Education 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

The Education Internship is a great opportunity to learn more about environmental education at a leader within the conservation industry. The interns will assist in the delivery of education programs and daily operations of the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center. The education interns will learn about effective teaching skills, curriculum development, as well as various educational pedagogies.

The position is temporary and paid at a rate of $15.00 per hour, scheduled for approximately 8-12 hours per week. The interns will work with the Education Coordinator at the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center to develop their skills, as well as identify and complete a project based on the intern’s individual interests.

All seasonal interns will gain experience and/or knowledge in:

• Local natural history, teaching and public speaking expertise, program planning experience, and research skills.
• Leading and co-leading small groups of students through seasonal programs.
• Developing lesson plans and curricula for an outdoor setting.
• Connecting kids with nature through inquiry learning, and role-modeling interest and empathy towards all living things.

Schedule:

The programs occur during the school day 8am-12pm, Monday- Friday. Interns must be able to commit to at least 2 days per week, Monday-Friday, and must be available to teach on those days between 8am and 1pm. Interns are also expected to work at least one Saturday morning per month, either staffing RSAC or delivering programs or outreach.

Projected start date is September 20, 2022 and projected end date is December 9, 2022.

Essential Functions

During the internship you will work with the education staff to:

• Assist in teaching elementary students during outdoor field trips at the Rio Salado Audubon Center and Sanctuary (RSAC);
• Help lead hands-on activities during classroom visits to Phoenix schools;
• Work with high school students for outdoor service learning field trips;
• Conduct community outreach at tabling events around Phoenix;
• Develop activities and curricula for community and family programs;
• Support the operations and maintenance of RSAC spaces and materials.

Qualifications and Experience

• Previous experience and background in environmental education, southwestern natural history, and natural resources.
• Experience working with elementary-level students (PreK-6th grade), previous experience teaching or leading groups of people.
• Hard working, flexible, and self-motivated.
• Spanish fluency highly desirable.
• Must be able to stand on your feet for long periods of time, lift loads up to 15 lbs, and traverse uneven terrain for over 2 miles with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to lead groups in an outdoor setting, including being able to traverse the trails and uneven terrain of the Nature Center and surrounding properties in variable weather conditions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

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.