Career Discovery Internship Program

The purpose of this federal assistance is to attract a culturally and ethnically diverse group of students to serve in Student Conservation Association internships on units of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Career Discovery Internship Program CDIP. This service develops stewardship skills in young, diverse women and men while providing the opportunity to explore conservation careers with the Federal Government. As part of the Youth in the Great Outdoors Initiative, the program gives students hands on public lands service. CDIP interns attend a specialized week long orientation and training, learning with Service staff and recipient staff about environmental stewardship, problem solving, work culture and cultural and intergenerational understanding. During the following 12 week program, interns work at various Service sites throughout the country. Substantial involvement on the part of the USFWS is anticipated for the successful completion of the activities to be funded. In particular, the USFWS will be responsible for the following. 1. Provide maps and technical expertis, or specialized instruction in the use of equipment for the removal of invasive species. Provide instruction and training on the identification of invasive species, including reasons for control and appropriate timing and methods of control techniques. 2. As needed, provide chemical for spot treatment of invasive species. 3. Provide equipment and vehicle storage location for the recipient's crew during the work period. 4. Provide instruction and training on the proper restoration of oak savanna, a rare habitat type that represents one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. 5. Work alongside recipient crews to identify and properly harvest various native prairie grass and forb species. 6. Provide direction and project locations to maximize grassland bird benefits derived from invasive species control and tree removal through the creation of large blocks of grassland. As needed and available, provide GIS analysis of project sites to maximize grassland blocks. 7. Complete neighbor contacts and discussions to coordinate removal of trees and invasive species on common fence lines. When needed, in partnership with the recipient, provide operator and equipment to work with fence line removal projects. 8. Provide instruction and training on riparian restoration techniques and trout management. 9. Provide locations and specifications for the installation of parking lots and or gates, and complete necessary permits and utility locate calls. When needed, provide operator and equipment to recipient to complete parking lot and or gate projects.