Balsam Mountain Trust is seeking a dependable, PAID, intern that is excited to gain experience in Public Environmental Education. The intern’s primary responsibility will be assisting the Education Outreach Coordinator in preparing and delivering K-12 environmental education at schools, libraries, and field days using live ambassador animals. It will also include learning to greet and engage guests at a working Nature Center, helping to plan local conservation events, and interpreting trails and local flora and fauna.

The Balsam Mountain Trust inspires people to be responsible stewards of the natural and cultural resources of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains through education and conservation leadership. The Trust is a non-profit organization that operates out of a nature center on the Balsam Mountain Preserve. The Trust aids in managing Preserve land, over 3000 acres of which are protected from development through conservation easements. In addition to serving as a resource for the Preserve members, the Trust has is a regional leader in conservation education. For more information, visit www.bmtrust.org.  

Details: 

• February 2025 through April 2025
• Official dates to be discussed with intern based on availability
• 20-24 hours per week position, $15/hour.
• A set schedule will be determined with the intern 
• May adjust for college intern credit requirement

Responsibilities:  

The intern’s primary responsibility will be assisting in public environmental education. Tasks include: 

• Learning to use live animals in environmental and conservation education.
• Creating lesson plans for environmental education programs, including sourcing and creating educational materials.
• Delivering public environmental education in various settings: classrooms, libraries, county field days, and local parks.
• Engaging visitors at a working Nature Center.
• Planning and executing guided, interpretive hikes.
• Assist in planning local conservation events.
• Environmental education client communication, tracking, and record keeping.
• Goal setting and reflection on professional growth and future career aspirations.

Qualifications and Skills:  

• High School Diploma, or equivalent. 
• Must be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States; Must have a legal driver’s license and consent to a criminal history check. Must have an up-to-date tetanus shot.
• Preference will be given to applicants pursuing college degrees in a related field.
• Strong interest in the natural world. Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience in environmental education. 
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills. 
• Demonstrated computer abilities in Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint; webpage and social media background a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively, creatively, and effectively with people of all ethnic, socio-economic, lifestyle and cultural backgrounds.

Compensation: In addition to financial compensation, we hope to give the intern experience working with and for small, non-profit, nature-based organization. The intern will be invited/encouraged to attend education programs given by nature center staff, board members, and partners.