To be eligible for an Internship, applicants must meet the following prerequisites:

Must have a declared degree in the conservation field. Must have 60 hours of college credits earned by the time the Internship begins.

At the time of application, must be a college student, graduated within the previous 12 months, or currently enrolled in a post-graduate program.

Must have a 2.5 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

Selected intern will coordinate directly with their college or university to obtain course credit for their work.   

Individuals currently pursuing a degree in wildlife management, wildlife ecology, wildlife biology, forest ecology, or a related field.

Knowledge of the procedures and methods used in documenting wildlife investigations. Knowledge of the equipment and techniques used to maintain buildings, grounds and equipment. Knowledge of fish propagation, harvesting, cultivation, and maintenance activities. Knowledge of tissue and blood sampling techniques used in collection research. Knowledge of agricultural methods and basic land laws. Knowledge of timber marking, land surveying, and other related forestry techniques. Ability to collect samples of wildlife, perform fish hatchery, prepare reports, maintain files, and present oral and written information. Ability to operate and maintain wildlife equipment.

Preference will be given to applicants that possess an understanding of habitat and wildlife management techniques and have a willingness to learn.

The AGFC’s internship program allows students to gain practical experience and meet hands-on training requirements necessary to earn their degrees and gain valuable career-oriented experience.

Program Goals and Opportunities:

The AGFC Internship program is designed to help students gain education and practical experience related to the conservation work AGFC performs and to meet hands-on training requirements necessary for students to earn their degree. This training is critical to students pursuing a conservation career and is often the deciding factor in gaining employment after college.

Inspects forest lands for damage by insects or disease, assists in implementing plans or recommendations for control measures, and prepares plans for site preparation or improvement of planting, harvesting, marketing, or wildlife use. Conducts or assists in conducting research on collected samples, such as fish, blood, water, soil, and plant species, and examines animals and specimens to detect diseases or other problems. Conducts agricultural and forest management activities on wildlife management areas, including preparing seed beds and plant foods; selects and marks trees for thinning and/or logging utilizing soil erosion control measures and maintains waterways, dams, and ponds. Monitors and inspects public and private wildlife to ensure compliance with state regulations and trains various personnel in activities, such as fire safety, accident prevention, and maintenance and calibration of scientific and technical equipment. Gathers, provides, and presents general and forestry educational information and training to various federal, state, local health officers, community organizations, and the general public. Provides technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields, such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, and biology. Assists in conducting fish and game propagation and maintenance activities, including monitoring of spawning, hatching, incubation, sexing, and feeding. Prepares reports pertaining to wildlife findings, conclusions and recommendations. Cleans, maintains, prepares, and supplies work areas. Performs other duties as assigned.

This internship position will be assisting AGFC staff with ongoing wildlife and habitat management and maintenance projects on the Petit Jean River Wildlife Management Area and surrounding wildlife management areas along the Arkansas River Valley and Ouachita Mountain Ecosystems.

Job duties include but are not limited to the following:

- Assist staff with managing, maintaining and monitoring upland and bottomland forested habitats.

- Assist staff with managing, maintaining and monitoring marsh habitats, green tree reservoirs, and moist-soil units.

- Assist staff with managing, maintaining and monitoring wildlife openings and old field systems.

- Assist staff with locating, baiting, trapping and banding multiple species of waterfowl.

- Assist staff with locating, baiting, capturing and radio-collaring adult female black bears.

- Assist staff with prescribed fire planning, burn unit preparation and post burn analysis.

- Assist staff with Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and other wildlife health related efforts.

- Assist staff with wildlife population and plant identification surveys.

- Assist staff with handling nuisance wildlife complaints.

- Assist staff in feral hog and beaver nuisance control efforts on WMAs.

- Assist staff with WMA infrastructure maintenance projects.

- Assist staff with ongoing waterfowl habitat restoration projects.

- Assist staff by properly maintaining and operating all types of GIS/GPS equipment, chainsaws, boats, pumps, ATVs/UTVs, tractors, bulldozers, and farm implements.

- Assist a variety of staff from other divisions within the agency on their normal day to day work activities.

NONE

Internships are no more than 400 hours for 10 weeks amounting to roughly 40 hours per week at a rate of $12.75 per hour. Intern positions will be available through June, July, and August. Flexible work schedules can be established with your division supervisor.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION:

Please upload and attach to this application:

1. A current resume.
2. A one-page cover letter to include goals, interests, and how an AGFC internship will help accomplish those goals.
3. A copy of your unofficial or official college transcript(s). Official transcripts will be required prior to employment start date. 

IF THESE DOCUMENTS ARE NOT ATTACHED YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE DETERMINED INCOMPLETE UNTIL THEY ARE RECEIVED.

If you are unable to attach your documentation you may email them to NYKKI.ALLRED@AGFC.AR.GOV, attention with the position name and position number in the subject.  All documents must be received by March 31, 2023.

Internships are no more than 400 hours for 10 weeks amounting to roughly 40 hours per week at a rate of $12.75 per hour. Intern positions will end tentatively before August 31, 2023.

Housing will not be provided.

All applicants are subject to a criminal background check.