Patuxent Research Refuge

Interested in getting involved with Patuxent Research Refuge? Opportunities include volunteering, internships, summer employment, and becoming a member of the Friends of Patuxent. 

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Employment Opportunities 

AmeriCorps Vista Position at Patuxent Research Refuge

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) works to protect and conserve fish, wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations. As part of this mission, the Patuxent Research Refuge engages surrounding communities through outdoor recreation, education, and conservation programming. Located between Washington, DC and Baltimore, the Refuge offers over 13,000 acres of protected woodlands, providing a rare opportunity for visitors, especially those new to nature to connect with the natural world. 

The Community Outreach and Engagement VISTA will build capacity for staff to expand public access to wildlife-dependent recreation, including fishing, hunting, and other traditional outdoor activities. The member will build systems for staff to engage in outreach and community engagement, create a strategic plan focused on coalition building and create curriculum for environmental education and interpretation programs that foster long-term connections to conservation. We are seeking a motivated, flexible, and community-oriented individual with strong communication and organizational skills, and an interest in environmental education and public service. The position follows a Tuesday–Saturday schedule, with flexibility to attend outreach events. This is a great opportunity for someone interested in gaining hands-on experience in conservation and community engagement while living near two major cities with access to diverse cultural and outdoor amenities. 

For more information, please see the listing on the AmeriCorps website: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=129382 

Hunting Control Station Manager 

Meade Natural Heritage Association (MNHA) partners with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to provide the public with high-quality outdoor recreational experiences at the Patuxent Research Refuge (PRR).  MNHA manages hunting activities on the PRR to assist with the management of wildlife in accordance with the PRR Hunting Plan. Our unique partnership increases and improves hunting access and opportunities with an emphasis on R3 (Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation) elements. R3 is a nationwide movement to increase or maintain participation in and support for shooting sports and hunting.  

The refuge is nearly 13,000 acres, predominately forested, between Baltimore and Washington and provides a diverse array of high-quality habitat for a wide variety of native wildlife. 

Position Description: 

The Hunting Control Station (HCS) Manager is responsible for the daily operations of the HCS including opening and closing, checking hunters in and out, collecting biological data of harvested game, and working with the executive board on projects to promote the refuge hunting program.  

HCS duties are generally 4 shifts per week, 8-hour shifts, and alternate between morning and afternoon. HCS Managers collaborate with USFWS personnel on various projects as needed and have the opportunity to engage in volunteer work with both USFWS and USGS on their days off.   

Experience to be Gained: 

A major focus is recruiting, retaining, and reactivating hunters, especially under-represented groups. Successful candidates will gain experience and understanding of wildlife refuge operations, policies, and challenges. Activities include engaging and working with USFWS and local organizations to promote activities related to the refuge hunting program. 

Education:  

An Associate’s degree or ongoing pursuit of a degree in wildlife management, natural resources, or a related field is preferred but not required. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Well organized, energetic, independent worker 
• Excellent verbal and writing skills 
• Marketing, Public Outreach, Customer relation skills  
• Excel, Access, statistics background, ArcGIS, Google Earth, website skills are a plus but not required. 

Position Benefits: 

• $402/week stipend (23 weeks total) 
• No-cost FWS housing  
• Public Land Corps Act credit - provides noncompetitive hiring status when applying to competitive service positions (valid for two years). 
• Hands on experience with Hunting Program Management 
• Time for study and researching topics of interest  

To apply 

Send your resume and cover letter to: 

[email protected]

Friends of Patuxent, Inc.

This is a volunteer led, tax-exempt non-profit organization that was formed in 1992 to support the missions and programs of the Patuxent Research Refuge and the Eastern Ecological Science Center. Click here to learn more about the Friends of Patuxent.