Protecting Holmgren Milkvetch through Community Outreach

Bureau of Land Management • Saint George, UT

18h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Semester of Service Program offers students an unpaid, project-based volunteer opportunity supporting Federal missions while developing practical experience and career-ready skills. The student volunteer will design and implement a pilot outreach program to strengthen community engagement and promote protection of Holmgren milkvetch, a federally listed endangered plant found on BLM-managed lands adjacent to the Sunriver community in St. George, Utah. The project supports conservation goals and provides experience in outreach design, environmental communication, and field-based public engagement.

The role is based at BLM St. George, Utah, with a flexible schedule averaging 8 hours per week and a hybrid arrangement. Some work, such as creating outreach materials and writing reports, may be done remotely; trail roving and community interactions require in-person participation. The opportunity is for a 90-day term during Spring 2027, between mid-January and mid-June. Volunteers must commit to 8–20 hours per week for at least 90 days. This position is unpaid, with no compensation, stipend, or hiring preference.

Applicants must meet the program’s enrollment, academic-standing, citizenship or immigration, and onboarding conditions. Volunteers are not Federal employees, though they receive coverage under the Federal Tort Claims Act and workers’ compensation for service-related injuries. The experience includes meaningful project work, regular supervision, Federal mentorship, and exposure to Federal missions and workplace culture.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national studying in the U.S. or abroad, or an international student on a valid U.S. student visa who meets applicable immigration, visa, and agency requirements. International students must have maintained continuous U.S. residence for three years to be eligible for the background check required to access government equipment and buildings.
• Complete any remote work domestically within the United States.
• Remain enrolled at least half-time in an accredited educational institution throughout the 90-day opportunity; qualifying institutions must be located in the United States and be at least high school level.
• Be in good academic standing as defined by the educational institution and provide transcripts for verification.
• Not graduate before May 1, 2027.
• Obtain a school official’s signature on a Semester of Service approval form confirming half-time enrollment and good academic standing.
• 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.
• Agree to volunteer without compensation and understand that volunteers are not Federal employees.
• Not be a current Federal employee.
• Have an interest in botany and good interpersonal skills.
• Have access to a high-clearance vehicle to access the field site.

Responsibilities

• Design and produce outreach materials, such as brochures, trailhead handouts, and simple infographics, explaining Holmgren milkvetch, its habitat and threats, and how the public can help protect it.
• Rove local hiking trails adjacent to the Sunriver community to interact with hikers, provide information, and observe recreation patterns.
• Engage local residents through informal conversations or small community touchpoints.
• Identify additional opportunities for BLM-community collaboration, such as signage suggestions, community events, neighborhood presentations, or volunteer stewardship days.

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

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED