Conservation Education Naturalist Intern

Conservation Education Naturalist Intern

The International Crane Foundation (ICF) is looking for a detail-oriented team member to join our Visitor Program team in the role of Conservation Education Naturalist Intern. Over the past 50 years, ICF has grown from the dream of two college students to a world-renowned conservation effort to save the world’s cranes and the flyways and habitats they frequent. Our new Naturalist Intern member will gain valuable hands-on experience working with the Conservation Education Department. 

What is it like to work at ICF? Prepare to be surrounded by people who are passionate for our mission, dedicated to the organization, and engaged with their fellow staff and associates. You will find dedication in all levels of the organization from staff and volunteers to our dedicated Board Members. You will play a critical role in fulfilling our mission across the U.S. and within our partner countries around the world.  This position has a set duration of March – November 2024.  The compensation for this position is $1,500/month plus housing at our International Guest House located on site in Baraboo, Wisconsin.

Position Summary:

Share your passion and enthusiasm for nature and conservation with visitors to the International Crane Foundation. Each year, the Conservation Education Department (CED) staff engages with our guests through guided programs, outreach events, and virtual programs in support of the International Crane Foundation’s global mission. More than 25,000 people visit our newly renovation Cranes of the World Exhibits or outreach events to learn about cranes and our work to save this endangered family of birds. Conservation Education Naturalist Interns are trained in program development, delivery, and evaluation, and hone their public speaking and presentation skills to effectively communicate with diverse audiences and achieve meaningful conservation impact. 

Each CED Intern creates a main project that is beneficial to ICF and an asset for the Intern’s portfolio. Recent projects have included videos, interpretive signage, and interactive educational resources. All CED Interns attend burn school and will have several opportunities to assist with prescribed burns and native habitat restoration.

CED Interns also are able to volunteer with our habitat restoration and aviculture staff at the International Crane Foundation. CED Intern positions provide an opportunity for professional growth through personal interpretive program development, as well as non-personal conservation resource development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead daily interpretive tours on our site for K-12 schools, community organizations, private groups, and the public. This involves planning, designing, and evaluating interpretive programs and written materials.
• Assist in the completion of projects related to the goals, work plan, and objectives of the Conservation Education Department (e.g., help design and develop self-guided written or audio media; assist with writing, filming, and editing short films about ICF’s work; create, test, and evaluate interpretive programs; assist with ICF’s volunteer program; or research policy-related projects and initiatives, etc.) 
• Assist with group tour scheduling using volunteer management software. 
• Plan, organize, promote, and execute at least one onsite event (Mother’s Day, Endangered Species Day, Cranes of the World Festival, Good Neighbor Day, etc.).  
• Provide outreach programs for local schools, civic groups, housing facilities, parks, and festivals. 
• Conduct virtual outreach programming for groups. 
• Develop and lead daily interpretive tours on our site for K-12 schools, community organizations, private groups, and the public. This involves planning, designing, and evaluating interpretive programs and written materials.
• Assist in the completion of projects related to the goals, work plan, and objectives of the Conservation Education Department (e.g., help design and develop self-guided written or audio media; assist with writing, filming, and editing short films about ICF’s work; create, test, and evaluate interpretive programs; assist with ICF’s volunteer program; or research policy-related projects and initiatives, etc.) 
• Assist with group tour scheduling using volunteer management software. 
• Plan, organize, promote, and execute at least one onsite event (Mother’s Day, Endangered Species Day, Cranes of the World Festival, Good Neighbor Day, etc.).  
• Provide outreach programs for local schools, civic groups, housing facilities, parks, and festivals. 
• Conduct virtual outreach programming for groups. 

Core Competencies:

• Excellent verbal communication skills, including speaking clearly and persuasively to individuals and groups; listening effectively; responding well to questions. 
• Ability to establish project plans, regularly monitor and track progress on work projects, and ensure appropriate communications with project partners.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize work and to work with others to meet designated deadlines and desired results.
• Analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills, including the ability to identify problems, research and analyze issues from different perspectives, organize information, reach sound conclusions, and work cooperatively with others to develop and implement effective solutions.
• Attentive to detail and thoroughness.
• Written communication skills, including the ability to write correspondence and reports in a clear, concise, logical, and grammatically correct manner.
• Experience and comfort using word processing and spreadsheet software (MS Office).
• Ability to develop and maintain effective, collaborative relationships with donors, vendors, Board members, other stakeholders, and staff at all levels of the organization. Ability to establish project plans, regularly monitor and track progress on work projects, and ensure appropriate communications with project partners.
• Attentive to detail and thoroughness.
• Work as a constructive member of a team, including the free sharing of information and technical expertise as needed.
• Demonstrate respect and sensitivity for others; inspire trust; and work with integrity and ethically.
• Quickly, effectively, and continually adapt to changes in work environment and duties, processes, and technologies. 

Qualifications Required:

• 2 years of college preferred but not required. Background in the fields of interpretation, environmental education, conservation biology, ornithology, education, digital marketing, graphic design, film/documentary production, and other related fields given preference.
• Tolerance is needed for working in difficult conditions and long field days (before sunrise to after sunset), often spent in vehicles.
• Excellent oral communication skills, including communicating conservation messages to various audiences, from individuals to lecture halls, and across online platforms.
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to effectively proofread and edit reports and correspondence in a clear, concise, logical and effective manner while utilizing proper grammar, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure. 
• Attention to detail regarding the quality of their own and others’ work, ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of large and small projects and products.
• Manage multiple concurrent and competing priorities in a fast-paced workplace, using appropriate manual and electronic resources to ensure timely completion.
• Very strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with key stakeholders. Demonstrate respect and sensitivity for others; inspire trust; and work with integrity.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently, including experience independently leading projects, providing metrics of milestones and meeting deadlines.
• Individuals seeking graduate training are encouraged to apply. 
• A valid driver’s license (USA or International) and an acceptable driving record are required.

**All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States when they apply.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background relating to wildlife conservation, education or biology preferred.
• Previous outreach experience.
• Proficiency with basic Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, Zoom, Microsoft Teams and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with volunteers to achieve desired results; train and encourage skill development; access and provide feedback on individual performance.
• Exceptional public speaking skills and the ability to teach diverse audiences in a non-formal setting.
• Demonstrated a strong interest/background in the fields of interpretation, science communication, environmental education, conservation biology, ornithology, education, film/documentary production graphic design or other related fields.

Physical Abilities and Work Environment:

The physical abilities and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to operate computer and phones.
• Ability to communicate with fellow staff and donors. Communication will include both one-to-one communication, small, and large group communication. 
• Must be able to remain in stationary position for 5-7 hours a day.
• Occasionally required to lift and move items up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in difficult conditions for long periods of time. 

Work Environment:

• Ability to work outdoors in difficult conditions for long periods of time. 

To apply send cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to icfinternships@savingcranes.org.  Please list in subject line “Conservation Education Naturalist Intern”.

“ICF is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. We hire great people.’

ICF is an equal opportunity employer.