Environmental Education Apprentice Ridgefield

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
 

Environmental Education Apprentice

(Candidates local to Vancouver/Portland Community)

Position Summary 

The Environmental Education Apprentice will work with Refuge staff on a variety of projects related to USFWS priorities of 1) Knowing and relating to the community, both around refuge sites and in the greater Portland-Vancouver metro area; 2) Connecting people to nature through steppingstones of engagement; 3) Building partnerships; and 4) 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 (but are not limited to): Connecting with schools and other education-focused community groups to develop intentional programs and materials, lead students and educators on site, work with staff to reduce barriers to connection with the outdoors, and support 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. The apprentice will focus their work in underserved communities surrounding both Ridgefield and Steigerwald Lake NWRs, with a focus on educational groups and families. These communities include but are not limited to those who find barriers to engagement with refuges and the outdoors due to: funding/finances; transportation and other access needs; safety and welcoming of local natural areas; lack of understanding and/or comfort with visiting outdoor natural areas; and finding personal interests that intersect.

Schedule 

January 6, 2025 - November 30, 2025

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

Marginal Duties 

• Support the Jr Duck Stamp Contest
• 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

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 projects 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)
• Ability to work remotely
• 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 

• Lived experience as a member of a historically marginalized community (Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian, LGBTQ+, disability community etc.) OR personal experience working within these communities.
• 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  

~$775/week living allowance ~AmeriCorps Eligible at fulfillment of 1700 hours and average of 40 hours/week over 47 weeks- value is $7,395 ~ Duty Related Travel Reimbursement is $500 (receipts required)

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

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans aged 35 or younger, at the start of the position. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority. 

Additional Benefits 

Opportunity to conduct informational interviews with conservation professionals

Job shadows/ ride-alongs

Accessibility in outdoors training

Community Engagement

Hands on field work experience (e.g. wildlife surveys and salmon spawning)

Defensive Driver Training

Interpretive Skills

Professional development through community and partner training

Help with job skills, application materials, and understanding job opportunities with the Federal government

Diversity, equity, and inclusion training

Participation in USFWS employee resource and affinity groups

General Physical Requirements

• Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
• Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program time.
• Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
• Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including internal or external, safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chaps, and appropriate footwear.
• Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
• Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
• Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
• Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
• If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance (except possibly at the direction of higher medical authority in emergency situations).
• Able to independently carry a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions.
• Able to lift a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight, with minimal assistance from others.

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 cultures and perspectives; Natural environments and culturally significant locations that require respect to the land and indigenous 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 

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. 

Environmental Education Apprentice

(Candidates local to Vancouver/Portland Community)

Position Summary 

The Environmental Education Apprentice will work with Refuge staff on a variety of projects related to USFWS priorities of 1) Knowing and relating to the community, both around refuge sites and in the greater Portland-Vancouver metro area; 2) Connecting people to nature through steppingstones of engagement; 3) Building partnerships; and 4) 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 (but are not limited to): Connecting with schools and other education-focused community groups to develop intentional programs and materials, lead students and educators on site, work with staff to reduce barriers to connection with the outdoors, and support 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. The apprentice will focus their work in underserved communities surrounding both Ridgefield and Steigerwald Lake NWRs, with a focus on educational groups and families. These communities include but are not limited to those who find barriers to engagement with refuges and the outdoors due to: funding/finances; transportation and other access needs; safety and welcoming of local natural areas; lack of understanding and/or comfort with visiting outdoor natural areas; and finding personal interests that intersect.

Schedule 

January 6, 2025 - November 30, 2025

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

Marginal Duties 

• Support the Jr Duck Stamp Contest
• 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

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 projects 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)
• Ability to work remotely
• 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 

• Lived experience as a member of a historically marginalized community (Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian, LGBTQ+, disability community etc.) OR personal experience working within these communities.
• 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  

~$775/week living allowance ~AmeriCorps Eligible at fulfillment of 1700 hours and average of 40 hours/week over 47 weeks- value is $7,395 ~ Duty Related Travel Reimbursement is $500 (receipts required)

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

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans aged 35 or younger, at the start of the position. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority. 

Additional Benefits 

Opportunity to conduct informational interviews with conservation professionals

Job shadows/ ride-alongs

Accessibility in outdoors training

Community Engagement

Hands on field work experience (e.g. wildlife surveys and salmon spawning)

Defensive Driver Training

Interpretive Skills

Professional development through community and partner training

Help with job skills, application materials, and understanding job opportunities with the Federal government

Diversity, equity, and inclusion training

Participation in USFWS employee resource and affinity groups

General Physical Requirements

• Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
• Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program time.
• Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
• Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including internal or external, safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chaps, and appropriate footwear.
• Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
• Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
• Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
• Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
• If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance (except possibly at the direction of higher medical authority in emergency situations).
• Able to independently carry a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions.
• Able to lift a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight, with minimal assistance from others.

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 cultures and perspectives; Natural environments and culturally significant locations that require respect to the land and indigenous 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 

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. 

Environmental Education Apprentice

(Candidates local to Vancouver/Portland Community)

Position Summary 

The Environmental Education Apprentice will work with Refuge staff on a variety of projects related to USFWS priorities of 1) Knowing and relating to the community, both around refuge sites and in the greater Portland-Vancouver metro area; 2) Connecting people to nature through steppingstones of engagement; 3) Building partnerships; and 4) 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 (but are not limited to): Connecting with schools and other education-focused community groups to develop intentional programs and materials, lead students and educators on site, work with staff to reduce barriers to connection with the outdoors, and support 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. The apprentice will focus their work in underserved communities surrounding both Ridgefield and Steigerwald Lake NWRs, with a focus on educational groups and families. These communities include but are not limited to those who find barriers to engagement with refuges and the outdoors due to: funding/finances; transportation and other access needs; safety and welcoming of local natural areas; lack of understanding and/or comfort with visiting outdoor natural areas; and finding personal interests that intersect.

Schedule 

January 6, 2025 - November 30, 2025

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

Marginal Duties 

• Support the Jr Duck Stamp Contest
• 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

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 projects 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)
• Ability to work remotely
• 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 

• Lived experience as a member of a historically marginalized community (Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian, LGBTQ+, disability community etc.) OR personal experience working within these communities.
• 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  

~$775/week living allowance ~AmeriCorps Eligible at fulfillment of 1700 hours and average of 40 hours/week over 47 weeks- value is $7,395 ~ Duty Related Travel Reimbursement is $500 (receipts required)

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

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans aged 35 or younger, at the start of the position. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority. 

Additional Benefits 

Opportunity to conduct informational interviews with conservation professionals

Job shadows/ ride-alongs

Accessibility in outdoors training

Community Engagement

Hands on field work experience (e.g. wildlife surveys and salmon spawning)

Defensive Driver Training

Interpretive Skills

Professional development through community and partner training

Help with job skills, application materials, and understanding job opportunities with the Federal government

Diversity, equity, and inclusion training

Participation in USFWS employee resource and affinity groups

General Physical Requirements

• Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
• Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program time.
• Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
• Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including internal or external, safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chaps, and appropriate footwear.
• Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
• Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
• Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
• Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
• If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance (except possibly at the direction of higher medical authority in emergency situations).
• Able to independently carry a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions.
• Able to lift a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight, with minimal assistance from others.

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 cultures and perspectives; Natural environments and culturally significant locations that require respect to the land and indigenous 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 

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.