Environmental Education Intern

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, and much more across the country.  

This position is part of SCA’s National Direct Opportunity Youth Service Initiative (OYSI). OYSI is a partnership between SCA, AmeriCorps, and The Corps Network which engages youth ages 18–24 who are disconnected from school or work in hands-on conservation service that protect and restore public lands, waters, and recreation resources nationwide. The program provides job-skills training, support, and career pathways in environmental stewardship and infrastructure fields, while prioritizing placements for participants who meet opportunity-youth eligibility criteria 

Member Impact 

Member will serve at a US Fish and Wildlife Wetland Management District and the associated Learning Center to gain experience working for a federal land management agency. The member’s service will help execute the mission of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, while providing outdoor education to local youth, helping to grow the next generation of conservation stewards.

Essential Functions 

Assist with curriculum-based environmental education programming primarily for students in grades K-8; Assist with educational and interpretive projects such as developing field trips, interpretive programs, and materials; Assist with greenhouse duties

The position functions will comply with all AmeriCorps Prohibited Activity restrictions specified in the SCA AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement and SCA Corps Member Handbook. 

Marginal Functions  

• Provide quality visitor services by assisting at the visitor center
• Assist staff in the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District with field projects
• Administrative tasks
• Assist with creating media products and performing minor labor or custodial activities
• Perform collateral duties in alignment with the member’s personal/professional interests.

Required Qualifications  

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently or with a team
• A genuine desire to work with children, and some prior experience
• Experience leading/facilitating youth through structured activities
• Able to engage and manage groups of youth and/or adults for 2+ hours
• Passion for the environment and working outdoors
• Enthusiasm for outdoor education, environmental stewardship, and experiential learning
• Willingness to learn and receive feedback in a structured, growth-oriented environment
• Ability to supervise and engage children in both structured and unstructured settings
• Strong communication skills and a positive attitude
• Ability to serve outdoors in all weather conditions (sub-zero temps to heat and humidity)
• Driver's license
• Personal vehicle required
• Competence in customer service without constant supervision
• Be comfortable talking to members of the public