[Hiring] Science Communications & Synthesis Support for Pollinator Research @Geological Survey

Role Description

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.

• Work Schedule and Flexibilities:
  • Student hours: 8-20 hours per week, part-time.
  • Total Duration: Minimum 90-days, align with academic term calendars.
  • Remote (100% work off site)
• Number of Positions: 2
• Term(s): Fall 2026 (90 day term between August 15 - December 15)

This project supports an ongoing effort to evaluate insect pollinator status and vulnerability in the Southeast and U.S. Caribbean by the Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center - a multi-partner initiative assessing how changing conditions may affect native bees across the highly biodiverse region. The project integrates ecological data, hazards data, and species-specific knowledge from technical experts to identify at-risk pollinator taxa and support conservation practitioners with actionable information. Student volunteers will help advance the project's results synthesis and science communication, ensuring that findings are accessible, accurate, and useful for end-users including federal and state agencies, Tribal partners, NGOs, land managers, and the public.

• The student will contribute to two core needs:
  • Results Collation, Distillation & Organization:
    • Help organize inputs from assessments and expert responses.
    • Collate summary findings across species groups or geographic regions.
    • Assist in distilling results into digestible formats.
    • Identify patterns or themes relevant for stakeholder communication.
  • Science Communication & End-User Product Development:
    • Help translate technical project outputs into clear, engaging communication products such as:
      • Short written summaries of methods, findings, or project activities.
      • Web content updates for the project webpage.
      • Infographics or visual explainers illustrating key concepts (e.g., what hazards exposure means for pollinators, why certain species are vulnerable).
      • Fact sheets or one-page briefs tailored to conservation practitioners.

Qualifications

• College, university or technical/vocational institute student from an academic background related to environmental sciences, biology, science communication, or related fields.
• Interest in science communication, biology, ecology, climate, hazards, or conservation.
• Basic ability to translate scientific information into clear, accessible language for non-technical audiences.
• Solid organizational and synthesis skills, including comfort working with multiple information sources.
• Familiarity with basic science communication or design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe suite, or similar products) is helpful but not necessary.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S National studying in the U.S. or abroad. International students on valid US student visas may participate if they meet applicable immigration, visa, and agency authorities.
• Be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution (at least college or above) throughout the 90 day Semester of Service opportunity.
• Students graduating before December 1, 2026 are not eligible.
• 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.
• Agree to understanding volunteers are not Federal employees.
• Not be a current federal employee.

Benefits

• Meaningful project work with clear deliverables, regular supervision and federal mentorship.
• Hands-on application of academic knowledge in real-world Federal operations.
• Exposure to Federal missions, workplace culture, and potential career pathways.
• Coverage under Federal Tort Claims Act.
• Workers' compensation for service-related injuries.
• Structured onboarding and ongoing supervision.