Science Communications

Summary 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.

Duties Location: Cabrillo National Monument, 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106

Work Schedule and Flexibilities: Preferably 10-20 hours per week, Hybrid (In office + telework eligible)

Number of Positions: 1

Term: Spring 2027 (90 day term between mid-January and mid-June)

This vacancy will be open until Thursday, October 29th, 2026 at 11:59pm ET or until 25 applications have been received. The vacancy will close on whichever day the first of these conditions are met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages.

The student will support the development of a public-facing ArcGIS StoryMap and accompanying 360-degree virtual tour focused on the tidepools at Cabrillo National Monument. This project will expand visitor understanding of the unique intertidal ecosystem, its species, geological features, and ongoing resource protection efforts.

Primary duties will include:

• Conducting background research on tidepool ecology, site history, and resource management topics to ensure scientific accuracy in project content.
• Organizing and curating multimedia assets for use in digital storytelling products.
• Designing and building StoryMap components, including narrative sections, interactive maps, media galleries, and educational segments aligned with the park's interpretive themes.
• Supporting creation of the 360-degree virtual tour by helping plan shot sequences and drafting descriptive text.
• Collaborating with park staff to ensure that all content aligns with agency messaging, accessibility standards, and science communication best practices.
• Participating in regular check-ins to review progress toward milestones and deliverables.

The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program, as authorized under 5 U.S.C §31114 and 5 CFR Part 3085, enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration. These assignments are designed to align with each agency's strategic priorities, offering participants practical experience within Federal operations while supporting the advancement of targeted initiatives.

Qualifications

Applicants will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs. Specifically, applicants should:

Required Qualifications:

• Interest in science communication, digital media, environmental studies, GIS, or related fields.
• Ability to conduct basic research, synthesize information, and write clearly for public audiences.
• Willingness to participate in fieldwork activities such as photography, videography, and site documentation (accommodations available for remote students).
• Basic comfort using digital tools such as online mapping platforms, media organization tools, or content-creation software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Coursework or experience in biology, ecology, environmental science, marine science, geography, digital storytelling, GIS, or multimedia production.
• Experience with photography, videography, or 360-degree media capture.
• Familiarity with ArcGIS StoryMaps or similar web-based storytelling platforms.
• Interest in visitor engagement, interpretive design, or communication of natural resources.

Education To qualify, you must be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited 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.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

To participate in this Program, you must:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S National studying in the U.S. or abroad
• Be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution (beyond high school) throughout the 90 day Semester of Service opportunity. Students graduating before May 1, 2027 are not eligible. Selectees will be responsible for contacting a school official to sign a Semester of Service approval form indicating you are currently enrolled at least half-time and in good academic standing.
• 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. You may use this volunteer experience to qualify for future jobs you choose to apply for.
• Agree to understanding volunteers are not Federal employees.
• Not be a current federal employee. Current federal employees can reach out to the contact below to inquire about job detail opportunities.

How you will be evaluated Your application will be evaluated by Department of Interior personnel to determine your eligibility for the position and your application will be forwarded to the project manager for review.

Benefits

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

How to apply To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 10/29/2026 of the announcement to receive consideration.

• To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
• Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
• After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
• You will be taken to the online assessment which you must complete to apply for the position. Complete the online assessment, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. You can view the assessment here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13086243

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/), all your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://usajobshelp.opm.gov/hc/en-us/articles/52879898157843-How-to-see-your-application-and-job-status/.

Paper applications and supplemental documents submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the vacancy contact will not be considered. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations should be sent to the vacancy contact listed below. Other information To qualify, you must be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited trade school, 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.