PositionVisitor Services Intern National Key Deer Refuge
Florida State Parks Volunteers Address179 Key Deer Blvd Big Pine Key, FL 33043 Contactkristie killam [email protected] 305-872-0774Dates11/19/2012--5/20/2013 Activities• Conservation Education • Tour Guide/Interpretation • Visitor Information • Fish/Wildlife • Science • General Assistance Record Date10/29/2012Suitable ForAdultsDifficulty LevelNot Difficult Opportunity Description:
Position Description for Visitor Services Intern at National Key Deer Refuge:The Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Complex is comprised of four refuges situated in the Florida Keys . Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located at the northern end of the Florida Keys near Key Largo, Florida. The Lower Florida Keys Refuges are physically separated from Crocodile Lake NWR. This group of three refuges, National Key Deer Refuge, Key West National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), and Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), is situated between the city of Marathon and the Marquesas Keys, which are located west of Key West, Florida.
The National Key Deer Refuge was established in 1957 to protect and preserve Key deer and other wildlife resources in the Florida Keys. The refuge is located in the lower Florida Keys and currently consists of approximately 9,200 acres of land that includes pine rockland forests, tropical hardwood hammocks, freshwater wetlands, salt marsh wetlands, and mangrove forests. These natural communities are critical habitat for hundreds of endemic and migratory species including 17 federally-listed species such as Key deer, lower Keys marsh rabbit, eastern indigo snake, Stock Island tree snail and silver rice rat.
The Intern will be stationed at the Refuge Visitor Center within the National Key Deer Refuge (NKDR). NKDR is an urban refuge, with Refuge lands interspersed within the Lower Florida Keys islands and communities. Housing will be at the Refuge owned property on Big Pine Key. Our Bunkhouse, an air-conditioned house, has four bedrooms, and one bathroom upstairs and one bathroom downstairs. Laundry facilities are provided. A large community shopping center, with grocery store is within walking or biking distance. The Refuge's Visitor Center is located within this shopping center. (There are no “big-box” stores in the Keys).
Having your own vehicle is recommended, but not required. You will be using a Refuge vehicle for refuge activities, however; past interns have suggested it is helpful getting out and about throughout the Keys if you have your own vehicle.
The Florida Keys have average temperatures in the 80's-90's during the spring, summer and fall months. This internship will require you to spend some time outdoors, in potentially hot, potentially buggy conditions. You will probably have your own bedroom, but share living space (kitchen, bathrooms, living room, dining room) with other interns or visiting scientists.
Responsibilities: • Helping answer visitor questions and providing information to the general public at our Visitor Center • Revising refuge volunteer handbooks • Helping update and redo brochures/ info sheets • Helping design and conduct weekend community programs • Assisting with camps, preparation and conducting activities • Helping organize and create "lessons in a box" • Attend meetings with our partner organizations- Florida Keys Birding and Wildlife Festival, Monroe County Env. Ed Advisory Council, Friends Group-FAVOR Florida Keys, Fl Keys National Marine Sanctuary, etc. • Helping out at the EcoDiscovery Center in Key West one day a week • Assisting with field research on the Refuge- Rabbits, Deer, Butterflies, Backcountry birds and turtles, etc. • Helping conduct weekend outreach programs and events • Assisting with aspects of the Florida Keys Birding and Wildlife Festival • Assisting with preparation for 2014 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act • Attending monthly staff meetings • Updating and ordering trail signage • Creating press releases, updating refuge Facebook page, • Updating Visitor Center displays • Misc. other activities as assigned
Qualifications: • Excellent teamwork skills • Ability to work independently • Ability to initiate and complete projects on your own with guidance • Writing skills: an understanding of basic grammar and spelling • Organization Skills • Communication skills • Knowledge of natural sciences preferred. • Willingness to learn about Florida Keys specific issues • Familiarity with Microsoft Office software, GIS a plus • Ability to work in sometimes very hot, sometimes buggy conditions. • College degree helpful, but not absolutely required
Eligibility: Valid driver's license is required. Must be over 22 years old. May be subject to background check. Applicants will be evaluated based on resume, references, and the match of applicant's skills with the needs of the Service.
Length of Service and Time Required We will be looking for someone who can commit to a full 6 months service, 40 hrs per week, sometimes weekends
Please submit resume to [email protected], call 305 304 9625 or 305 872 0774 (M-F 9-4) for more information
Applicants will receive lodging and a small living stipend (approx. $40/day)
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. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. This position is in the National Key Deer Refuge, in the Florida Keys.
Housing Availability:
Available • Housing Type: Bunk House • Housing Description: Single family home with multiple rooms and two bathrooms. Shared rooms include kitchen, living room and dining room. Shared cleaning details. In most instances, you'll have your own bedroom. House is within walkiing distance to Visitor Center and grocery stores.