Murray State University

Within the Past Fifteen Years, Both Clarks River NWR and Frankfort Ecological Service Field Office Have Recruited Highly Qualified Candidates From Murray State University Including Ethnically Diverse, LGBT, Underserved, and Veteran Candidates However, These Candidates Have a Difficult Time Competing in the Hiring Process for the Fish and Wildlife Service This Cooperative Agreement Will Provide Students the Opportunity to Gain Hands on Wildlife Management and Public Use Experiences With Natural Resource Professionals Additionally, Students May Gain the Opportunity to Pursue Competitive Placement Within the Fish and Wildlife Service Moreover, This Trial Test Period Will Allow Each Student a Better Understanding of the Fish and Wildlife Service S Mission and Allow Them to Determine If They Want to Pursue a Career With the Fish and Wildlife Service the Fish and Wildlife Service Will Have the Opportunity to Evaluate the Intern S Performance While Supplementing the Refuge Staff S Ability to Accomplish High Quality Wildlife Management, Research, Environmental Education, Facility Upkeep, and Public Use Amenity Maintenance Our Objectives Are to 1 Provide Real World Land Management Education Opportunities While Introducing the Mission of the Fish and Wildlife Service and Promoting Natural Resource Stewardship to a Diverse Group of Students, 2 Provide Hands on Experience From Natural Resource Professionals Including Wildlife Habitat Management, Public Use, Environmental Education, Facility Upkeep, and Public Use Amenity Maintenance to Students With an Interest in Natural Resource Fields to Develop Practical Skills Within the Natural Resources Field, 3 Increase the Recruitment, Hiring, and Retention of Highly Qualified, Diverse Individuals to the Fish and Wildlife Service, and 4 Augment the Refuge S Ability to Conduct Research, Inventory and Monitoring, Wildlife Habitat Management Restoration, Public Use, and Environmental Education and Interpretation Programs