Refuge Visitor Services and Community Engagement Internship

Are you passionate about the environment and eager to gain hands-on experience in
environmental education, wildlife conservation, and community engagement? Through Generous Donor Support, The Friends of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge and Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge (RCNWR) invite you to join our team for an exciting and impactful internship opportunity.
 

RCNWR is unique in the National Wildlife Refuge System, spanning 50 miles of coastline in
York and Cumberland Counties in Southern Maine. With over 300,000 visitors annually and an emerging highly populated area surrounding the refuge, we are focused on building deeper connections with local communities in Southeastern Maine through environmental education and gardening. This internship is an essential part of our mission to broaden and deepen educational opportunities, ensuring the refuge becomes a reliable long-term community asset.
 

You will gain a variety of hands-on experience in both the field and community settings,
including developing and leading outdoor activities, assisting with wildlife monitoring and
conservation efforts, and contributing to environmental education. Additionally, you will
collaborate with the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), supporting youth engagement in
conservation projects, which will enhance the learning experience and provide mentorship
opportunities.
 

This internship is designed to provide a well-rounded experience, working alongside community members, youth participants, and professionals to build resilient habitats and communities in Southern Coastal Maine.

Responsibilities:
• Develop environmental education programming to support school engagement in local
communities.
• Lead outdoor recreation activities (e.g., archery, kayaking, hiking, gardening).
• Assist with Piping Plover monitoring and other wildlife conservation efforts.

• Support invasive species identification and control strategies.
• Collaborate with the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), supporting youth participants in
conservation activities, and mentor them in wildlife protection and education programs.
• Assist in organizing YCC workdays and projects, enhancing the hands-on learning
experience for younger participants.

Requirements:
• Interest in environmental education, wildlife, connecting communities, and gardening.
• Ability to work both in an office setting and in the field (marsh, forest, beach).
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), providing
guidance and sharing knowledge in conservation practices.

Position Details:
• Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident.
• Duration: 12 Weeks May 5th – July 25th Seasonal internship, with on-site and off-site
community engagement.
• Living Stipend: $350 per week.
• Transportation: A valid driver’s license is not required. However, the intern may need to
travel off-site, and a refuge vehicle will be available for those tasks.
• Additional Information: The intern will work alongside at least 8 seasonal employees,
including other interns and Youth Conservation Corps participants.
• Provided Gear: Interns will receive appropriate shirts, a cap, and a water bottle to
represent the refuge during activities.
• Schedule flexibility, including weekend, holidays, and morning/evening shifts.
• Willingness to follow federal COVID-19 policies and guidance.