This Senior Education Internship is a fully immersive experience that provides broad range of competency and skill development in the field of raptor conservation and environmental education. The 9-month position begins in March and continues through November, and reports to the Director of Education. This longer-term, residential experience offers unique and unparalleled learning and skill acquisition opportunities in every season, and training at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary sets participants apart as leaders in the field. Senior Education Interns also have a wide range of opportunities to participate in including on-site field courses, professional development and networking opportunities, weekly college-level seminars in spring and autumn, and fun outings and adventures. Internsreceive free on-site housing and a monthly stipend.

Senior Education Internship Details

QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will hold a degree in environmental science, education, biology, or related field; possess teaching skills; and have experience working with live ambassador animals, preferably raptors. The position requires an understanding of Hawk Mountain’s raptor conservation science and education activities, as well as enthusiasm for connecting diverse audiences of all ages with Hawk Mountain’s mission. Excellent communication skills and a passion for nature and environmental education is a must. All candidates must have the ability to hike at least two miles over steep, rocky terrain, to lift 50 pounds, and have a valid driver’s license. 

TRAINING, SKILLS, & COMPETENCIES
Hawk Mountain’s Senior Education Internship program is an invaluable opportunity for the select candidate to develop skill proficiency, competencies, and hands-on professional experience in:

• Raptor conservation education
• Raptor and migration ecology education
• Appalachian ecology education
• Outdoor and experiential education and naturalist interpretation
• Nature day camp organizing, teaching, and operating to different age groups
• Captive raptor husbandry, handling, and teaching with live animal ambassadors
• Raptor field techniques
• Lesson plan and curricula development
• Differentiated instruction and pedagogies
• Group management strategies
• Professional mentorship of education trainees and counselors in training
• American Red Cross certification in Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Assist and ensure smooth operations of ongoing programming responsibilities both on and off site, including but not limited to group programs, weekend programs, virtual programs, Calendar of Events walks and talks, birthday parties, scout events, and guided hikes.
• Teach summer nature camp programs.
• Assist with preparing curricula and lesson plans as assigned.
• Teach and mentor trainees, volunteers, and counselors in training.
• Distribute educational materials and/or lesson plans that help to spread ongoing research and raptor conservation mission and the Sanctuary’s science-education programs.
• Setup, break down, and clean classrooms and other teaching spaces and organize teaching materials physically and virtually.
• Perform husbandry responsibilities for resident raptors and other animal ambassadors.
• Adhere to all standard operating procedures.
• Engage diverse audiences of all ages in Hawk Mountain’s mission.
• Demonstrate excellent customer service skills with Sanctuary visitors, supporters, program participants, and customers.
• Exhibit excellent communications with the professional education team, all Sanctuary departments, and guests.
• Assist with any other tasks and/or projects as assigned.