Duration: 11-week internship, full time. Flexible start date between May 2022 - August 2022. Possibility exists for an extension if desired and applicable to candidates availability.

Location: Denver, CO or remote internship. With changing restrictions, the opportunity may arise for the intern to work in-person at the Denver office.

Internship Description:

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is partnering with Hispanic Access Foundation to bring a Civil Rights Intern to our Civil Rights Division (CRD). The intern will support the CRD by completing a rigorous project which will challenge them to evaluate the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) program at Reclamation. The intern will work on project deliverables that directly contribute to the Department of the Interior and Reclamation’s DEIA strategic plans and provide recommendations to improve them at the conclusion of their internship.

Civil Rights Intern will be assigned to a 11-week project that will align with their education, experience, and career goals. The project will consist of the following elements:

The internship will conclude with the Intern giving a presentation on their experience, research, and further recommendations to key Reclamation stakeholders.

Interns will be assigned a mentor and participate in weekly meetings with said mentor and other bureau personnel to discuss their project, gather information, and provide recommendations. Interns will be provided the opportunity to attend meetings related to the Department of the Interior and Reclamation equal employment opportunity communities to gain a broader understanding of the processes that influence Reclamation’s Civil Rights operations. These meetings provide an excellent opportunity to develop communication skills and an understanding of federal government civil service.

Resource Assistant Internship (RAI) Program and Direct Hire Authority: Reclamation’s RAI Program provides a pathway for Reclamation hiring managers to non-competitively hire RAI participants (or “Interns”) to permanent positions who have successfully completed a rigorous 11-week Summer Internship, approved by the Reclamation RAI Review Board and Human Capital Officer. Eligible Interns must be enrolled in accredited post-secondary degree programs to apply and participate in the paid Internship opportunity. While participating in the 11-week paid Internship, Interns will prove their analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills at Reclamation sites or offices. After successful completion of an Internship and subsequently achieving their degree, hiring managers have two years from the Intern’s graduation date to non-competitively appoint them to a vacancy for which they qualify. After successful completion of all program requirements, Interns may be converted to a permanent position, but conversion is neither guaranteed nor promised.

Project Background:

The Bureau of Reclamation produces dams and hydroelectricity for western states. We are the largest wholesaler of water in the country, bringing water to more than 31 million people and providing one out of five Western farmers with irrigation water. Reclamation is also the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States. With 53 power plants we annually provide electricity to 3.5 million homes. Reclamation is a bureau under the Department of the Interior, and we are committed to the conservation of US land and the protection of natural resources in the interest of the American public.

The CRD provides recommendations, guidance and consultation in the development and implementation of strategies to promote and maintain a diverse and inclusive workforce that thrives in an environment accessible to all and free of employment discrimination. The CRD staff advises, represents and assists Reclamation on civil rights, diversity, and equal opportunity matters that ensure:

Opportunities in the CRD are growing, and we are seeking a student to come explore a career in civil rights and then gain a direct hiring authority when they graduate.

Interns will work and communicate with an HAF Program Manager during their internship. Interns will be expected to participate in scheduled conference calls, webinars, and meetings conducted throughout their term. Interns will capture photos and/or videos for reporting purposes and submit 4 blog posts highlighting their experience and development.

Special or Preferred Skills

The ideal candidate:

Minimum Qualifications

Stipend + Benefits

Working Conditions

Interns will conduct daily duties in an online/virtual capacity. Interns will have weekly meetings with the Supervisor/mentor to continually track Project progression, amend milestones appropriately, and discuss professional development goals. Interns will have Mid-term and End-term performance evaluations with the Supervisor. This one-on-one performance evaluation covers technical competence, workload management, communication, leadership characteristics, and ability to work independently.

Application

HAF is managing the recruitment for these positions. All applications should be submitted through HAF’s MANO Project application page. A resume and two references will be required for submission. Your application or resume should include professional and educational experience, along with any awards, technical skills or volunteer activities. Application questions or issues may be directed to Crystal Strong ( crystal@hispanicaccess.org).

Applications for this position are due on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at 11:59 pm EDT. Phone interviews and final decisions to follow.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process should contact Hispanic Access Foundation directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Mission: The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public. At Reclamation, our core values are professional excellence, safety, and Respect.

Hispanic Access Foundation Mission: Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that connects Latinos and People of Color to partners and opportunities improving lives and creating an equitable society. Hispanic Access’s vision is that all Hispanics throughout the U.S. enjoy good physical health, a healthy natural environment, a quality education, economic success and civic engagement in their communities with the sum improving the future of America.