Summary
Make an impact while you learn. The Semester of Service Program offers students a volunteer project-based opportunity to support real Federal missions, gaining hands-on experience and valuable career-ready skills. The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration aligning with each agency's strategic priorities.
Duties
Location: Natural Resources Program Center, Denver Federal Center, Building 53, Denver, CO 80225 Work Schedule and Flexibilities: Hybrid (In office + telework eligible) Number of Positions: 3 Term: Spring 2027 (90 day term between mid-January and mid-June) This vacancy will be open until Thursday, October 29th, 2026 at 11:59pm ET. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages. The National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) needs targeted, refuge-scale information regarding the sustainability of its resources, assets, and management strategies. To meet this need, the successful candidate(s) will catalyze the development of useful information workflows that inform Refuge planning and decision making. Whereas exact duties of the project will be tailored to the immediate needs of the NWRS and the skills of the selected candidate, typical duties include: Working with National Wildlife Refuge System staff to identify a priority habitat, species, asset, or management approach, as well as an appropriate assessment framework. Conducting literature reviews to identify environmental or social hazards and stressors impacting the condition and viability of the selected resource or management approach. Reviewing internal and external tools or data sets to identify available information sources that Refuges can use to characterize current and future trends in hazards and stressors. Working with National Wildlife Refuge System staff and external subject matter experts to develop or refine conceptual, qualitative or quantitative models that identify risks of ecological transformation on Refuge lands. Documenting methods and outcomes (e.g., white paper or peer-reviewed publication) and producing informational and outreach materials (e.g., websites, presentations to Leadership and staff). The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program, as authorized under 5 U.S.C §31114 and 5 CFR Part 3085, enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration. These assignments are designed to align with each agency's strategic priorities, offering participants practical experience within Federal operations while supporting the advancement of targeted initiatives.
Requirements
Conditions of employment To participate in this Program: Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S National studying in the U.S. or abroad Be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited college, university, or other accredited educational institution (at least undergraduate or above) throughout the 90 day Semester of Service opportunity. Students graduating before May 1, 2027 are not eligible. Selectees will be responsible for contacting a school official to sign a Semester of Service approval form indicating you are currently enrolled at least half-time and in good academic standing. Qualifying educational institutions must be located within the United States. Be in good academic standing as defined by your institution. Commit to volunteering 8 - 20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days. Complete all required onboarding documentation assigned by the Department of the Interior and your academic institution. Agree to volunteer. This position is unpaid. No compensation, stipends, or hiring preference will be granted from this work. You may use this volunteer experience to qualify for future jobs you choose to apply for. Agree to understanding volunteers are not Federal employees. Not be a current federal employee. Current federal employees can reach out to the contact below to inquire about job detail opportunities.
Education
To qualify, you must be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited college, university, or other accredited educational institution. You also must be in good academic standing as defined by your institution. Attach a copy of your transcripts to your application package for verification.
How you will be evaluated
Your application will be evaluated by Department of Interior personnel to determine your eligibility for the position and your application will be forwarded to the project manager for review.