Environmental Education Internship

SUMMARY: The Environmental Education Intern’s primary responsibility is to assist with development and delivery of Lakeside Lab’s environmental education programs. These programs include summer camps, family programs, outreach events, field trips and more. The Environmental Education Intern will show leadership, professionalism, and a passion for the outdoors. The Environmental Education Intern must enjoy working with children and the general public and have a strong interest in natural sciences and a desire to share it with others. The Intern will further develop their communication and interpretive skills, lesson plan development skills, and teaching skills, as well as be exposed to career opportunities in environmental education and related fields.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists with the development and implementation of environmental education programs for learners of all ages, including science/nature camps for PreK – 10th grade, family and adult programs, volunteer programs and other outreach events.
• Develop hands-on K-12 grade lesson plans to be used during field trips and other program events.
• Create educational materials such as posters, handouts, games and other educational supplies.
• Assist with maintenance of Lakeside Lab’s education classrooms, supplies, equipment, and outdoor areas.
• Perform other job-related activities as requested by Lakeside Staff.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Passion for outdoor learning experiences and connecting people of all ages to nature.
• Confidence in public speaking with learners of all ages.
• Good organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks and roles, patiently and professionally.
• Ability to prepare basic lesson plans and educational materials.
• Familiarity with best science practices.
• Willingness to research and learn about the natural history of the area and ability to identify the native plants and animals of the area.     
• General knowledge of outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and orienteering.
• Ability to operate computers and audiovisual equipment necessary for program delivery.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• This 12-week, paid internship is for college level students or recent graduates with background in natural sciences and/or education.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• Lift, carry, push and/or pull items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk and hike for extended periods of time.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The successful candidate will be ready and able to work in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings, including exposure to extremes in temperatures and humidity.
• This position requires a physical ability to perform tasks in an outdoor environment in all weather conditions including lifting, standing for long periods, walking on rough terrain, and kneeling.

DATES AND COMPENSATION

• This paid internship runs mid-May through the mid-August with start/end dates somewhat flexible. Meals and lodging at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory are included, and compensation is $10.00/hour. The opportunity to live and work on the 147-acre Lakeside campus and nature preserve as well as interact with Lakeside students, faculty, researchers, and writer/artists in residence are added bonuses to this position.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

• Position open until filled.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Ashley Scheve, Lakeside Education Coordinator at ashley-scheve@uiowa.edu.

ABOUT IOWA LAKESIDE LABORATORY AND REGENTS RESOURCE CENTER

Iowa Lakeside Laboratory Regents Resource Center (Lakeside) is a biological field station of Iowa’s state universities and has provided summer classes and research opportunities to college students since 1909. Lakeside also offers a variety of summer and year-round environmental education programs for learners of all ages. Located on 147 acres on the shores of Lake West Okoboji in the Iowa Great Lakes region, Lakeside also serves as a nature preserve and historic district. Lakeside also operates the Bovbjerg Water Chemistry Lab, a nationally certified water quality lab, in conjunction with the State Hygienic Lab of Iowa. For further information visit www.iowalakesidelab.org or call 712-337-3669 Ext. 7.