Job Description

Join the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge team as we work to become a trusted community asset, reflective of the entire community, that is collaborative in pursuit of our conservation mission. The Youth Engagement Coordinator will work with community partners to co-design education programs, develop and lead new programs that strengthen the voices of youth in conservation, and ensure that programs are relevant to various communities.

Schedule

August 17, 2026 - August 7, 2027 (51 weeks)

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Facilitate interpretive, environmental education, recreation, and stewardship programs for youth and community audiences
• Collaborate with staff to continue development of the refuge’s Youth Advisory Group
• Collaborate to reduce barriers and expand access to refuge programs and resources
• Co-design community-informed initiatives with partners
• Coordinate self-guided field trips and traveling educational trunk program
• Support the Visitor Services team with other projects as needed

Marginal Duties

• Help plan events at the refuge and in the community
• Conduct community outreach and engagement
• Engage with refuge visitors, at the visitor center and elsewhere, to provide a safe and welcoming experience and to ensure understanding of refuge regulations
• Help develop, coordinate, and implement site or issue specific outreach and communication
• Draft short social media posts
• Coordinate Community Gallery in the refuge visitor center
• There will be opportunities to shadow and assist with wildlife/habitat management, maintenance, etc.
• Weekly drive through the refuge to inspect amenities and enhance the visitor experience.

Required Qualifications

• Must be 18 – 30 years old, inclusive, or veterans aged 35 or younger, at the start of the position.
• Is passionate about nature and about helping others, particularly underrepresented communities, grow connections with outdoor recreation opportunities and resources
• Is able, with instruction, to develop and teach environmental education and interpretation programs
• Is able to connect with diverse audiences
• Is open-minded and willing to learn
• Has strong written and oral communication skills
• Has strong organizational skills
• Is comfortable and capable of working independently and as part of a team
• Is a creative problem solver
• Has experience working with adults and children in outdoor settings
• Has excellent customer/visitor service skills
• Is able to work outside in all weather conditions
• Available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for 51 weeks. Position requires flexibility for some evening and weekend work
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record. Drive government vehicle as required for position
• Interns must undergo a government background check if selected

Preferred Qualifications

• Is bilingual Spanish-English
• Has community outreach or engagement experience
• Is good at networking and developing partnerships
• Has knowledge of social media platforms and video editing programs
• Is comfortable practicing leadership skills among a team

Hours

40 per week, occasional evenings and weekends

Living Accommodations

Housing is available (though not required) on-site in a shared refuge bunkhouse. Each individual placement will have a single bedroom in this 3-bedroom, 1-bath house. You will likely share the house with others. The house is at the refuge maintenance area, and is a 3-mile drive, or 1.5-mile hike or bike ride from refuge headquarters where you will serve.

Compensation

• $600 weekly living allowance (paid bi-weekly)
• $1,100 to/from travel allowance (paid once)
• $1,500 Duty Related Travel or Member Expense reimbursement funding (Receipt required)
• Monthly Health Insurance (Optional)
• All Weather Uniform (provided by SCA & Arborwear)
• Eligible for the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority upon successful completion of position (640hrs minimum service)

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.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required for access to basic amenities.

Additional Benefits

• Defensive Driving Training
• First Aid/CPR
• AmeriCorps: May be eligible, but subject to award availability

Equal Opportunity Statement

The 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 may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.