Environmental Education Internship

The Environmental Education Internship at Pennsylvania State University involves engaging in nature center operations, developing and teaching ecology lessons to K-4 students, and facilitating hands-on experiences for 5th graders. Interns will receive training, work with schools and organizations, assist with animal care, and contribute to social media. A strong desire to teach and a background in education or natural sciences are preferred. On-site housing is provided.
About the position

The Environmental Education Internship at The Pennsylvania State University offers a unique opportunity for interns to engage in various aspects of the nature center's operations. Interns will participate in a comprehensive training program and will be responsible for developing and teaching ecology-based lessons to K-4 students, as well as facilitating hands-on learning experiences for 5th graders at a residential camp. This role emphasizes teaching, planning, and evaluating educational programs while fostering a connection with the natural world.

Responsibilities
• Participate in a two-week orientation and training period.
,
• Develop and teach ecology-based lessons for K to 4th grade students.
,
• Facilitate hands-on lessons and guided exploration for 5th grade students at Outdoor School.
,
• Work with public and private schools, organizations, clubs, and the public.
,
• Assist with live animal training and care.
,
• Contribute to the center's social media platforms.
,
• Maintain trails and restore habitats.
,
• Collect and submit data for citizen science projects.
,
• Foster sustainable initiatives at the center.

Requirements
• Strong desire to teach and share knowledge of the natural world.
,
• Background in education or natural sciences is helpful but not necessary.
,
• Ability to work in an outdoor environment in adverse weather conditions.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience in teaching or working with children.
,
• Knowledge of ecology and environmental science.

Benefits
• Professional guidance and mentorship.
,
• On-site housing at the intern house.
,
• Opportunity to work in a nature center environment.