Career Discovery Internship Program

Positions are available in a variety of fields, including visitor services, education, natural resource management and more.

To participate, applicants must be incoming college sophomores and juniors. Students who are Black, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic or other racial minority are highly encouraged to apply.

Interns will first attend a week-long orientation held in May and then serve in summer internships tailored to various U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service career tracks for 12 weeks at various sites across the country.

The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer.

Current Opportunities

2024 FWS Career Discovery Internship Program – Biology
Biology interns work with wildlife biologists and help with things like habitat restoration, invasive plant species inventory and removal, and some animal monitoring. Expected dates: May 20 – Aug. 18, 2024. Pay: $600/wk living allowance, $1,000 travel stipend.

2024 FWS Career Discovery Internship Program – Visitor Services
Visitor Services positions contain a mix of interpretation, visitor center staffing, working with volunteers, and will generally assist with any and all refuge operational needs that may come up. Expected dates: May 20 – Aug. 18, 2024. Pay: $600/wk living allowance, $1,000 travel stipend.

2024 FWS Career Discovery Internship Program – Maintenance/Refuge
Positions primarily focus on trail repair, maintenance and all aspects of refuge management. Some light construction and structure repair (bridges, boardwalks) and campground maintenance. You may also assist with any lager scale projects the refuge may be working on during your time at the refuge. Expected dates: May 20 – Aug. 18, 2024. Pay: $600/wk living allowance, $1,000 travel stipend.

Benefits include:

  • Weekly Living Allowance: $620 per week
  • Travel Allowance: $1,000
  • Housing provided by the Student Conservation Association or U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
  • Assigned mentor from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Hands-On Experience
  • Expenses paid orientation in May

The ideal candidate is:

  • Incoming college sophomores and juniors
  • Available for a 12-13 week summer internship beginning in May
  • Open-minded and has an adventurous spirit
  • Not necessarily experienced in conservation
  • A licensed driver

Contact Recruiting Coordinator Bridget Correa at bcorrea@thesca.org or HR Coordinator Brian Pember bpember@thesca.org with any questions.