Habitat Restoration Support for the USFWS Coastal Program

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 agencys strategic priorities.

Duties

Location: Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office 2177 Salk Avenue Suite 250 Carlsbad CA 92009
Work Schedule and Flexibilities: Hybrid (In office telework eligible)
Number of Positions: 1
Term: Spring 2027 (90 day term between mid-January and mid-June)

This vacancy will be open until Thursday October 29 th 2026 at 11:59pm ET or until 15 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.

The student would assist the Southern California Coastal Program with implementing Coastal Program projects. Initially the student would shadow and be trained by the supervisor on entry level tasks with the goal that the student can eventually conduct these tasks relatively independently. Much of the tasks involve field work so the student would need to be available to work in-person at project sites for at least several hours a day during normal workdays. Student deliverables include: field work contributing to acres of habitat restored and maintained in coastal areas; and data and reports associated with habitat restoration projects.

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 agencys strategic priorities offering participants practical experience within Federal operations while supporting the advancement of targeted initiatives.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Conditions of employment
To participate in this Program you must:

• 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 as an upperclassmen (Junior or beyond as determined by semester or quarter hours) 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 have completed at least two years of full-time undergraduate coursework (as determined by your college or university) and be considered at least a Junior.

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.