (Lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron), “Great Lighthouses” (Point Iroquois, North Light, East Channel Light, Christmas Range Light, Peninsula Point and Round Island Lighthouse); “Great Islands” (Grand Island, Round Island, and St. Vitals Island); and “Great Snow” (referring to the hundreds of inches of snow that fall each winter).
Hiawatha National Forest is divided geographically into two units. The Forest’s West Unit, includes the Munising Ranger District and the Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District. The West Unit is home to shoreline on Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. The Forest’s East Unit includes the St. Ignace and Sault Ste. Marie Ranger Districts, including a work station located in Raco. The East Unit includes shoreline on Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
MISSION: Hiawatha National Forest sustains the health, diversity and productivity of the Forest’s resources to meet the needs of present and future generations through conservation. We will accomplish this mission through:
- Integration – We achieve Forest goals through interdisciplinary planning and implementation of projects, emphasizing teamwork.
- Innovation – We achieve Forest efficiency and effectiveness working with partnerships, stewardship contracting, volunteers, and better systems approaches.
- Safety – Our core values include safety and wellness, which guide our daily operations.
- Diversity – We strive to develop a versatile workforce to serve our diverse public.
VISION: Your Great Lakes National Forest inspires unforgettable experiences and sustaining ecosystems and livelihoods through collaborative, science-based land management.
Community Information
Munising (population 2,355): Located on the shore of Lake Superior, surrounded by protective hillsides and picturesque Munising Bay, Munising is a scenic treasure-trove. The Munising area boasts the gateway to Hiawatha National Forest, Grand Island National Recreation Area, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, numerous waterfalls, and a host of other natural wonders, all in close proximity.
- Some rental properties may be available starting at $500 per month and up.
- The cost of living is 15% lower in Munising than the National Average.
- The largest city in Alger County, Munising is the county seat. It supports several community service organizations, civic organizations and an active local government. New businesses are welcomed and supported by a strong network of business professionals.
- The name Munising is derived from the Ojibway language. ‘Munissi’ means island. ‘Munising’ means near the island. Grand Island is located one half mile north in Munising Bay.
- Recognized as one of the Top 100 Communities for Youth, Alger County truly is a great place to raise a family. Our connectivity to the outdoors, along with a strong sense of community make Alger County an excellent place to call home.
Surrounding Area
Marquette (population 19,700) is the Upper Peninsula’s largest city. Located on Lake Superior about 45 miles west of Munising, it is conveniently located in which to find additional options including medical services, shopping, art, culture, entertainment, restaurants and more. Marquette is home to Northern Michigan University and U.P. Health System Marquette a Duke LifePoint Hospital, numerous clinics, several malls and large chain stores, a food co-op, theaters, and a YMCA.
Escanaba is located about 65 miles south of Marquette and has a population of 14,000. It is the third largest city in the Upper Peninsula and is the county seat of Delta County. Escanaba is home to Bay de Noc Community College and OSF Health Care St. Francis Hospital and Medical Group, numerous clinics, restaurants, shopping amenities, churches, and a YMCA.
For more Information about Munising and the surrounding area, visit the following the websites: