Trinity River Audubon Center (TRAC) is an environmental education center located in Dallas, Texas. Our 120-acre sanctuary includes 5 miles of walking trails winding through the Blackland Prairie, Great Trinity Forest, ponds, and the Trinity River, and provides outstanding learning opportunities in a diverse and beautiful setting. Internships have been a part of our program since 2008
Education interns typically work 27 hours per week and are paid an hourly wage. Duties primarily take place on weekdays but also on weekends and evenings as dictated by the program schedule. Interns will learn from experts in the field of conservation education while gaining exposure to informal education techniques both inside and outside the classroom. Teaching topics may include birds, reptiles, general nature exploration, geology and fossils, food webs, exploration of different communities and more. Internship Dates: February 2018 - May 2018
During the education internship, they will:
- Prepare and teach hands-on environmental education school programs for children
- Work closely with other staff to plan and implement programs
- Lead field trips and camp programs
- Serve as a role model naturalist and environmental steward
- Assist with animal care as needed
- Assist with special events such as the Celebrate birds, Owloween, and Earth Day Texas as necessary
- Assist with various assigned projects
Skills and Knowledge Gained:
- Experience teaching and public speaking to groups of all ages
- Opportunity to make connections with environmental professionals
- Natural history of the Blackland Prairie Eco-region
- Writing and research
- Independent planning and execution of specific tasks
- Animal husbandry of different animals
- Experience teaching and working with children is preferred
- A self- starter, one with a positive and enthusiastic approach to all tasks
- Must be able to lead walking tours and programs on a trail system (5 miles in a 120 acre sanctuary)
- Have exceptional interpersonal and academic skills
- Ability to work and collaborate with people of varying backgrounds, individually and in a team setting
- Must be a knowledgeable, hardworking individual dedicated to education and the environment
- Comfortable working with live animals (snakes, turtles, pigeons, and more)
- First aid and CPR certification preferred but not mandatory