Environment for the Americas

Start Date: June 29th,  2026 (earlier start date may be available)
End Date: March 7th, 2027 (or 36 weeks from start date)
Compensation: $680 per week + housing support; assistance with travel costs to site, and ability to qualify for Public Lands Corp non-competitive hiring authority upon completion of the internship
Application Due: ASAP or until May 20th, 2026

Environment for the Americas Internship Programs seek to engage young professionals from all backgrounds in natural resource and conservation careers. You must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

• Be between the ages of 18-30 (35 if a veteran)

• Be willing to undergo a background check

• A valid driver’s license to drive a government vehicle.

* A personal vehicle is required for this position. 

Position Description: 

In partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service this position seeks to implement education and outreach programs focused on endangered species and conservation career awareness to grade and/or middle school students in the Lansing, Michigan area and around the state. The intern will connect with local teachers and other community organizations (e.g., YMCA, Lansing Department of Parks and Recreation) to refine and implement programs. 

 At least a portion of the intern's time will be spent implementing the Mussel Outreach Program (MOP) with at least three local schools and/or community groups.  Although facing water quality issues, the Grand River is home to the best remaining populations of the endangered snuffbox mussel (among many other imperiled species).  This program provides an opportunity to raise awareness for conservation-related careers and therefore may serve as a model for how natural resource agencies can better help ensure that future conservation professionals reflect the diversity of the entire U.S. population.

In addition to the MOP program, the intern will work to implement the Butterfly Outreach Program (BOP) and provide assistance on the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative programs working to recover the endangered piping plover.  This work may include preparing outreach materials, compiling data/reports, and assisting with field surveys.      

The intern may be required to complete tasks in the field (both urban and rural) in a variety of adverse weather and terrain conditions. Hands-on experience with developing educational programs for schools and engaging partners is preferred.  

The mentor/ supervisor will work with the intern to become oriented with the USFWS and the work within the Michigan Field Office. The mentor will ensure that the intern has all the background information necessary to be able to successfully implement the goals of the program by developing and delivering outreach programming. The mentor will be available to the intern to ask questions and seek guidance as needed.  The mentor will also provide introductions to the other biologists in the office to ensure the intern has a network of folks they feel comfortable coordinating and collaborating with. The intern will be included in all staff and threatened and endangered species staff meetings to ensure they are fully immersed in the work we do and feel a part of our team.

Responsibilities:

• Communicate with local teachers and organizations to implement an in-school educational program that highlights the importance of the Grand River for imperiled species conservation and raises awareness of conservation careers.

• Implement the Butterfly Outreach Program and Mussel Outreach Program

• Participate in imperiled species habitat improvement projects or surveys. 
  
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree

• Commitment to conserving Michigan’s imperiled species through educational and outreach efforts 

• Experience in education instruction or other outreach experience, and a strong interest in natural resource conservation. 

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work independently

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  
  

This position qualifies to receive PLC.

Public Land Corps Non-Competitive Hiring Authority (PLC)

The Public Land Corps Non-Competitive Hiring Authority is a special hiring authority available to qualifying interns. The intern must be between the ages of 18 and 30 years old, inclusive, or a veteran up to age 35 and complete 640 hours of work on an appropriate conservation project to be eligible for this hiring authority. Upon successful completion of the PLC project(s), the intern is eligible for two years to be hired non-competitively into a federal seasonal, term, or permanent position. The applicant must apply to a PLC-eligible position advertised on USAJobs.gov and selected off a non-competitive certificate of eligibility. For more information, see DOI Personnel Bulletins 11-02 , 12-13, and 17-03.

EEO Statement

Environment for the Americas provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.