Science Communications & Synthesis Support for Pollinator Research

About the role

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.

Open to

• Post-secondary students currently accepted for enrollment
• Schools: Technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution (at least college or above)
• Full or half-time enrollment as defined by the educational institution

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)

Project Description

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.

Core Needs

• Results Collation, Distillation & Organization:
• Help organize inputs from assessments and expert responses
• Collate summary findings across species groups or geographic regions
• Aid in distilling results into digestible formats
• Identify patterns or themes relevant for stakeholder communication
• Science Communication & End-User Product Development:
• 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

• 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
• 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)
• 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

Education

• To qualify, you must be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited technical or vocational institute, junior college, 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

Additional Information

• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution
• This is an unpaid volunteer experience. Student volunteers are not considered Federal employees for any purpose other than injury compensation and laws related to the Federal Tort Claims Act, and service is not creditable for leave accrual or other employee benefits
• Professional experience: Meaningful project work with clear deliverables, regular supervision and federal mentorship
• Skill Development: Hands-on application of academic knowledge in real-world Federal operations
• Career Exploration: Exposure to Federal missions, workplace culture, and potential career pathways
• Protection and support: Coverage under Federal Tort Claims Act, Workers' compensation for service-related injuries, structured onboarding and ongoing supervision