Maine Audubon is hiring an intern to join its team based in Scarborough, ME. Since 1843, Maine Audubon has worked to conserve Maine wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people in education, conservation, and action.

Position Overview

The environmental education intern gains valuable environmental education training and experience by assisting  professional educators with programs on salt-marsh ecology at the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center and other locations through the end of the school year.  In mid-June, the Center opens to the public full time and the intern assists with a variety of family, children and adult programs throughout the summer. In addition, the intern will complete a project mutually designed with the supervisor, such as making displays and interactive exhibits; updating the teacher and volunteer packets with current background information and activities; designing and creating new props and activities for programs; or fieldwork experiences like inventorying flora and fauna

Other options for individualized internships for students and/or those seeking experience are also available for projects such as:

• Helping to coordinate monitoring projects for birds, plants, and insects
• Fieldwork on a variety of topics
• Planning and leading special events
• Developing new curricula and programs

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Gain experience alongside staff and volunteers throughout the season by providing educational and enjoyable experiences for the public.
• Assist seasonal staff with upgrading and expanding the educational materials, displays and exhibits at the nature center.
• Aid in the coordination of our plant and insect monitoring days along with staff and volunteers.
• Pursue a particular skill or project that is of interest to the intern such as field work on a variety of topics relating to the salt marsh, outreach to the community, or development of new materials and programs.

Qualifications

Required qualifications include:

• Interest in or experience with Salt Marsh ecology
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in sometimes challenging conditions
• Able to work independently
• Interest and eagerness to engage the public and be an enthusiastic educator for students of varied ages

Past experience in the following areas are helpful:

• Use of canoes and kayaks.
• Working with people of all ages, including younger elementary students
• Fieldwork such as monitoring of animal populations and water quality

Timing, Compensation, and Benefits

This is a volunteer position, but the intern may apply for seasonal paid work which can also count towards the internship.

Benefits may include:

Free canoe rentals. Discounted or free admission to Maine Audubon programs and trips. A 25% discount on store merchandise. Enrichment in salt marsh ecology and educational techniques.  Interns can observe and participate in other Maine Audubon departments and education programs such as our nature camps and conservation field work. We also have a reciprocal arrangement with other nonprofits for job shadowing.

The primary Environmental Education Intern position described here runs early May through August and typically consists of 120 hours or more. Individualized internship opportunities can also occur for a month or shorter period during the summer.  Time commitment and scheduling is set collaboratively between the intern and the Scarborough Marsh Manager.