Conservation Education Internship

Schnecksville, PA   Education

Description

 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?
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. 

RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDED

• 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.
• Helping with and running camp. This includes all tasks related to the preparation, execution, and cleanup of summer camps, including but not limited to assisting with early drop-off and late pick-up for campers. Interns will be running the pre-zoo camps (ages 4-5).
• Research. This includes researching the appropriate information about specific species/habitats/topics related to the species we have here at the Lehigh Valley Zoo and the ambassador animals that interns work with directly to prepare for facilitating educational programs to the best of the intern’s ability. Interns may also be asked to research and create materials such as infographics, exhibit graphics, newsletters, blogs, etc. It is expected that all information is correct and accurate.
• Learn and execute appropriate interpretation techniques. The intern is expected to invest effort into developing their educational technique skills and focus on the concept of education rather than just reiterating factual knowledge.
• Complete required courses on San Diego Zoo Global with satisfactory results.
• Assist with any daily scheduled or unscheduled programs or activities, including but not limited to scheduled mingles, camps, or related tasks, crowd control, general housekeeping tasks, etc.
• Assist with giraffe feeds under the supervision of AC or EDU (seasonally dependent). The director of Education will determine this.
• Directly communicate with the Education Specialist(s), Lead Education Specialist, and/or Director of Conservation Education regarding Lehigh Valley Zoo-related matters, education programs, and other relevant topics.
• General maintenance as needed.
• Perform other related work as required or requested by the Education Staff.

INTERNSHIP 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 fields.
• Interns must have established skills or be willing and open to learning new principles & practices of educational program development, learning theories, interpretive techniques, teaching methods, and teaching all age levels on various topics. Interns must also have established skills and/or be willing and open to improve oral and written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Interns must be willing and able to function and perform tasks independently and as a team.
• Applicants must be willing and able to work in all types of weather and be reliable.
• The hours of this internship vary based on staff schedules and scheduled programming. Interns can expect to typically fall into an 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM shift (with a half-hour lunch). Interns are expected to be open to an irregular schedule with possible holiday work, late outreaches, early mornings, and weekend shifts, and are not guaranteed consecutive days off. 

* Internship housing is not provided and will be the intern's responsibility. 

Requirements

•  Interns must also provide a PA State Background check, FBI Fingerprint Clearance, and Child Abuse Clearance. The zoo will reimburse the cost of the clearances if you provide the proper documentation and receipts and the clearances have satisfactory results.  
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• No allergies to plants and animals which may interfere with the ability to perform duties.
• Ability and willingness to remain on feet or sit for long periods, climb stairs, bend, and move/lift 40 lbs.
• Ability and willingness to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, evenings, and after-hours assignments.
• Ability and willingness to work overtime.
• Ability to follow zoo policies and department-specific policies
• Must be honest, transparent, and willing to communicate.
• Must be punctual.