Individual Placement - Environmental Education Participant

Position Summary

Spend your days leading environmental education programs, guiding nature walks, and inspiring the next generation of conservationists at Presquile National Wildlife Refuge. This hands-on internship offers an immersive experience in outdoor education, youth engagement, and wildlife conservation while working

alongside dedicated refuge staff and the James River Ecology School. With housing provided and plenty of time on the water and trails, this role is ideal for energetic, mission-driven individuals eager to build a career in environmental education or conservation.

Location

Charles City, VA

• Schedule

April 13, 2026 - November 13, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and support environmental education programs for K–12 students at

Presquile National Wildlife Refuge and across the refuge complex

• Assist with curriculum-based programming for youth visiting the James River

Ecology School

• Develop and present interpretive and orientation programs, including talks,
• guided nature walks, and ecological demonstrations for diverse public

audiences

• Support wildlife-dependent recreational activities, including hunting,

fishing, wildlife observation, environmental education, and interpretation

• Lead and assist with outdoor projects involving volunteers and youth groups
• Support education and visitor services programming at Rappahannock, James

River, and Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuges

Marginal Duties

• Assist with administrative tasks such as writing news releases and developing

flyers

• Create outreach and educational content for a variety of communication

platforms

• Assist with basic maintenance of refuge facilities and grounds
• Provide logistical support for special events, programs, and outreach

activities

• Participate in extensive hiking, paddling, and other physically demanding

field activities as needed

• Support weekend and evening programs as required by refuge operations

Required Qualifications:

• Driver's license
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and in physically

demanding environments

• Ability to participate in extensive hiking and paddling
• Comfort working independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Strong verbal communication skills and ability to engage with diverse

audiences

• Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and follow through on

assigned tasks

• Willingness and availability to work some weekends and evenings
• Interest in environmental education, conservation, or natural resource
• management
• Ability to work safely around water and in outdoor field settings

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:

• Previous experience working with youth in educational, outdoor, or informal

learning environments

• Experience leading or assisting with environmental education or interpretive

programming

• Experience with paddling, boating, or other water-based activities
• Strong written communication skills, including experience writing outreach or

educational materials

• Experience working with volunteers or leading group projects
• Familiarity with wildlife refuges, parks, or conservation organizations
• Basic skills in outreach, social media, or content creation

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Housing provided onsite at Presquille National Wildlife Refuge

Compensation:

• Weekly living allowance: $511
• One-time travel allowance $1,100
• Public Land Credits are available upon successful completion of this term for

members ages 18-30

• Housing provided by FWS onsite

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

• Defensive Drive Training
• Interpretive Skills
• Off-Road Vehicle Safety
• AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.