Analyzing National Eagle Repository Customer Service and Communication Needs

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: USFWS In-person work is an option, but not required. In-person candidates should report to: National Eagle and Wildlife Property Repository, 6550 Gateway Road, Building 128, Commerce City, Colorado, 80022 Work Schedule and Flexibilities: Up to 20 hours per week, at least 10 preferred. Must be able to work within National Eagle Repository core hours, Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM MT. Start/end dates flexible. Remote (100% work off site) 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. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages. The National Eagle Repository (NER) is a one-of-a-kind facility operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Office of Law Enforcement, serving to receive, evaluate, store and distribute the remains of deceased bald and golden eagles to enrolled members of federally recognized Native American Tribes. NER seeks a student trainee to assist in improving communication and customer service for the audiences the program serves, including Tribal members, government offices, permitted wildlife rehabilitators, members of the public, and others. The selected applicant will conduct an analysis of the communication needs of these audiences, including identifying communication barriers. areas where NER's current communication materials (i.e., web pages, email communications, others) may provide insufficient information, and resources which are being underutilized by key audiences. NER receives a high volume of phone and email inquiries seeking information about the transfer of eagle remains to the program, and laws and regulations governing disposition and possession of eagle remains. Understanding current deficiencies in NER's ability to effectively respond to these requests and opportunities to correct these deficiencies will help NER provide more efficient, effective service to its customers. The duties of this position include but are not limited to the following: Conducting an analysis of the questions and inquiries most frequently received by NER and areas or topics where existing communication materials and public information may be insufficient or underutilized. Reviewing existing NER communication materials to identify deficiencies, outdated or unclear guidance, and areas where applicants, partners and the public frequently request clarification. Developing findings summaries and data visuals that translate insights into actionable recommendations for NER to implement. 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:

• Be an undergraduate or graduate student.
• Possess strong written and oral communication skills
• Be able to work both independently and in collaboration with others

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience developing or administering customer or visitor experience surveys, conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis, and basic statistics
• Coursework, prior experience, or interest in communications, sociology, education, or other fields related to project objectives

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:

• 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 (at least undergraduate or above) 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.