Naturalist Teacher Intern

Start Date: January 19, 2025

End Date: May 23, 2025

Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday

Position Description:

The Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center’s (OEC) mission is to provide transformative learning experiences that engage students in the practices of sciences; promote self-discovery and growth; cultivate community; and create a connection to our natural world. The Glen Helen Naturalist Internship begins with 2 weeks of comprehensive training that transitions into a semester-long teaching experience. Naturalist Interns teach elementary students about the natural sciences during multi-day residential programs. Students are provided with experience-based connections to nature while cultivating community and personal growth. Interns live on-site amidst the beautiful 1,000 acre Glen Helen Nature Preserve, which is within walking distance of the vibrant Village of Yellow Springs.

Our curriculum is aligned with Ohio Education Standards, and Naturalist Interns have the freedom to creatively develop lesson plans to support their individual teaching style and passions. Lessons are conducted on the trails of Glen Helen covering topics pertaining to observation, questioning, senses, wildlife, succession, nocturnal animals, forest ecology, stream ecology, geology, environmental problem solving, cooperation and team building.

We are committed to fostering lifelong learning at the Glen Helen OEC, therefore ongoing training, professional development, and mentorship are provided. This internship provides real-world experience in preparation for employment as a naturalist, educator, or science communicator of any kind. Our alumni can be found in parks and environmental learning centers across the country.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Design and deliver standards-aligned environmental education experiences for a diverse population of students in our multi-day residential and day programs
• Complete 2 week Naturalist Intern training, participate in regular workshops, and staff meetings 
• Role model positive community engagement and environmentally conscious behaviors
• Ensure the safety and well-being of program participants and OEC team members using sound judgment and applying safety protocols
• Assist in the maintenance of all program supplies, equipment, and facilities 
• Comply with all Glen Helen Association policies and represent the OEC in a professional manner at all times
• Share in the general daily and weekly responsibilities at the OEC 

Requirements:

• Minimum two years of undergraduate course work or associate's degree
• Demonstrate a respect and affinity for children and a passion for the natural environment
• Commitment to equity and inclusion
• Willing to live in community and work closely as a team
• Willing to be mentored and receive feedback
• Applicants must be able to commit to the full duration of the program, from the beginning of training through the conclusion of the Outdoor School term 
• Proof of Vaccination against COVID-19
• Regularly stand for long periods of time and walk up to 5 miles per day on uneven terrain, while carrying a 25-lb backpack in all weather conditions  
• Verbally communicate and have visual abilities that allow them to deliver programs safely
• Must pass a FBI and Ohio BCI criminal background check and fingerprinting (to be provided)
• Applicants must successfully complete First Aid, CPR, and AED training (to be provided)

Qualifications:

To qualify for the Naturalist Internship program, an individual must be able to perform each primary responsibility. The Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center aims to make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform primary responsibilities. If you are interested in and passionate about our work, please do consider applying, even if you do not meet all the requirements; we would still like to hear from you and learn about how we can make this field more accessible to all. 

To Apply: 

Please send a resume, cover letter, and 3 references to Meigan Turner, Operations Manager, at OECBusinessManager@GlenHelenAssociation.org with the subject line ‘NTI Outdoor School Application - Your Name’ (PDF format accepted).  

Within your cover letter share why you are interested in the Naturalist Teacher Internship, if you have prior experience working with children, and how you define a high quality outdoor science experience for students. All early submitted applications will be filed for review beginning October 2024.