Invasive Species and Biosecurity Outreach

About the role

Make an impact while you learn. The Semester of Service Program offers students a volunteer project-based opportunity to support real Federal missions, gaining hands-on experience and valuable career-ready skills.

The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration aligning with each agency's strategic priorities.

What you will do

• Schedule may be flexible based on the student's academic schedule and Refuge needs.
• Some field activities may require early morning hours.
• In office (or work site) only Number of Positions: 1 Term: Spring 2027 (90 day term between mid-January and mid-June) This vacancy will be open until Thursday, October 29th, 2026 at 11:59pm ET or until 30 applications have been received.
• The vacancy will close on whichever day the first of these conditions are met.
• If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same.
• Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages.
• Culebra National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is seeking a student volunteer to support invasive species prevention, biosecurity, and public outreach efforts associated with the conservation of Culebrita Island and Cayo Luis Peña.
• The student will gain hands-on experience in island conservation while helping the Refuge prepare educational and outreach resources that support long-term invasive species management.
• Duties may include: Assist with the development of 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 ongoing 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 that can be used by Refuge staff beyond the semester.
• The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program, as authorized under 5 U.S.C §31114 and 5 CFR Part 3085, enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration.
• These assignments are designed to align with each agency's strategic priorities, offering participants practical experience within Federal operations while supporting the advancement of targeted initiatives.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S National studying in the U.S. or abroad Be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited college, university, or other accredited educational institution (at least undergraduate or above) throughout the 90 day Semester of Service opportunity.
• Students graduating before May 1, 2027 are not eligible.
• Selectees will be responsible for contacting a school official to sign a Semester of Service approval form indicating you are currently enrolled at least half-time and in good academic standing.
• Qualifying educational institutions must be located within the United States.
• Be in good academic standing as defined by your institution.
• Commit to volunteering 8 - 20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days.
• Complete all required onboarding documentation assigned by the Department of the Interior and your academic institution.
• No compensation, stipends, or hiring preference will be granted from this work.
• You may use this volunteer experience to qualify for future jobs you choose to apply for.
• Agree to understanding volunteers are not Federal employees.
• Not be a current federal employee.
• Current federal employees can reach out to the contact below to inquire about job detail opportunities.

Education

To qualify, you must be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited college, university, or other accredited educational institution. You also must be in good academic standing as defined by your institution. Attach a copy of your transcripts to your application package for verification.

How you will be evaluated

Your application will be evaluated by Department of Interior personnel to determine your eligibility for the position and your application will be forwarded to the project manager for review.

Documents you must provide

• Your resume (two or fewer pages).
• Note: Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted.
• The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text.
• Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible.
• All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression.
• Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
• Your resume MUST include: Your experience including start and end dates.
• Education information, such as the name of your school and dates of attendance.
• Any knowledge, skills or abilities you've gained through education that relate to the project.
• Proof of current enrollment not less than half-time in a college, university, or other accredited educational institution.
• Transcripts or a certificate of enrollment are preferred.

Benefits

This is an unpaid volunteer experience. Student volunteers are not considered Federal employees for any purpose other than injury compensation and laws related to the Federal Tort Claims Act, and service is not creditable for leave accrual or other employee benefits.

Professional experience: Meaningful project work with clear deliverables, regular supervision and federal mentorship. Skill Development: Hands-on application of academic knowledge in real-world Federal operations. Career Exploration: Exposure to Federal missions, workplace culture, and potential career pathways.

Protection and support: Coverage under Federal Tort Claims Act Workers' compensation for service-related injuries Structured onboarding and ongoing supervision

What to expect next

Once your online application is received you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by DOI personnel to determine your eligibility for the position and your application will be forwarded to the opportunity manager for review. You can find your path with the Department of Interior at ***