Naturalist Intern

The Five Rivers Naturalist Intern

Naturalist interns are primarily responsible for observing and assisting classes, participating in training sessions, and working with students in the outdoors. Additional duties vary depending upon whether it is the late winter/spring or summer/fall session. During the spring and fall, interns are most heavily involved with school programs, teaching a wide range of environmental education classes to students. In breaks between school programs and in summer, naturalist interns gain experience assisting with our family nature programs, senior citizen programs, and youth outreach programs. Interns may also participate in a variety of stewardship and community science projects.

The position is full time (37.5 hours per week) for a duration of at least 18 weeks, and the pay is $16.50/hour. Free housing is provided on site.

Educational Activities:
 

• Complete intern training: orientation to job and NYSDEC, environmental education philosophy and techniques, environmental education literature, customer service, safety and emergency procedures
• Plan and lead a variety of environmental activities for a wide variety of audiences including: pre-school, elementary school, middle school, high school, youth groups, special needs groups, general public
• Design, prepare, conduct and evaluate an original environmental education presentation
• Interact with the public during weekend and weekday visitor center receptionist duty
• Attend educator training workshops and assist staff in conducting workshops; including Project Learning Tree, Project WILD and Project WET
• Attend staff nature study training sessions

Location

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center is in eastern New York State, seven miles southwest of Albany, on the outskirts of Delmar, in a rural/suburban area of Albany County. Five Rivers has a small professional staff and broad-based community support. Over one hundred volunteers add greatly to the center’s effectiveness.

Five Rivers’ 500 acres have a wonderful diversity of habitats. A hemlock-shaded forest stream, wide expanses of open meadow, and many ponds serve as magnets for wildlife. Frequent beaver and deer activity is observed, and more than 225 species of birds have been sighted at the center. A visitor center opened in 2017 houses permanent and changing interpretive exhibits, as well as classroom space. It includes numerous green building features and is LEED certified platinum.
Being near a major population area, more than 100,000 visitors come to the center annually. Five Rivers provides guided outdoor lessons to thousands of students throughout the school year. Five Rivers staff also work extensively with educators, providing in-class programs, workshops, and a vast array of teacher loan kits and other materials for use in the classroom and with youth groups. Five Rivers also offers a wide range of public programs on weekends and evenings, including night walks and early morning bird walks.

 

Qualifications

Anyone with a minimum of two years of college‐level study or equivalent experience may apply. Academic training in natural resources, natural sciences (geology, biology, etc.), environmental science, interpretation, education, recreation, or a related field is advantageous. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong natural history background, experience with teaching or youth leadership, and a demonstrated interest in environmental education. Interns are expected to have a professional attitude and exemplify the standards of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. A valid driver’s license is required.

 

Required Information

Your application must include this completed application form (or the information it contains in a text document), your current resume, your personal statement, and list of references. Please submit it in its entirety by email: 5Rivers@dec.ny.gov. Interviews are held on an ongoing basis, so apply as early as possible.

Current Resume
Please include:
• Education and work history
• List pertinent college courses
• Other notable experiences
• Hobbies, interests, skills

Personal Statement
How will you benefit from participating in this program? Include career goals, interests, environmental concerns, etc.

References
Please include the name, email address, and phone number for a professor or a supervisor and a personal reference.

If you have questions about the application or position, please call Environmental Educator, Liz Wagner, at 518-475-0292 or email 5Rivers@dec.ny.gov.