Individual Placement - Environmental Education Participant

Student Conservation Association•Charles City, VA

18d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

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
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