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 al