Conservation Education Naturalist Internship

ICF is a leader in the world of conservation providing experience, knowledge, and inspiration to involve people in resolving threats to the 15 crane species and the ecosystems vital to their long-term survival. While ICF has projects all around the world, our headquarters is in Baraboo, WI one hour north of Madison, WI. At Cranes of the World at the International Crane Foundation, we exhibit the only collection of the world’s 15 crane species from 5 continents. For more information, please visit our website at www.savingcranes.org. Students from all disciplines are welcome to apply.

Description:
ICF Conservation Education Naturalist Interns will gain valuable hands-on experience working with the Conservation Education Department (CED) and will:

• Develop and lead daily interpretive tours on our site for visiting schools, community organizations, private groups, and the public. Planning, designing, and evaluating interpretive programs and written materials is included.
• 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; design interpretive wayside panels; assist in managing ICF’s volunteer program; organize and implement on-site events; or research policy-related projects and initiatives, etc.)
• Assist with group tour scheduling using volunteer management software.
• Plan, organize, promote, and execute one or more onsite events (Mother’s Day, Whooping Crane Day, Cranes of the World Festival, Good Neighbor Day).  
• Provide outreach programs for local schools, civic groups, housing facilities, parks, and festivals.
• Conduct virtual outreach programming for groups.
• Assist with opening/closing the visitor center, exhibits, and gift shop daily. 
• Other departmental-related duties as needed including light office work, answering phone and email inquiries, and light cleaning.
• Occasionally interact and assist with the sale of admission tickets, gift shop merchandise, annual memberships, and overall ICF site orientation as needed.  
• Learn about ICF project initiatives related to crane ecology, behavior, and husbandry; field conservation and ecology; and ecosystem restoration techniques and processes. 
• Meet and work with a variety of international colleagues and professional staff at ICF.
• Have the opportunity to volunteer with other departments and participate in job shadow experiences at ICF.

Qualifications: 

• 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.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
• Exceptional customer service, and a strong desire to teach diverse audiences in a non-formal setting.
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the time they apply.
• The International Crane Foundation achieves our mission by working with individuals, teams, and communities in more than 50 countries. The ability to form cooperative relationships with people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds is a priority.
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If selected, staff must be vaccinated or request a religious or reasonable accommodation.

Physical abilities:

• Ability to operate computer and phones.
• Ability to communicate with fellow staff and the public. Communication will include both one to one communication, small, and large group communication.
• Must be able to move around the site in the outdoors during typical Wisconsin weather.
• Occasionally required to lift and move items up to 20 pounds.

Application Procedure:
Please send a one-page cover letter, resume (no more than two pages), and contact information for three references to ICFinternships@savingcranes.org with the subject line “Conservation Education Naturalist Intern."

Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted, and positions are open until filled.

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

ICF is an equal-opportunity employer.