Pollinator Conservation Biology Intern

Project Title: Pollinator Conservation Biology Intern

Project Type: In-person with the potential for telework.

Duration: 4-month full-time internship (40 hours/week for 16 weeks) OR 8-month part-time internship (20 hours/week for 32 weeks); Starting around August 2024 (flexible with a starting date); applications evaluated on a rolling basis - full-time/part-time, duration, and start date to be discussed during the interview

Location: USFWS Michigan Field Office Complex, East Lansing, Michigan

Housing: Must be secured by the intern/fellow. A housing stipend of up to $1,500 per month will be provided.

Project Background:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Michigan Field Office will be hiring 1 Hispanic Access Foundation intern to work on a variety of projects including implementation of pollinator conservation and outreach. These positions will provide opportunities to learn field and lab techniques, engage the public (including children) in environmental education, and implement data management for conservation.

Project Duties:

• Assists with a variety of investigations including the design, collection, and analysis of biological data to assess the effectiveness of propagation and conservation management efforts of threatened and endangered species and pollinators.

• Develops and maintains biological databases; prepares spreadsheets or relational databases for purposes of data collection, reduction, and manipulation.

• Creating and conducting pollinator education programs with the opportunity to assist with USFWS outreach events.

• Assists with outreach at community events by engaging with the public and providing educational materials.

• Develops content for garden signs and developing a pollinator seed packet mix for distribution to partners, highlighting important pollinator plants.

• Determining local and regional seed availability of important pollinator plants.

• Collection of pollinator environmental DNA (eDNA) in conjunction with USFWS Ecological Services and Great Lakes Pollinator Task Force for species identification.

• Prepare eDNA samples for processing.

• Develop draft white paper in coordination with USFWS staff biologists on the methodology and results of pollinator eDNA collections (this will be dependent on when we receive the results from our partners completing the eDNA processing).

Fellows will work and communicate with a Hispanic Access Program Associate during their fellowship. Fellows will be expected to participate in scheduled conference calls, webinars, and meetings conducted throughout their term. Fellows will capture photos and/or videos for reporting purposes and submit 3-5 blog posts highlighting their experience and development.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of or strong interest in biological field work, botany, and pollinators.

• Knowledge of or strong interest in outreach, and development and implementation of environmental education materials.

• Ability to work with people of all ages; experience working with the public is desirable.

• Ability to work independently and with a team.

• Possess a strong ability to research methodology, collect and accurately record field data, and follow protocols.

• Ability to exercise safety while in the field.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ages 16-30, inclusive; up to 35 years old if a Veteran.

• Completion of two years of college-level course work including several classes related to biology, ecology, and/or environmental studies.

• US Citizenship or permanent residency. Interns must undergo a government background check if selected.

• Valid driver's license is required.

Working Conditions:

• The Intern will spend part of the time doing field work which will include walking in prairies, forest, wetlands, and other outdoor places; carrying field equipment (up to 20 lbs.); hands-on work with vegetation and insects; potential exposure to poison ivy, poison sumac, mosquitos, ticks and other biting insects; and exposure to various weather conditions.

• The intern will spend part of the time in an office setting, completing computer work. A desk, chair, and computer will be provided.

Stipend + Benefits:

• A biweekly stipend of $1,200 based on a 40-hour work week.

• Monthly housing stipend up to $1,500 per month based on a 40-hour work week.

• Commuting stipend up to $100 per month based on a 40-hour work week.

• Health insurance coverage.

• Funds available to support professional development opportunities that align with role and goals (training, conference, etc.) up to $4,300.

• Public Land Corp Eligibility – after completing 640 hours, PLC status provides special non-competitive hiring status when applying for certain federal positions.

Application:

Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is managing the recruitment for these positions. All applications should be submitted through Hispanic Access' MANO Project application page. A resume and two references will be required for submission. Your application or resume should include professional and educational experience, along with any awards, technical skills or volunteer activities. Application questions or issues may be directed to Anastasia Elvira Hernandez,

Applications for this position will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement:

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process should contact Hispanic Access Foundation directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Mission:

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

Hispanic Access Foundation Mission:

Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that connects Latinos and People of Color to partners and opportunities improving lives and creating an equitable society. Hispanic Access's vision is that all Hispanics throughout the U.S. enjoy good physical health, a healthy natural environment, a quality education, economic success and civic engagement in their communities with the sum improving the future of America.