Education Intern

Vermont Institute of Natural Science

Motivating individuals and communities to care for the environment through education, research, and avian wildlife rehabilitation.

Position: Education Intern

Location: VINS Nature Center, Quechee, VT, USA (onsite)            

Summary: VINS Education Interns deliver live animal and natural history programs at the VINS Nature Center in Quechee, Vermont. 

Reports to:Director, Wildlife Ambassador Programs

Updated: December 2024

Primary Responsibilities:

• Deliver place-based environmental education programs featuring live animal ambassadors (primarily raptors) to varied audiences at the VINS Nature Center. 
• Provide excellent husbandry for ambassador animals including enclosure cleaning, diet preparation, enrichment, and assist with positive reinforcement training. 
• Work with other Education teams such as VINS Nature Camp and VINS School Programs to facilitate opportunities for integration. 
• Put together and participate in activities for monthly Special Events focused on different natural history themes. 
• Complete a term project to create a new resource for the VINS Nature Center and/or educational programming; work with supervisory staff to design the project concept.
• Attend professional development workshops led by VINS staff to hone skills relevant to environmental education and animal care.
• Work closely alongside Education volunteers in animal husbandry and program presentations.
• Attend VINS staff meetings and participate in organization functions as required.
• Participate in mid-point and final evaluations of internship goals and achievements.
• Work a varied schedule that may include evenings, weekends, and long days.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in environmental education or teaching natural history.
• Confidence in delivering dynamic educational presentations to audiences of all ages and sizes, including large crowds.
• General knowledge of New England natural history and native wildlife (or willingness and initiative to learn).
• Strong attention to detail, work ethic, and personal initiative.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Fluency with Microsoft Office suite and Google suite programs.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to traverse irregular terrain, and occasionally lift 10 pounds. 
• Readiness to work in hot, cold, and rainy weather conditions.

All VINS staff working directly with children are subject to a thorough background check, including fingerprinting and a criminal record check. 

Apply: To apply for this position, send a cover letter, resume, and three reference contacts to:

Anna Morris

Director, Wildlife Ambassador Programs

amorris@vinsweb.org