Individual Placement - Water Safety Program Participant Beaver Lake (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is a reputable nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders. Founded in 1957, the SCA partners with public land agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community groups across the United States to provide youth and young adults with hands-on environmental service opportunities. Through its programs, the SCA fosters environmental stewardship and personal growth by engaging participants in meaningful conservation work while strengthening local communities. The association values diversity, teamwork, and respect, ensuring an empowering and inclusive work environment.

This specific internship opportunity is located at Beaver Lake in Rogers, Arkansas, and offers a unique blend of environmental education, conservation work, and outdoor recreation management. The intern will contribute to Beaver Lake's water safety program goals and objectives, supporting both public safety and natural resource conservation efforts. This role allows the intern to gain valuable work experience through daily interaction with visitors, providing interpretative assistance, and contributing to recreation and natural resource management. The position runs from June 8, 2026, to September 4, 2026, encompassing the busy recreation season when visitor engagement is at its peak.

The intern will collaborate closely with rangers and other staff to help tell the story of the US Army Corps of Engineers and the importance of water safety, environmental stewardship, and the preservation of public lands. Some core responsibilities include conducting water safety presentations at schools and special events, accompanying rangers on patrols, and assisting with customer surveys to improve public experiences. In addition, the role includes updating interpretive displays, managing informational materials, staffing park booths during high visitation, and sharing updates on lake and weather conditions.

Marginal duties involve light maintenance tasks, shoreline inspections, boundary maintenance, and wildlife surveys, enriching the intern's understanding of natural resource management. This internship requires physical stamina, such as the ability to work outdoors and lift up to 40 pounds, as the activities are often conducted in varied weather conditions. The role necessitates that the intern wears SCA-provided attire while on duty and adheres to safety and operational protocols.

Compensation for this internship includes a weekly living allowance, commuting allowance, monthly housing allowance, and travel reimbursement for eligible non-local participants, all subject to federal, state, and local taxes. The internship requires a 40-hour workweek, with flexibility for nights, weekends, and holidays during the recreation season. Although housing is not provided, interns are recommended to have a personal vehicle for commuting and local travel. Additional training, such as first aid/CPR certification and defensive driving, is provided to ensure that interns are fully prepared to perform their duties safely and effectively.

Overall, this position is ideal for individuals passionate about environmental conservation, eager to engage with the public, and interested in gaining hands-on experience in natural resource management, water safety education, and outdoor recreation. The role provides an excellent opportunity to build valuable skills, contribute to meaningful work, and make a positive impact in a beautiful natural setting under the guidance of experienced professionals at the Student Conservation Association and the US Army Corps of Engineers.