Invasive Species and Biosecurity Outreach

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Invasive Species and Biosecurity Outreach

Department of the Interior

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Culebra National Wildlife Refuge

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• Summary
• This job is open to
• Duties
• Requirements
• How you will be evaluated
• Required documents
• How to apply

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.

Learn more about this agency

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.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

This job will close when we have received 30 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

Culebra, PR

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $0 - $0 without compensation Pay scale & grade

GS 00

Promotion potential None

Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule Part-time Travel Required Not required

Appointment type Internships

Occupations and job series

• 0499 Biological Science Student Trainee

Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a union No

Drug test No Security clearance Not Required Financial disclosure required No

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number CBYM-27-13087197-DE-RM Control number 888781700

This job is open to

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Students

Current students enrolled in an accredited high school, college or graduate institution.

Clarification from the agency

Open to students currently accepted for enrollment, seeking a diploma/degree in college, university, or other accredited educational institution (at least undergraduate or above) on a full or half-time basis as defined by the educational institution.

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Duties

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Location: Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, Lowercamp PR-250 Km 4.2 Culebra, PR 00775

Work Schedule and Flexibilities:

Schedule may be flexible based on the student''s academic schedule and Refuge needs. Some field activities may require early morning hours. In office (or work site) only

Number of Positions: 1

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 or until 30 applications have been received. The vacancy will close on whichever day the first of these conditions are met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages.

Culebra National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is seeking a student volunteer to support invasive species prevention, biosecurity, and public outreach efforts associated with the conservation of Culebrita Island and Cayo Luis Peña. The student will gain hands-on experience in island conservation while helping the Refuge prepare educational and outreach resources that support long-term invasive species management.

Duties may include:

• Assist with the development of bilingual (English/Spanish) educational and outreach materials focused on invasive species prevention and biosecurity.
• Help identify key audiences and outreach locations, including recreational boaters, water taxi operators, marinas, visitors, and the local community.
• Assist with developing visitor messaging and resources that encourage practices to prevent the introduction and reintroduction of invasive species to refuge islands.
• Participate in supervised field visits to Culebra NWR Units to learn about island ecosystems, invasive species management, biosecurity practices, and ongoing conservation projects.
• Assist with biosecurity observations, documentation, and other appropriate field activities under Refuge staff supervision.
• Help develop concepts and materials for an Invasive Species outreach campaign.
• Assist with community outreach and environmental education activities related to invasive species and island conservation.
• Organize project information and contribute to a final outreach and biosecurity toolkit that can be used by Refuge staff beyond the semester.

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

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Conditions of employment

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.

Qualifications

Applicants will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs. Specifically, applicants should:

• Be a current undergraduate or graduate student in biology, wildlife biology, environmental science, conservation, natural resource management, environmental education, communications, or a related field.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Interest in wildlife conservation, invasive species management, island ecology, environmental education, or public outreach.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability and willingness to participate in outdoor field activities in tropical conditions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Refuge staff, partners, visitors, and community members.
• Spanish/English bilingual skills.

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.

Additional information

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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This is an unpaid volunteer experience. Student volunteers are not considered Federal employees for any purpose other than injury compensation and laws related to the Federal Tort Claims Act, and service is not creditable for leave accrual or other employee benefits.

• Professional experience: Meaningful project work with clear deliverables, regular supervision and federal mentorship.
• Skill Development: Hands-on application of academic knowledge in real-world Federal operations.
• Career Exploration: Exposure to Federal missions, workplace culture, and potential career pathways.
• Protection and support:
• Coverage under Federal Tort Claims Act
• Workers'' compensation for service-related injuries
• Structured onboarding and ongoing supervision

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

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.

Benefits

Help

This is an unpaid volunteer experience. Student volunteers are not considered Federal employees for any purpose other than injury compensation and laws related to the Federal Tort Claims Act, and service is not creditable for leave accrual or other employee benefits.

