Alternative Spring Break Intern

Overview

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.

Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

Position Summary

Opened 2011, the Audubon Center at Riverlands is one of 41 Audubon Centers in the U.S. Audubon Centers are hubs of influence and leadership for conservation throughout their regions and communities. We are a project of the National Audubon Society, a key component of Audubon’s Upper Mississippi River Program and a unique partnership with the Rivers Project Office of the St. Louis District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

We use education, science and public engagement to protect birds and their habitats in the Great Rivers Confluence Important Bird Area and the greater St. Louis Region. We build new generations of conservationists and leaders through experiential STEM-based learning in nature focused on under-resourced schools and communities; use science to understand and protect birds and habitat; and offer programs and events that promote an understanding and appreciation of nature, and inspire action to protect our Great Rivers, birds and habitat.

The Alternative Spring Break Internship is an essential part of the NEST (Nature Stewards of Tomorrow) program and interns will participate in outdoor conservation work, environmental justice trainings and career exposure opportunities. This week-long job opportunity will provide five-ten St. Louis region teens from the Ferguson-Florissant School District and Hazelwood School District with real work experience, understanding of local environmental issues, career exposure, and networking opportunities in the field of environmental conservation and sustainability.

Compensation

• $11.15/hourly

Essential Functions

• Assist in habitat management and other conservation projects happening on site at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary as well as other local natural spaces.
• Communicate with the Green Teen Alliance (GTA) Coalition including the alumni program.
• Serve as an essential intern for environmental justice trainings and activities.
• Interact and collaborate with various environmental partner organizations such as the Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife, TreeHouse Wildlife Center and more.
• Actively engage in career pathway conversations with staff and local partners.
• Promote a positive workplace culture by collaborating, being open to new ideas and experiences, and valuing equity, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace and off-site locations. Can include engaging in environmental justice trainings with your fellow interns.
• Articulate the mission of Audubon to the conservation partners and community members.
• Other duties as assigned by the Education Manager.

Qualifications and Experience

• High school student; currently enrolled in the Ferguson-Florissant School District or Hazelwood School District
• Demonstrate willingness to work outdoors in nature
• Ability to learn in an active and physical environment
• Commitment to the conservation of birds, other wildlife and their habitats
• Interpersonal, written and communication skills
• Must be self-motivated
• Ability to work together with fellow interns and supervisors as part of a team
• Willingness to engage in environmental justice discussions
• Must be 16 years or older
• Demonstrate interest in conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

COVID Policy

All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.