Summer Naturalist Birding Internship

The Wild Center seeks a Summer Intern to work with our dynamic education staff at a world class museum in the heart of Adirondack Park. The Birding Intern will lead birding trips on the museum grounds as well as guide field trips to local birding hot spots in the Adirondack region. The Intern will also have the responsibility of leading experiences in natural history interpretation, experiential education, school programs, and developing interpretive programming for a diverse audience.  In addition to teaching, Summer Naturalists will assist staff with daily operations, including maintenance and development of education materials, attendance at occasional evening programs, and other duties that will provide exposure to all aspects of a museum.  

Qualifications

• Ability to identify northeastern birds by sight and vocalizations is highly desirable
• Minimum 2 years completed at an accredited college or university in natural sciences, environmental education, natural history interpretation, or a related field
• Must be a highly motivated individual with excellent customer service skills and the willingness to work in the demanding environment of a museum with a high volume of visitors
• Strong skills in public speaking, writing, and computers. Skills in multimedia and graphic arts preferred
• Ability to lead nature hikes and outdoor experiences on uneven terrain in all weather conditions and be able to lift 50 lbs
• Previous teaching experience in a museum, nature center, park or zoo setting highly preferred
• Knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Adirondack highly desired
• Flexible work schedule- weekends, some evenings and long days are required
• Must be available to work from May 14^th  through September 3^rd  (with possibility for extension through November)
• Theater or performance experience helpful

Compensation and Benefits

• $275 per week stipend (~ 40 hours work per week) + Housing
• The opportunity to work in a new 35,000 square foot museum on a 31 acre site on the Raquette River featuring over 80 species of live exhibit animals and silver LEED certification for green building design and sustainability initiatives in the Adirondack Park
• Develop valuable skills as an interpreter and a deeper knowledge of the Adirondack Park
• Interpretive Guide and Host certification from the National Association for Interpretation
• CPR and First Aid certification if necessary
• Museum staff will work with you to gain college credit

About The Wild Center

Located in the heart of a six million-acre state park in northern New York, the mission of The Wild Center (TWC) is to ignite an enduring passion for the Adirondacks where people and nature can thrive together and set an example for the world. The Museum's unique approach to environmental education is multidisciplinary and experiential and builds learning through exhibits and interpretive programs.

How to Apply

Please send a resume, cover letter and the contact information of three references to Sally Gross at sgross@wildcenter.org. Applications must be received no later than February 3, 2012.

The Wild Center

45 Museum Drive Tupper Lake, NY 12986

T (518) 359-7800 · F (518) 359- 3253 ·  www.wildcenter.org