• Professional experience: Meaningful project work with clear deliverables, regular supervision and federal mentorship.
• Skill Development: Hands-on application of academic knowledge in real-world Federal operations.
• Career Exploration: Exposure to Federal missions, workplace culture, and potential career pathways.
• Protection and support:
• Coverage under Federal Tort Claims Act
• Workers'' compensation for service-related injuries
• Structured onboarding and ongoing supervision

Required documents

Required Documents

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To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package by 10/29/2026 which includes:

• Your resume (two or fewer pages). Note: Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. Your resume MUST include:

• Your experience including start and end dates.

• Education information, such as the name of your school and dates of attendance.

• Any knowledge, skills or abilities you''ve gained through education that relate to the project.

• Proof of current enrollment not less than half-time in a college, university, or other accredited educational institution. Transcripts or a certificate of enrollment are preferred.

How to Apply

Help

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 10/29/2026 of the announcement to receive consideration.

• To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
• Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
• After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
• You will be taken to the online assessment which you must complete to apply for the position. Complete the online assessment, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. You can view the assessment here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13087197

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/), all your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://usajobshelp.opm.gov/hc/en-us/articles/52879898157843-How-to-see-your-application-and-job-status/.

Paper applications and supplemental documents submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the vacancy contact will not be considered. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations should be sent to the vacancy contact listed below.

Agency contact information

Semester of Service

Phone 000-000-0000 Email pathways_pmf@ios.doi.gov Address Division of Human Resources

Division of Human Capital Management

1875 Century Blvd Suite 370

Atlanta, GA 30345

US

Next steps

Once your online application is received you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by DOI personnel to determine your eligibility for the position and your application will be forwarded to the opportunity manager for review.

You can find your path with the Department of Interior at https://careers.doi.gov/.

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Required Documents

Help

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package by 10/29/2026 which includes:

• Your resume (two or fewer pages). Note: Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. Your resume MUST include:

• Your experience including start and end dates.

• Education information, such as the name of your school and dates of attendance.

• Any knowledge, skills or abilities you''ve gained through education that relate to the project.

• Proof of current enrollment not less than half-time in a college, university, or other accredited educational institution. Transcripts or a certificate of enrollment are preferred.

How to Apply

Help

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 10/29/2026 of the announcement to receive consideration.

• To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
• Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
• After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
• You will be taken to the online assessment which you must complete to apply for the position. Complete the online assessment, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. You can view the assessment here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13087197

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/), all your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://usajobshelp.opm.gov/hc/en-us/articles/52879898157843-How-to-see-your-application-and-job-status/.

Paper applications and supplemental documents submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the vacancy contact will not be considered. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations should be sent to the vacancy contact listed below.

Expand Hide how to apply

Agency contact information

Semester of Service

Phone 000-000-0000 Email pathways_pmf@ios.doi.gov Address Division of Human Resources

Division of Human Capital Management

1875 Century Blvd Suite 370

Atlanta, GA 30345

US

Next steps

Once your online application is received you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by DOI personnel to determine your eligibility for the position and your application will be forwarded to the opportunity manager for review.

You can find your path with the Department of Interior at https://careers.doi.gov/.

Expand Hide next steps

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The Department of the Interior protects and manages the Nation''s natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Island Communities. Click here to learn more about the Department of the Interior and its bureaus.

The mission of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) is to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Click here to learn more about the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Agency contact information

Semester of Service

Phone 000-000-0000 Email pathways_pmf@ios.doi.gov Address Division of Human Resources

Division of Human Capital Management

1875 Century Blvd Suite 370

Atlanta, GA 30345

US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it''s like to work at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/nKonBsAFNbY

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.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

This job will close when we have received 30 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

Culebra, PR

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $0 - $0 without compensation Pay scale & grade

GS 00

Promotion potential None

Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule Part-time Travel Required Not required

Appointment type Internships

Occupations and job series

• 0499 Biological Science Student Trainee

Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a union No

Drug test No Security clearance Not Required Financial disclosure required No

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number CBYM-27-13087197-DE-RM Control number 888781700

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