Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge Spring/Summer 2024 Visitor Services & Environmental Education Internship

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

Spring/Summer 2024

Visitor Services & Environmental Education Internship

Location: Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is located 20 miles east of Des Moines, Iowa. The refuge consists of about 6,000 acres, most of which has been returned to prairie. Bison and elk roam an 800-acre enclosure and white-tail deer, badgers, coyotes, owls, songbirds, and many other animals are found at the refuge. Hundreds of plants make up the prairie landscape. 

Duties: Intern will assist staff in a variety of projects including, but not limited to: environmental education, maintaining and staffing the visitor venter, interpretive program development and presentation, curriculum development, interpretive poster design, planning and facilitating special events, conducting trail maintenance and working with volunteers.

Benefits: The internship schedule is a 40 hours per week and will run for 4-6 months. The internship is sponsored by the Friends of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, but refuge staff supervise this position.

Intern will receive a stipend of $15.00 per hour. Refuge staff will work with students to fulfill internship credit requirements for universities, including assigning independent projects. Housing is not provided. There are several rental opportunities in the local area.

Qualifications: Anyone interested in applying should be able to work independently or in small groups, have excellent verbal/writing skills, and have a background in environmental education, interpretation, or a related field. Candidates must also currently live in the United States. Basic computer skills and a valid driver’s license are required.

To Apply please email the following information: 1) A detailed resume noting education, job experiences, skills, and trainings completed, 2) three professional references, including their phone numbers and email addresses, 3) unofficial college transcripts. Information should be emailed to: Nancy Corona, Visitor Services Manager, nancy_corona@fws.gov. 

For additional information, contact Nancy Corona at (515) 994-3400 or nancy_corona@fws.gov