Education Community Engagement Fellow – Everglades National Park (DHA)

End Dates: May 18, 2026 – August 10, 2026 (12 weeks)
Compensation: $768 per week
Medical Insurance: Not provided
Application Due: March 14, 2026

The Latino Heritage Internship Program seeks to engage young professionals in natural resource careers. Applicants must meet the following additional requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Be between the ages of 18 and 30, or up to 35 if a veteran
• Be a student enrolled in an accredited college or university, with a graduation date after the internship end date
• Be willing to undergo a background check upon hiring
• Have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record
  

A personal vehicle is required for this position.

Position description

The intern will work with park staff and community partners to facilitate safe, engaging, and interpretive programming for students and children visiting the park as part of summer programming with partner organizations.

The intern will collaborate with local community partners to lead programs both in and out of the park. Responsibilities include creating and conducting three safe and engaging interpretive, curriculum-based summer programs for students and educators. These programs will include a wet walk program, an indoor visitor center experience in case of inclement weather, and facilitation of portions of week-long immersive summer professional development training for educators. The indoor visitor center experience will use existing exhibits at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center or the Guy Bradley Visitor Center and include guided activities for students to explore the visitor center(s) in groups and complete an activity guide.

Responsibilities

• Lead educational programs in and out of the park in collaboration with local community partners
• Design and deliver three curriculum-based summer programs for students and educators
• Facilitate a wet walk program that interprets natural resources and fosters relevance and inspiration
• Develop and lead an indoor visitor center experience using existing exhibits and guided activities
• Support and present interpretive activities during week-long professional development workshops for educators
• Help connect local communities and educators to the park’s natural and cultural resources through on-site experiences
  

Qualifications

• Major studies relevant to this position include education, History, Environmental, Physical, or Biological Sciences, Parks and Recreation, or related fields aligned with the project
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or PhD program at an accredited institution of higher education during the summer internship period
• Eagerness to learn and willingness to try new tasks and experiences
• Comfort sharing ideas and engaging in conversations with others
• Ability and confidence to speak with the public, including in visitor centers or outdoor settings such as trails
  

Learning Goals

Interns will have the opportunity to:

• Gain interpretive experience and learn about the role of park rangers at Everglades National Park
• Experience the Everglades ecosystem during the summer months and help shift visitor perspectives to appreciate the park, even during occasionally uncomfortable conditions
• Learn about the different aspects of managing a national park
• Develop public speaking skills while interacting with local visitors in English and Spanish
• Work with the education team to understand the logistics of year-round programming
• Learn how to write curriculum-based lesson plans
• Learn how to create a federal resume and apply for federal positions
• Collaborate with sister park Dry Tortugas National Park to learn how virtual programs can serve as valuable interpretive tools
  

About the Site

Everglades National Park was the first national park established to protect biological diversity and supports a mix of temperate and tropical plants, animals, and ecosystems. Summer weather is hot and humid. The nearest community, Florida City/Homestead, is approximately 10 miles away and offers gas stations, grocery stores, movie theaters, restaurants, and shopping.

The greater Miami area has a majority (approximately 70%) Latino population (South Florida vernacular often uses the term Hispanic), with a majority of Cuban Americans (approximately 54%), followed by other Central and South American and Caribbean nationalities.

Previous interns have noted the wide selection of local grocery stores, which offer more than a single “ethnic food” aisle. Hispanic foods are especially common in the Homestead area, making this an especially welcoming location for interns from Hispanic backgrounds.

Direct Hire Authority (DHA)
Direct Hire Authority (DHA) at the successful conclusion of their internship. DHA status enables an agency to hire, after public notice is given, any qualified applicant. A DHA expedites hiring by eliminating competitive rating and ranking, veterans’ preference, and “rule of three” procedures. For more information, please click HERE.

EEO Statement

Environment for the Americas provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.