The National Park Service is currently accepting applications for students to participate in the Mississippi River Fellowship in the Twin Cities at the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
This 10-week fellowship is a paid opportunity for diverse and underrepresented young adults ages 18-25 to explore the different branches of the National Park Service including Visitor Services, Interpretation & Education, Natural & Cultural Resource Management, and the Volunteer Program. The fellows work directly with National Park Service Rangers, Mississippi Park Connection staff, and other park partners to facilitate educational programs, habitat restoration events, and wildlife monitoring on the Mississippi River.
FELLOWSHIP DESCRIPTION
- Assist with outdoor education programs for diverse school groups and other audiences on and along the Mississippi River.
- Teach park visitors about the natural, historic, and cultural resources of the Mississippi River.
- Assist with habitat restoration events.
- Assist park rangers with wildlife monitoring, data collection, and other field work. Fellows will also have professional development opportunities to work with other governmental and non-governmental agencies such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service DNR and Friends of the Mississippi River.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience or interest in working in the outdoors.
- High school diploma.
- Able to work outside in all weather conditions.
- 18-25 years old.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to speak a second language.
- Some college coursework completed.
- A valid driver’s license.
- Experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds.
- Passion for the outdoors and environmental science.
TRAINING
- Applicants will be trained on canoe skills and water safety. No prior canoe skills needed, though a desire to learn is required.
- Applicants will be trained in leading Habitat Restoration Events with staff, leading educational programs, conducting wildlife surveys and collecting data, and running a park visitor center. Some additional reading, research, and exploration of the park outside of paid hours will be expected.
FELLOWSHIP DETAILS
PAY: $15.00/hour
BENEFITS:
- Professional Development training
- Fieldwork training
- Non-motorized boat training
- CPR/First Aid certification
- Local applicants may be eligible to extend their fellowship part time into the school year to complete a Public Lands Corps non-competitive hiring authority certificate. ( The PLC is a non-competitive hiring authority that allows you to apply for permanent federal positions with the National Park Service and other federal agencies. Please reach out if you have any questions)
HOURS:
- Approximately 32 hours per week; total of 10 weeks.
- May include weekend or evening hours.
- May require days that are longer or shorter than eight hours.
LOCATION
Field work within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in the Twin Cities
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PARK
www.nps.gov/miss
www.parkconnection.org
TO APPLY
- Email cover letter, resume, and references to Johnna Austin at johnna_austin@nps.gov.
- Please include “Mississippi River Fellowship” in the subject line of the email.
- Applications received by April 12, 2024 will receive priority.
PRIORITY DEADLINE: 5PM, April 12, 2024
