Invasive Species and Biosecurity Outreach

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Culebra, PR

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Culebra National Wildlife Refuge is seeking a student volunteer for a 90-day Spring 2027 project supporting invasive species prevention, biosecurity, and public outreach related to conservation of Culebrita Island and Cayo Luis Peña. The volunteer will help prepare educational and outreach resources that support long-term invasive species management and gain hands-on experience in island conservation and Federal operations. The position is unpaid and requires volunteering 8–20 hours per week. The schedule may be flexible around the student's academic schedule and Refuge needs; some field activities may begin early in the morning. Work is conducted in the office or at the work site, with supervised field visits to Refuge units. The volunteer will work under Refuge staff supervision and contribute to outreach materials and a biosecurity toolkit for continued use by Refuge staff.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national studying in the United States or abroad.
• Be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited college, university, or other accredited educational institution throughout the 90-day opportunity; qualifying institutions must be located within the United States.
• Be an undergraduate or graduate student in biology, wildlife biology, environmental science, conservation, natural resource management, environmental education, communications, or a related field.
• Be in good academic standing as defined by the educational institution.
• Students graduating before May 1, 2027 are not eligible.
• Commit to volunteering 8–20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days.
• Complete required onboarding documentation assigned by the Department of the Interior and the academic institution, and obtain a school official's signature on the Semester of Service approval form.
• Agree to volunteer without compensation, stipend, or hiring preference; volunteers are not Federal employees.
• Not be a current Federal employee.
• Attach a copy of transcripts to the application package for enrollment verification.

Nice To Haves

• Interest in wildlife conservation, invasive species management, island ecology, environmental education, or public outreach.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability and willingness to participate in outdoor field activities in tropical conditions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Refuge staff, partners, visitors, and community members.
• Spanish/English bilingual skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with developing bilingual English/Spanish educational and outreach materials focused on invasive species prevention and biosecurity.
• Help identify key audiences and outreach locations, including recreational boaters, water taxi operators, marinas, visitors, and the local community.
• Assist with developing visitor messaging and resources that encourage practices to prevent the introduction and reintroduction of invasive species to refuge islands.
• Participate in supervised field visits to Culebra NWR units to learn about island ecosystems, invasive species management, biosecurity practices, and conservation projects.
• Assist with biosecurity observations, documentation, and other appropriate field activities under Refuge staff supervision.
• Help develop concepts and materials for an invasive species outreach campaign.
• Assist with community outreach and environmental education activities related to invasive species and island conservation.
• Organize project information and contribute to a final outreach and biosecurity toolkit for Refuge staff.

Benefits

• Meaningful project work with clear deliverables, regular supervision, and Federal mentorship.
• Hands-on application of academic knowledge in real-world Federal operations.
• Exposure to Federal missions, workplace culture, and potential career pathways.
• Coverage under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
• Workers' compensation for service-related injuries.
• Structured onboarding and ongoing supervision.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern