Environmental Education Internship

Do you enjoy working with students of all ages?  Are you looking for a job that allows you to be outdoors and share knowledge the environment around you?  Are you a self-motivated, hard- working individual?  Do you want to work in the field of environmental education?  Then St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is looking for you to be a part of our education team, to assist with environmental education, outreach, interpretation, special event planning and much more.  This opportunity is intended for an enthusiastic young professional with a deep interest in advancing their career goals in environmental education.  The intern will gain valuable experience educating groups of various ages, and backgrounds through environmental education programs, guided tours, outreach, and special events, while taking advantage of networking opportunities with wildlife and education professionals.  Work hours will normally be 80 hours over a 2-week period, although additional work hours may be required during especially busy times early in the morning, at night, and/or on weekends.  The position may require walking through difficult terrain in hot/cold and buggy conditions.  Inclement weather, poisonous plants, stinging insects and venomous snakes are inherent dangers in this work environment.   

This position will be responsible for and will gain experience in the following:

• Assisting, developing, conducting programs, and assisting staff with education programs including occasional Saturday programs, off and onsite programming and public and community events.
• Maintaining and updating educational/informational displays

• Preparing for programs
• Scanning documents into files.
• Consistently projecting a positive, professional attitude and approach to the job, the Refuge, co-workers and visitors
• Assisting with various duties as needed
• Gaining experience in curriculum development, program delivery, volunteer and youth mentor supervision, verbal/written communications and interpretation, visitor services, record keeping and data entry
• Handling and helping to maintain education animal habitats (includes non-venomous snakes)

Other duties may include but are not limited to:   completing cleaning and maintenance/administrative tasks associated with the refuge education building, programs and events, attending routine organizational and departmental meetings and participating in various training opportunities as appropriate.

 Qualifications: 

• US Citizen
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Current student or recent graduate in education, natural resources education, or a related field.
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be self-motivated and self sufficient
• Must be able to take and follow directions and complete appointed tasks in a timely manner
• Must be punctual and have regular attendance
• Must possess a willingness to learn
• Applicant must be comfortable working outdoors in the Florida heat, (or cold) alongside biting insects and venomous snakes, in wet or dry conditions
• Ability to accommodate unusual work hours (early mornings, evenings, weekends etc.)
• A high level of interest in teaching students of diverse ages and backgrounds.
• Excellent public speaking skills for audiences of various ages and abilities
• The ability to work independently and in a team setting while foreseeing and quickly correcting potential problems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Drive and various social media formats
• An optimistic “can-do” attitude
• Willingness to abide by the refuge’s mission, vision and values
• First aid and CPR certification preferred
• Knowledge of local flora and fauna is desired but not required 
• The successful applicant must be able to live and work well with people of various backgrounds.  Having the ability to separate personal issues from professional time (and the ability to resolve any personal issues quickly with little conflict) is crucial for this position.
• Should be current on Tetanus immunization
• Fully Vaccinated for COVID

Housing:

Housing is a fully furnished 4-bedroom trailer, located at the refuge work center on US 98 near the town of St. Marks.  The intern will have their own bedroom and will share the common living room, bathrooms and kitchen with biological interns.    Laundry facilities are located in the compound.  Wi-Fi is available.  Housing unit is located twelve miles from Crawfordville, which has limited services but has groceries, walk in clinic, etc.  Additional shopping and social opportunities are available in Tallahassee, within 20-25 miles.

Transportation:

Personal vehicle is required for off-duty travel. Refuge vehicle or transportation with refuge staff will be provided for daily work activities. 

How to Apply:

Please send resume, references, and any other materials you feel are pertinent to Lori Nicholson at Lori_Nicholson@fws.gov

Application deadline is May 1, 2023