Position Type: In-person

Duration: 52 weeks (12 months). Flexible – hoping to have the individuals start between now and June 2023.

Location: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041

Housing: Must be secured by the intern. A housing stipend of up to $1,400 per month will be provided if the intern is moving from another area or does not have housing already.

Background: The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. The fellow will support the NWRS at the national headquarters level by focusing on both physical and electronic file organization and scanning. This will set HQ NWRS up for success by helping us meet records management goals and advancing our digital file systems for the future.

Fellows will work and communicate with a Hispanic Access Program Associate during their fellowship. Fellows will be expected to participate in scheduled video calls, webinars, and meetings conducted throughout their term.

Leadership regularly addresses FWS commitment to diversity and inclusion in hiring, recruiting and retaining staff, and in engaging the public and partners. The Office of Diversity and Inclusive Workforce Management (ODIWM) developed a Diversity and Inclusion Implementation Plan (DIIP). The Fellow will work closely with the Connected Communities Team Coordinator in supporting those teams, or any other Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) efforts.

Mentoring: Since the Fellow will be working out of FWS headquarters, they will have access to a variety of different employees, styles, and viewpoints throughout all FWS Programs. The Infrastructure Management Division has over 40 employees, some remote and some who come into the office throughout the week. The Fellow will be directly supervised and mentored by the Deputy Chief, Infrastructure Management Division.

Since each Fellow comes with a unique background and different goals, the supervisor will outline an Individual Development Plan with them during their first week to identify areas of interest. With nearly 300 employees in various programs at headquarters and networking opportunities at refuges across the country, additional shadowing opportunities can be arranged to meet the interest(s) of the Fellow.

Leadership Development: The supervisor will work with the Fellow to create an Individual Development Plan with a focus on leadership opportunities. One avenue will be to encourage the Fellow to observe different leadership styles and to select a few managers to interview about their leadership approach. At headquarters, the Fellow will be instrumental in preparing briefings for the highest levels of leadership in the FWS and communicating down to all regional and field levels. The Fellow will participate and help inform discussions, brainstorming sessions, and decision- making meetings for strategic planning, national-level trainings and conferences, and national planning and evaluation.

Depending on the fellow and site capabilities, there may be an opportunity to detail with a field station developing and/or strengthening a youth/urban program to reach those in underserved communities.

Ages 18-30, up to 35 years for veterans. Possess US citizenship or US residency. Fellows must undergo a government background check if selected. Available to work full-time (40 hours per week) and/or part-time during school year (20 hours per week).

We encourage those who culturally identify as Latina/o/x or from the Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) community; however we do not discriminate with regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, personal appearance, marital status, familial status, family responsibility, pregnancy or other pregnancy-related conditions, childbirth, disability, military/veteran status, citizenship status, religion or political affiliation, or any other status protected by federal or state law, local ordinance or Executive Orders. The Hispanic Access Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

FWS Headquarters is located in the DC metro area in Falls Church, Virginia. Summer weather is hot and humid. Winters can sometimes bring snow. Many amenities, shopping districts and recreational opportunities are available within public transportation.

Work environment is primarily an indoor office environment or telework office location. Depending on timing and safety concerns, travel opportunities will be available for training or field visits to national wildlife refuges or regional offices.

Recommended but not required. Public transportation is available. A driver's license is required to operate a government vehicle, but not necessary for daily work activities.

Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is managing the recruitment for these positions. All applications should be submitted through Hispanic Access' MANO Project application page. A resume and two references will be required for submission. Your application or resume should include professional and educational experience, along with any awards, technical skills or volunteer activities. Application questions or issues may be directed to Yashira M. Valentin Feliciano, yashira@hispanicaccess.org. Interviews and final decisions will be made by USFWS and Hispanic Access representatives.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Interviews are expected to be conducted on the month of June 2023 or sooner if qualified candidates are met beforehand.

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process should contact Hispanic Access Foundation directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that connects Latinos and People of Color to partners and opportunities improving lives and creating an equitable society. Hispanic Access’s vision is that all Hispanics throughout the U.S. enjoy good physical health, a healthy natural environment, a quality education, economic success and civic engagement in their communities with the sum improving the future of America.