Conservation Education Internship

This job has expired.

Organization

Lehigh Valley Zoo

Job Posted

July 18, 2022

Job Category

Job Type

Remote

No

Location

Schnecksville, PA
United States
The Education Department’s mission is to connect the community with engaging educational experiences that spark curiosity, ignite passion, and inspire action to protect and preserve the world around us. An internship with the Education Department at the Lehigh Valley Zoo is a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between people and animals! What better way to make a difference than to educate future conservationists and engage guests of all ages?

Summary

This internship is rooted in the study, concepts, and practices of effective education techniques applied to Environmental Education. During their time here, interns will have the opportunity to work alongside Education Specialists and get hands-on experience with Ambassador Animals at an AZA accredited zoo. The internship is designed to provide students the opportunity to learn:

  • Proper animal handling and presentation techniques
  • Animal and conservation information and messaging
  • Effective education, communication, and public speaking skills
  • Educational program development within a zoo setting
  • Assisting with and potentially running programming that can include animal presentations, keeper chats, zoo-reach programs, summer camp activities, scout programs, zoo tours, nature hikes, creek studies, and more.

Internship Requirements & Expectations

Conservation Education internships are open to undergraduate, graduate, and recently graduated students. You must be over 18 to participate in our internship. Interns must also have a valid driver’s license (driving zoo vehicles is required) and reliable transportation to the zoo.

This internship is designed for anyone pursuing a career in: conservation, biology, environmental science, education, or another related field. Preferred candidates would have a background or interest in education and/or environmental sciences or biology related field.

Applicants must be willing and able to work in all types of weather and must be reliable, trustworthy and able to follow oral and/or written instructions. Applicants should have strong communication skills and be willing to develop public speaking skills, an ability to work alone or in a group, an ability to think creatively and show critical thinking and good problem solving skills.

All interns will be expected to work at least one, eight-hour shift per week and complete the minimum week/hour requirement for their session. Preference will be given to candidates that can commit to two or more days per week. The hours of this internship vary based on staff schedules and scheduled programming. Interns can expect to typically fall into an 8:00AM to 4:30PM shift (with a half hour lunch). Interns are expected to be open to an irregular schedule with possible holiday work, overnights, late outreaches, early mornings, and weekend shifts. Full time interns are not guaranteed consecutive days off. Internships are unpaid and housing is not provided. Interns will need to provide and cover cost of criminal background check, fingerprint clearance, and child abuse clearance. Clearances must have satisfactory results.

How to apply:

Email resume and cover letter to cvatalaro@lvzoo.org