Job Description

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 stepping stones of engagement
3. Building partnerships
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.

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.