Wildlife Management Individual Placement at Assateague Island National Seashore
Position Summary
The intern will work together with park staff and a dedicated volunteer corps to manage wildlife and visitor interactions at Assateague Island National Seashore. This position provides a unique opportunity to work with one of the few remaining, free ranging herds of wild horses along the east coast of the U.S.
Schedule
May 5, 2025 - September 19, 2025
20 Weeks
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Educating visitors on maintaining a safe distance from park wildlife and proper food storage, with an emphasis on the Assateague wild horses (80%); and assisting with other natural resource management, monitoring and educational programs (20%); In this position, every day provides an opportunity to gain new insights on the dynamic social interactions and behaviors exhibited by wild horses. Skills and knowledge that you will gain on the job are largely associated with human dimensions of wildlife resource management.
Marginal Duties
Additionally, interns will assist with the management and monitoring of colonial water birds and nesting shorebirds within high visitor use areas.
Required Qualifications
Valid driver license; Personal Vehicle Recommended; Work is physically difficult and only those who are well fit will have an enjoyable experience. Daily walking patrols extending several miles in all types of weather including extreme heat and rain are required. A high level of physical fitness, a positive attitude, a strong desire and willingness to interact with the public daily, and a sense of humor are also required. If you enjoy seashore activities like swimming, cycling, beach combing, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing and camping, there are abundant recreational opportunities available at the Assateague Island National Seashore.
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 age 35 or younger. 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.
Preferred Qualifications
We are seeking candidates who are interested in wildlife management with a focus on education, social sciences, and human dimensions of wildlife. Applicants with coursework in science education, wildlife management, natural resources management and social sciences are preferred.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Housing is in a shared bunk house with access to a room with a roommate. The house includes a full kitchen and other common areas and is located on NPS property walkable from the job site.
Compensation
Weekly living allowance: $600 /week; One time travel allowance: $1,100 (paid once);Housing provided by NPS on site; Eligible for an AmeriCorps education award valued at $2,817.14 upon successful completion of 675 hours of service at the site.
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Required
Additional Benefits
Defensive Drive Training
Interpretive Skills
Off-Road Vehicle Safety
AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional
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.
Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.