Natural Resources Education & Outreach Intern

Job Description

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION Created May 8, 2026

POSITION TITLE:

Natural Resources Outreach & Education Intern

FLSA STATUS:

Seasonal/Non-exempt

DEPARTMENT:

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection

SALARY:

$20 hourly (Total not to exceed $6,000)

May – August (Summer 2026)

LOCATION:

King William, VA

EDUCATION:

Must be a current High School Senior or Recent Graduate (at least 18 years old) or College Student or Recent Graduate

SUPERVISOR:

Natural Resources Manager

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Experience with volunteering, youth programs, environmental programs, community work, or Tribal initiatives or event coordination preferred but not required

The Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Department of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe is seeking a motivated and community-driven Natural Resources Outreach & Education Intern for Summer 2026.

This is an opportunity to work directly with Tribal leadership and staff to support programs that bring our community together—from Family Fishing Night to Tribal Youth Summer Camp—while gaining real-world experience in outreach, event coordination, and environmental programming.

The Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Department is committed to protecting and stewarding our ancestral lands and waters through a balance of traditional knowledge and modern practices. This internship is designed to invest in the next generation by providing hands-on experience, leadership development, and meaningful involvement in Tribal initiatives.

If you are interested in working with your community, building valuable skills, and being part of something that makes a real impact, we encourage you to apply.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Natural Resources Outreach & Education Intern will play a key role in supporting community-based environmental programming through outreach, coordination, and event logistics. This position focuses on connecting Tribal citizens—especially youth and families—to Natural Resources programs by helping organize events, manage participation, and ensure successful program delivery.

The intern will gain hands-on experience in program coordination, community engagement, and Tribal environmental initiatives, while contributing directly to meaningful community impact.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Community Outreach & Engagement

• Conduct outreach to Tribal citizens and community members to promote programs and events.
• Assist with RSVP tracking and follow-up for events such as Family Fishing Night and other community initiatives.
• Communicate with participants and families through approved communication methods, under staff direction, including phone, email, text, or social media as appropriate.
• Help increase community awareness and participation in Natural Resources programming.

Program Coordination & Logistics

• Support planning and coordination of events, workshops, and community programs.
• Assist with preparing supply lists, gathering materials, documenting purchases and coordinating supply needs under staff direction.
• Organize, inventory, and prepare program materials in advance of events.
• Help manage schedules, sign-in sheets, and event logistics.

Administrative & Organizational Support

• Maintain organized records of outreach efforts, RSVPs, and participation.
• Assist in tracking program timelines, needs, and deliverables.
• Help prepare outreach materials such as flyers, basic content, and event summaries.
• Support general organization and day-to-day coordination of program activities.

Tribal Youth Camp Support (Key Responsibility)

• Serve as support staff for the Tribal Youth Camp during the fourth week of July.
• Assist with daily coordination, participant engagement, and activity setup throughout the week.
• Help ensure a safe, organized, and positive experience for youth participants.
• Tribal Youth Camp week requires full-time commitment (~40 hours) and is a central component of the internship.
• Because this position involves youth programming, the selected candidate must successfully complete all required background screening before participating in youth-facing activities. The intern must follow all Tribal youth safety, communication, supervision, and incident-reporting protocols. The intern may not transport youth, communicate privately with minors through personal accounts, or supervise youth without assigned staff oversight unless expressly authorized by the Tribe.

Program Development & Creativity

• Contribute ideas for new community programs, youth engagement activities, or outreach strategies.
• Assist in designing and piloting small-scale programs or activities under staff guidance.
• Help evaluate participation and suggest improvements for future events.

Community Event Support

• Assist with setup, coordination, and participant experience during community-based events.
• Provide general support during programs to ensure smooth operations.
• Ability to assist with light event setup, materials handling, and outdoor programming activities in summer conditions. This position is not intended to perform heavy fieldwork or sustained manual labor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong communication and willingness to engage with community members.
• Organized, dependable, and detail oriented.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and support event coordination.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years old and be a current high school senior, recent high school graduate, college student or recent college graduate.

• Interest in environmental programs, community work, or Tribal initiatives.
• Experience with volunteering, youth programs, or event coordination (not required).

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Reliable transportation or ability to get to Tribal work sites.
• Applicants are required to authorize a background check and submit to drug testing. Failure to do so will disqualify applicants for consideration for the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position includes a mix of office, community, and outdoor event settings. Work may involve standing, walking, and participating in summer programming activities. Must be able to lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Have the ability to assist with event setup and materials handling. Must be able to participate in outdoor activities during summer conditions. Have the ability to work outdoors including inclement weather and physically demanding conditions.

HOW TO APPLY:

Candidates desiring to apply for this position must submit the following to receive consideration:

• Cover letter explaining your qualifications and experience relevant to the functions of this position.

AND

• Personal resume identifying your qualifications and experience relevant to the functions of this position.

TO

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NOTICE: Qualified Native Americans will be given preference in employment as required by the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S. 450, ET. Seq) including other relevant laws. In accordance with Title VII of the 1984 Civil Rights Act, Sections 701(b) and 703(1), preference in filling all vacancies may be given to qualified American Indian candidates. In other than the proceeding situations, the Tribe is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).