Individual Placement - Environmental Education Apprentice

Environmental Education Apprentice

The Environmental Education Apprentice will work with Refuge staff on a variety of projects related to USFWS priorities of knowing and relating to the community, connecting people to nature through stepping stones of engagement, building partnerships, and being an asset in meeting the needs and desires of the community.

The apprentice will focus on assisting in the development and implementation of various refuge visitor services programs, which include connecting with schools and other education-focused community groups to develop intentional programs and materials, leading students and educators on site, working with staff to reduce barriers to connection with the outdoors, and supporting communication with educators to provide recommendations to Refuge staff for future facility and program improvement. Additionally, the employee will have the chance to gain valuable biological field experience, such as survey and land management techniques, and plant and animal identification skills.

Location: Ridgefield, WA

Schedule: September 14, 2026 - June 11, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Lead field trips from local schools and other youth focused organizations

Develop new curriculum where needed and help enhance what is already established

Take educational and interpretive programming to community events and organizations that are family, youth and community focused

Provide in the classroom programs for 4th grade classes through the Every Kid Outdoors Initiative

Recruit, train and guide volunteers in educational programming

Support and develop relationships with community organizations that serve youth and families

Develop and enhance self-guided activities for refuge visitors

Support partners and other Service programs in educational and community engagement activities through participation and feedback

Help to plan and carry out community events

Enhance outreach for programming, including but not limited to developing fliers, updating websites, and directly communicating with community organizations

Assist staff in visioning and planning for year-round educational opportunities in the Community Nature Center

Marginal Duties

Support guided naturalist walk volunteers and help recruit for participants in communities that are not currently engaging with this program

Support customer service in the office through helping visitors in person and on the phone

Attend staff meetings and required training

Assist other staff in projects to gain a better understanding of how Service programs intersect and support each other

Connect with visitors in the Community Nature Center

Required Qualifications

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Organizational skills

Confidence initiating communication and taking leadership initiative to follow through on assignments

Ability to communicate effectively with diverse partners and affinity groups

The ability to work independently and as part of a team

A passion for connecting people with nature

Ability to creatively solve problems

Experience conducting research or a desire to learn

Previous community engagement or outreach experience (e.g., volunteering, canvassing, mutual aid, relationship-building, etc.)

A commitment to keeping our communities and partners safe by adhering to regional health and safety laws and best practices (i.e. COVID mandates, food safety, cold and flu season best practices, etc)

Personal transportation to and from work station (no public transportation currently)

Driver's license

Experience working with youth and families of varied ages, abilities, cultures and backgrounds

Comfortable with most basic computer programs and email management

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working intentionally and respectfully with a wide variety of communities with differing needs and lived experiences

Social media skills, including content creation

Experience leading field trips, developing educational materials and/or developing relationships with educators

Experience in event planning and outreach

Proficient in basic computer programs and email management

Hours: 40 per week

Living Accommodations: No living accommodations provided. Candidates must be local to the Portland-Vancouver Metro Area. Independent access to transportation is required for this position. Public transportation fares can be reimbursed for on-duty travel. If transportation access presents a significant barrier, accommodations can be discussed (e.g., increased transportation allowance).

Compensation: A weekly stipend of $800 on a full-time schedule over 39 weeks

$500 Training/Work Travel reimbursable funding (Receipt required for reimbursement)

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information: Recommended

Additional Benefits:

Defensive Drive Training

Interpretive Skills

Hands-on field work

Job shadowing with Refuge staff

Working Conditions:

Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.

Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives.

Natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect to the land and local peoples.

Exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as, poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito-borne illness, snakes, and potential for other wildlife encounters.

Equal Opportunity Statement: The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.