Start Date: June 12, 2023 – February 12, 2024

Compensation: $650 per week + $1000 monthly for housing

Medical Insurance Included

Application Due: April 15, 2023 

The Resource Assistants Program seeks to engage ethnically and racially diverse young professionals in natural resource careers. You must be:

• a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

• fully vaccinated for covid-19 prior to the start of their internship.

• a college graduate.

• personal vehicle required.

Please Apply Here

Project Description:

The Conservation Education Resource Assistant will work with the USDA Forest Service’s Southwestern Regional Office of Communication & Engagement and partners to advance outdoor and environmental learning opportunities in the Southwest, primarily for youth. A few of the projects may include creating the Forest Service display and coordinating a booth at the popular New Mexico State Fair, supporting a K-12 fire ecology curriculum for the Southwest, and developing materials like education trunks and activity sheets. See https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r3/learning/kids. 

• A team player to work with the Regional Cooperative Education Coordinator, Youth Engagement Specialist, and other members of the Southwestern Region’s Communication & Engagement team to support educational programs and partnerships that connect people to the outdoors and the benefits of nature.
• A communicator and creator to publicly promote the Conservation Education program by working with communication staff to produce communication and educational materials, briefing papers, web and social media content, and other information products.
• An educator to interact with the public and represent the Forest Service at meetings, special events and youth programs.
• A connector to communicate with staff at a variety of environmental and outdoor education organizations across the Southwestern Region, orally and in writing.
• A contributor to help with other duties as assigned.

Physical and natural work environment:

This job will be primarily conducted in an office setting.  There may be occasional opportunities to attend meetings with partner organizations, visit national forests and grasslands in the region, present environmental education programs, and work outdoors.  

Education and Qualifications:  

Degree or demonstrated interest and experience in one or more of the following fields: Education, Natural and Cultural Resources/Science/Sustainability, Communication.

Abilities and Skills:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Dedication to building relationships and providing quality customer service.
• Experience delivering education and outreach programs.
• Experience completing projects, such as meeting deadlines, collaborating with others, and ensuring that deliverables meet project needs.
•  Sound critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
•  Ability to work independently.
• Familiarity with some or all of the following: Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams) and databases.

Drivers license requirements:

Driver’s license required.

Direct Hire Authority (DHA)

All RAP interns receive Direct Hire Authority (DHA) at the successful conclusion of their internship. DHA status enables an agency to hire, after public notice is given, any qualified applicant. A DHA expedites hiring by eliminating competitive rating and ranking, veterans’ preference, and “rule of three” procedures. For more information, please click HERE.

EEO Statement

Environment for the Americas provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.