Nature Education Intern

Organization Overview

Audubon Community Nature Center’s (ACNC) mission is to build and nurture connections between people and nature by providing positive outdoor experiences, opportunities to learn about and understand the natural world, and knowledge to act in environmentally responsible ways.

ACNC is located at 1600 Riverside Rd in Jamestown, New York, close to the border of Pennsylvania. The 12,000 square-foot Nature Center building hosts exhibits, live animals, gift shop, classroom space, offices, and restrooms. The 570-acre grounds host more than six miles of trails which include a variety of bridges, observation towers, overlooks, and photo blinds. 

Audubon educators provide more than 1,000 programs each year that are designed to fulfill ACNC’s 
vision of creating real and healthy connections to nature for all children from within the local community.
ACNC is an equal opportunity employer. Its board and staff are committed to supporting and implementing IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) principles throughout the organization.

General description

This position is responsible for providing nature education and play-based programming for both school field trips and summer camps to elementary-aged children under the supervision of ACNC’s Education team. 

Responsibilities include: leading Discovery Walks; serving as a camp counselor through the summer; observing and assisting with walks and classes led by educators and volunteers for professional development; assisting with daily operations of the Nature Center (including recycling, compost, cleaning, and maintenance); assisting with events such as Dragons and Fairies Festival; assisting with trail and grounds work as needed and available; and assisting with animal care as needed and available.

Duration: Early May through Mid-August - exact start and end dates are somewhat negotiable. This position is generally 25 - 30 hours a week during Discovery Walks, and 35 - 40 hours a week during Day Camp. ACNC does not provide housing, and work hours take place onsite.

Discovery Walks: In May and June, and occasionally throughout the summer, ACNC offers guided walks to schools and organizations. Your job is to engage the students in meaningful learning activities and provide opportunities for hands-on exploration along the way and to make sure you keep to a specified schedule. You receive training and observation time before you lead your first solo walk.

Summer Day Camp: Starting in late June, eight weeks of summer Day Camp begin. You assist and observe during the first week or two of camp, then lead your own groups for the remainder of the summer. Written outlines of each camp are provided, it is your job to fill out the subject matter with activities, lessons, and projects.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age
• Interest in, comfort with, and knowledge of the natural world
• Experience working with elementary-aged children, especially in a camp or group setting
• Must be in good physical condition, able to navigate up to three miles a day on rough terrain in variable weather conditions, and able to lift up to 40 lbs.

Preferences

• Enthusiasm for learning and sharing
• Familiarity with Audubon Community Nature Center
• Are planning to enter an environmental or education field
• Certified in first aid care, or demonstrates a comfort with providing basic first aid

To Apply: Send a cover letter, resume, and three references to Chelsea Jandreau, Education Director, Audubon Community Nature Center, 1600 Riverside Road, Jamestown, NY  14701 or to cjandreau@auduboncnc.org.