Science Communications
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.
Major duties
Location: Cabrillo National Monument, 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106 Work Schedule and Flexibilities: Preferably 10-20 hours per week, 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 29th, 2026 at 11:59pm ET or until 25 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 will support the development of a public-facing ArcGIS StoryMap and accompanying 360-degree virtual tour focused on the tidepools at Cabrillo National Monument. This project will expand visitor understanding of the unique intertidal ecosystem, its species, geological features, and ongoing resource protection efforts. Primary duties will include: Conducting background research on tidepool ecology, site history, and resource management topics to ensure scientific accuracy in project content. Organizing and curating multimedia assets for use in digital storytelling products. Designing and building StoryMap components, including narrative sections, interactive maps, media galleries, and educational segments aligned with the park's interpretive themes. Supporting creation of the 360-degree virtual tour by helping plan shot sequences and drafting descriptive text. Collaborating with park staff to ensure that all content aligns with agency messaging, accessibility standards, and science communication best practices. Participating in regular check-ins to review progress toward milestones and deliverables. 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.
Qualifications
Applicants will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs. Specifically, applicants should: Required Qualifications: Interest in science communication, digital media, environmental studies, GIS, or related fields. Ability to conduct basic research, synthesize information, and write clearly for public audiences. Willingness to participate in fieldwork activities such as photography, videography, and site documentation (accommodations available for remote students). Basic comfort using digital tools such as online mapping platforms, media organization tools, or content-creation software. Preferred Qualifications: Coursework or experience in biology, ecology, environmental science, marine science, geography, digital storytelling, GIS, or multimedia production. Experience with photography, videography, or 360-degree media capture. Familiarity with ArcGIS StoryMaps or similar web-based storytelling platforms. Interest in visitor engagement, interpretive design, or communication of natural resources.
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.
Requirements
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 trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution (beyond high school) 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.