Summer 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

We seek two, part-time, enthusiastic students to serve as Summer Interns for the Pascagoula River Audubon Center (PRAC) in Moss Point, Mississippi. Supervised by the Education Manager, the Summer Interns will work to serve as day camp educators or counselors, assist with daily operations of the nature center, assist with grounds work, and lead PRAC tours for visiting patrons and field trips.

The Summer Internship is a great opportunity to learn more about environmental education and facility operations. The intern will assist in the delivery of education programs and daily operations of the Pascagoula River Audubon Center. The interns will learn about interpretive teaching, curriculum development, effective teaching skills, as well as group management.

The position is temporary, part-time, scheduled for approximately 25 hours per week.

This is an onsite role based at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center.

Intern Schedule:
Our programs occur during the weekday 8am-3pm, Monday- Friday. Interns must be able to commit to at least 20-25 hours per week, Monday-Friday, and must be available to teach on those days between 9am and 1pm. Schedule will be flexible and coordinated in 2 to 4-week intervals. Some Saturdays may be required to work. Candidates must have reliable transportation to/from the Pascagoula River Audubon Center.

Projected Start Date:
Projected start date is May 22, 2023, and projected end date is July 15, 2023.

Compensation:

$15.00/hr

Essential Functions

Intern Responsibilities and Learning Objectives

During the internship, you will work with the Education Manager to:

• Assist, coordinate, and participate in summer day camp activities for grades K-8 and other educational programs at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center (PRAC)
• Help lead hands-on activities during summer programs or public outreach. Activities might include lessons, games, crafts, water activities, animal encounters, hikes, clean-up, and general operations of onsite programs.
• Assist with daily feeding of fish, turtles and snakes and ensure the inventory of food is replenished.
• Develop activities and curricula for camps and outreach programs.
• Support the operations and maintenance of PRAC spaces, aquarium tanks, and materials.
• Interact and work with campers, parents, teachers, volunteers, and the general public while serving as an ambassador for the PRAC and the National Audubon Society.
• Lift and move kayaks, rental equipment, and other landscaping tools, when needed.

Interns will gain experience and knowledge in the following:

• Local natural history, teaching and public speaking expertise, and program planning experience.
• Leading and co-leading small groups of campers through summer 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.

Qualifications and Experience

• Must be a student entering 11th or 12th grade or enrolled in college.
• Experience or background in working with elementary-level children (PreK-8th grade) and confidence in teaching or leading groups of people.
• Must have the ability to arrive on time, when expected, and ready to work.
• Must dress appropriately for the job.
• Must be willing to work in a flexible environment.
• Must have the ability to work unsupervised.
• Must be a dependable, self-starter, with ability to complete tasks with attention to detail.
• Must have the ability to stand and/or move constantly during a shift. Must be able to stand on your feet for long periods of time and lift loads up to 30 lbs.
• Must be in good physical condition, able to perform outdoor tasks in all weather conditions and on difficult terrain (e.g., playing games in an open field in high heat) while maintaining a positive and professional attitude.
• Must display patience and fairness when dealing with people of all ages.
• Must have an ability to work both as part of a team and independently in a dynamic, non-structured environment.

Preferences:

• Enthusiasm for learning and sharing.
• An energetic persona and love for working with kids.
• Are planning to enter an environmental or education field.
• Interest in, comfort in, and knowledge of the natural world, environmental issues, and conservation practices.
• Previous experience and background in environmental education, Mississippi natural history, or natural resources.

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.