Protecting Holmgren Milkvetch through Community 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

• 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.
• Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages.
• Project Overview The student volunteer will design and implement a pilot outreach program to strengthen community engagement and promote the protection of Holmgren milkvetch, a federally listed endangered plant species occurring on Bureau of Land Management (BLM)-managed lands adjacent to the Sunriver community in St. George, Utah.
• This project supports agency conservation goals while providing the student with hands-on experience in outreach design, environmental communication, and field-based public engagement.
• Some tasks (e.g., designing outreach materials, report writing) may be completed remotely, while field-roving and community interactions require in-person participation.
• Holmgren milkvetch occupies habitat immediately bordering a residential area with high foot traffic on nearby trails.
• Increased community awareness and stewardship can reduce unintentional impacts from recreation, vegetation removal, and off-trail travel.
• A structured outreach program will help the BLM connect with residents and visitors using those lands.
• Project Activities - Design and produce outreach materials (e.g., brochures, trailhead handouts, simple infographics) describing Holmgren milkvetch, its habitat, 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 with 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) 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.
• International students on valid US student visas may participate if they meet applicable immigration, visa, and agency authorities.
• To be eligible for the background check to access government equipment and buildings, international students must have maintained continuous residence in the United States for three years.
• Any remote work must be completed domestically within the United States.
• Be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited high school, trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution (at least high school 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 ***