This internship is designed to provide practical experience teaching conservation based environmental education to groups of children and adults. Interns will learn from and mentor with professionals in the field of conservation education to develop outdoor and in-classroom teaching skills, and to incorporate their knowledge of the Hudson Valley’s natural history and conservation-related issues into hands-on, experiential lesson plans and activities. The education intern will gain experience leading groups of students through our seasonally based, conservation education programs, as well as learning to develop lesson plans for an outdoor setting. Classes range from K-12, with a focus on 3rd through 5th. Additionally, the intern will develop and implement informal conservation education public programming throughout the season, and assist in the daily operations of the Nature Center.
Work will primarily take place at one of the four Hudson Valley Audubon sites, including Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary, Ramshorn-Livingston Sanctuary, Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center and Sanctuary, and Buttercup Farm Audubon Sanctuary.
The Education Intern works under the guidance and direct supervision of the Education Manager; however, the entire staff is available to interns for special interest sessions, guidance, and assistance.
Under the management of Audubon Staff, the education intern will be responsible for:
- Assisting in and working closely with education staff to execute conservation-based school and community education programs.
- Work with the education manager in developing and revising lesson plans and curriculum.
- With direction from the education manager, the intern will also be responsible for designing and implementing an education project based on Audubon’s mission, conservation, and the needs of the center.
- Prepare lesson plans/curriculum, program set-up and clean-up, and program evaluation.
- Maintain inventory, condition and organization of educational materials, supplies and equipment.
- Staff the Nature Center, interact with the public to provide information about Audubon and Audubon’s mission, and answer questions for visitors
- Assisting with daily operations and light maintenance of center properties, including general housekeeping.
- Participating in other conservation efforts, scientific research and habitat restoration work. This includes: learning how to collect and identify of invertebrates in the field, eel monitoring, invasive species control, conduct plant surveys, and marsh bird surveys.
- Serve as a role model naturalist and environmental steward, and be a positive ambassador of Audubon
- Other duties as assigned.
- Excellent interpersonal/communication skills with adults & children a must.
- Ability to work well as part of the team and alone.
- A proactive, optimstic approach to work, one with strong interpersonal skills.
- Attention to detail, excellent time-management and organizational skills
- Must be able to commit to the entire period of work.
- Must be comfortable working outdoors in variable weather conditions.
- Be flexible and motivated.
- Prior teaching experience is preferred.
- Canoeing experience a plus.
- Interest in the mission of Audubon and the natural world is preferred.
This education internship is a challenging and highly rewarding experience for someone considering and/or pursuing a career in environmental or conservation education.
- Experience teaching and public speaking to groups of all ages
- Opportunity to make connections with environmental professionals
- Natural history of the Hudson Highlands
- Independent planning and execution of specific tasks under the guidance of the Education Manager
Daily schedule varies, but most days are 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Hours outside of those times will be required with certain programs and field based projects. Weekend and Holiday work will be expected.
This position is a paid internship, 35 hours per week, for a 22-24 week period. On-site housing is available, if needed.