Spring Great Lakes Education Internship

Spring Great Lakes Education Internship

Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) seeks up to three enthusiastic interns to help deliver Great Lakes educational programming to K-12 students from across Michigan this spring. People passionate about the Great Lakes, water resources, communication, science, and technology are highly encouraged to apply. If applicable, ISEA will work within a student’s enrolled study program to coordinate credit hours for this internship.
 

This posting describes three 7-week internship positions with ISEA. Other internship types are hosted concurrently (posted at schoolship.org) and several interns work at ISEA in spring and summer. 

2023 Programs:
Most of ISEA’s programs are delivered aboard our educational vessels, schooners Inland Seas, Utopia, and Manitou. Programs include teaching activities that explore Great Lakes topics such as: water quality, food web dynamics, invasive species, forage fish, zooplankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, as well as engineering practices and underwater technologies (ROVs). 

Spring education interns help deliver ISEA programming, complete tasks that support the education activities of ISEA, and participate in operations as needed in support of the mission. Learn more about our work here: schoolship.org

NOTE: Previous sailing or boating experience is not necessary, but candidates should be ready to work on board an operating commercial vessel, in various weather conditions (sun, rain, wind), which could include rocking or severe motion while on the water. 

2023 Locations:
Spring Schoolship programs are delivered Monday through Friday, in-person, out-of-doors, dockside, near the water, and on board traditionally-rigged schooners from our two locations:
- Suttons Bay, MI (at the ISEA campus)
- Traverse City, MI (at Discovery Pier in West Grand Traverse Bay) 

Skills/Prerequisites:

• Enthusiastic about teaching and learning
• Ability to work well with youth and adults
• Willingness to learn and teach new subject material
• Knowledge of Great Lakes science, technology, and environmental issues
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Strong team player
• Ability to climb up and down ladders (companionways)
• Not subject to severe motion-sickness

Eligibility: 
Mature adults 18 years and older;
Ability to commit to all requirements, training, and to at least 30 hours of work per week;

Must be able to pass a background check.

Internship Details:

This internship program intentionally provides opportunities to grow in three key areas: 

   Career Development

• Non-profit, educational workplace operations, conduct, and services
• Public speaking 
• Science communication (written and oral)
• Team-work (participation and dependability)
• Leadership development (role model for youth)
• Split-time work schedules (if needed to accommodate other commitments)

Community Engagement

• Build confidence in speaking and presenting to learners of all ages and abilities
• Engage with diverse K-12 students, teachers, and chaperones from across Michigan on Great Lakes topics
• Connect with, and learn from, diverse stakeholders in our local region

Knowledge and Skills

• Environmental Education activity design, delivery, and assessment
• Nearshore Ecosystem Monitoring
• Water Quality Monitoring
• Water Resource Management Practices
• Great Lakes Culture (historical, maritime, and contemporary)

Anticipated Timeframe:
Spring 2023: May 1 – June 15 (approximately 7 weeks total)

1. Training Week*: May 1 to May 5, 2023
   1. Monday, Tuesday - Welcome, Orientation, and Introduction to Programs
      (primarily in-person, with some asynchronous modules)
   2. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - “Wet Run” in-person program rehearsals with volunteer instructors, plus debriefs and scheduling

*Approximately 30-hours total, required before programs start on May 8.

2. ISEA Spring 2023 season: May 8 – June 9 (5 weeks)
   Work is expected to be full-time (between 30-40 hours/wk)
   1. Programmatic Season: May 8 - June 9
      (with a few programs during the week of June 12th)
   2. Final Celebration: week of June 12
3. Season Wrap-up: The spring season ends on Friday, June 16
   1. Complete final performance assessment with internship supervisor;
   2. Reflect and share stories of your internship experience

Compensation: 

A stipend of up to $3,360 is available (dependent upon full-time 7-week participation). 

Expectations:

Interns are expected to be available for approximately 30 - 40 hours per week for ISEA-related work. Weekly schedules will be set with the intern supervisor. Exceptions can be made for applicants wishing to work part-time (20-30 hours per week), with the stipend adjusted accordingly. 

Application:

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, with preference given to those received by Friday, March 10th, 2023.
 

Apply by email to Jillian Votava, STEM & Internship Coordinator jvotava@schoolship.org
with:

1. Resume 
2. Letter of Interest (Why do you want to work with us?)