In August 2020, the NPS Chesapeake Bay Office joined its partners, including NOAA and EPA, in the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) to announce the program’s new Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) Statement and Action Plan. The Chesapeake Bay Program seeks greater input and inclusion of diverse communities in the decisions we make to impact the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. One of the actions set forth to meet this goal is to foster relationships and make formal agreements with Minority Serving Institutions in our region in order to build a pipeline of talent well prepared to be the next generation of environmental stewards.
The SIP Intern will:
– In partnership with the Environmental Literacy and Diversity Workgroups, develop and implement strategies and programming for teachers, career and technical education providers, school-based guidance counselors and non-formal educators designed to connect K-12 students to future career opportunities, pathways and training opportunities in natural resource related fields.
– Establish relationships with Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and community colleges in the watershed, intentionally connecting with university/college career centers and science, agriculture, and additional departments, as well as sororities, fraternities, clubs, and professional associations that attract and support students from underrepresented groups.
– Create a working contact list and Youth Career Engagement Plan.
– Research labor market conditions, workforce development programs, and science education gaps at the federal, state, and local level.
– Organize career workshops, professional development, Chesapeake career speaker series, and mentorship opportunities for youth and early career professionals.
– Connect NPS Chesapeake and CBP partners to existing programs. Support collaboration and training amongst supervisors, mentors, and outreach staff.
– Attend job fairs and other career events to promote internship and employment opportunities.
– Create a resource guide for college and career readiness in environmental fields.
– Convene youth affinity group to advise on CBP recruitment and retention goals and engage in hands-on environmental stewardship and community science activities in environmental justice communities.
– Present action items to CBP leadership
This position is offered through the National Park Service’s Scientists in Parks (SIP) Program in partnership with Stewards Individual Placement Program (Stewards) and The Geological Society of America (GSA). The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent legal resident (“green-card-holder”) between the ages of 18 and 30 years old, inclusive, or veterans up to age 35. Prior to starting this position, a government security background clearance will be required.
