Individual Placement - Habitat monitoring and management at Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge

Student Conservation Association•Cambridge, MD

25d•Onsite

About The Position

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in 1933 as a waterfowl sanctuary for birds migrating along the Atlantic Flyway. This SCA internship will learn, participate, and assist with the implementation of habitat monitoring and management projects at Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment
Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or U.S. national
Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to a personal vehicle
Must be willing to undergo a National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender, and FBI checks
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.
Personal Vehicle Information Required

Nice To Haves

Coursework toward or completion of a degree in biology, natural resources, environmental science, or a related field; or equivalent practical experience.

Responsibilities

Support invasive species inventory and removal, including supervised herbicide application
Conduct vegetation and wildlife monitoring in marsh and forest environments
Collect and enter field data and assist with report preparation
Assist with basic equipment and site maintenance
Provide informal education and engage professionally with refuge visitors
Participate in boat-based fieldwork and on-water activities. Boat work is required
Work flexible hours, including occasional long days and weekends, as needed
Perform fieldwork in hot, humid conditions and challenging outdoor environments
Assist with field operations by preparing equipment, supporting daily logistics, and ensuring proper care and storage of tools and supplies
Support special projects and seasonal initiatives, including additional surveys, habitat restoration activities, and invasive species management efforts, as assigned
Perform routine administrative tasks related to fieldwork, such as organizing field notes, entering data, and assisting with the preparation of reports and summaries
Serve as a professional representative of the program when interacting with visitors, volunteers, and partners, supporting public education and outreach activities as needed.