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Form of workEnvironmental Interpretation Internship
Cincinnati Nature Center is offering three highly selective Environmental Interpretation Internships for ANYONE looking to share your passion for nature with children and adults of all ages.
Have you ever wanted to develop as a professional interpreter with a wide range of experiences?
Does it thrill you to employ creativity and innovation to your projects by thinking outside of the box?
If so, the Environmental Interpretation Internship at Cincinnati Nature Center might be for you!
Cincinnati Nature Center views today’s interns as tomorrow’s leaders. We love the energy, talent and creativity that interns bring to our team, and we strive to provide the kinds of real-world experience that will make each intern highly effective in their career (or career change!). To this end, the Nature Center provides well-rounded training, on-the-job practice, and appropriate levels of challenge at one of the largest and most well-known nature centers in the country. In addition to training in all things interpretation, we also provide time for evaluation and reflection, along with portfolio and resume building. We want our interns to move on to positions of influence and leadership throughout the country, no matter what point you are in your career.
What does it mean to be an environmental interpreter? Interpreters connect visitors to important natural, cultural, and historical resources at parks, nature centers, historical sites, aquariums, zoos, and anywhere that people come to learn about places. The National Association for Interpreters (NAI) defines interpretation as "a mission-based communication process that forges emotional and intellectual connections between the interests of the audience and the meanings inherent in the resource." Cincinnati Nature Center provides each intern the opportunity to become a Certified Interpretive Guide through NAI. For additional information please visit www.interpnet.com.
This internship is a paid, full-time position. The internship is designed to take two years to complete, with the first year focusing on teaching through interpretation and natural history knowledge and the second year focused on program development and leadership. The second year of the internship must be mutually agreed to by both the intern and the Nature Center. The program begins May 27, 2024. On-site housing is provided, free of charge, for those interested. Medical/dental/vision benefits are also offered.
Cincinnati Nature Center is an equal opportunity employer.
We cultivate a culture of inclusion for all employees, guests, members, volunteers, and donors.
We respect individual strengths, views, and experiences.
We are committed to fair employment practices including conducting business without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or veteran status.
General Information
Position Title:
Environmental Interpretation Intern
Classification:
Trainee
Supervisor:
Public Program Manager
Category:
Intern
Department:
Human Resources
Schedule:
Approximately 40 hours/week
Revision:
October 2023
Purpose:
The Environmental Interpretation Intern Program is designed to prepare tomorrow’s leaders in environmental education and interpretive nature experiences. This program provides continuous learning, hands-on skill development and appropriate levels of challenge for each individual intern at one of the nation’s largest nature centers. This program exposes interns to the real-world schedule of a naturalist (variety of weekdays, evenings and weekends throughout the year). It also provides experiences with other departments to gain skills for working at smaller organizations or other areas within the field and provides an environment for safe trial and error as on-the-job skills develop. As a science-based organization, evolution and other scientific principles are at our core and will be part of the teaching experience.
What you can expect to learn during the program:
PROGRAMMING
PROGRAMMING
- Teaching techniques and facilitation skills including: group management; safety on and off trails; scaffolding (meeting your audience where they are); bringing ideas back to the lesson/theme; using developmentally and age appropriate practices; working with children and guests of a variety of ages; working with children and adults who come from a variety of backgrounds and abilities; developing strong questioning and discussion facilitation strategies; developing chaperone engagement strategies; and exposure to activity and program development.
- Develop and deliver all types of programming including school field trip programs (preschool – 6th grade), public programs (adults & families), drop-in trailside stations (topics vary), and special event programming. Other programs include Scouts, homeschool, family groups, and Nature PlayScape programs.
- Gain experience teaching a wide variety of different natural history topics using interpretive techniques for adults, children (infants through teens) and mixed-age groups.
- Learn how to include adults more meaningfully into children’s programming, such as how to engage parents/caregivers and teachers into field trips, and how to bring other family members into the experience during public programs.
- Develop and hone skills to utilize multiple types of media to provide interpretation via in-person as well as digital learning formats.
- Work with off-site schools to identify and complete schoolyard opportunities and native school garden installations. The experiences vary year to year.
- Develop teaching skills and best practices for working with students from partner organizations and/or schools from under-resourced communities who lack regular exposure to nature. Programs are held at both the partner organizations and on Nature Center grounds.
- Facilitate, and ultimately develop, registered youth programs including children’s series, community outreach, spring break camp and summer camps.
- Create and/or evaluate interpretive exhibits and materials. The breadth of these opportunities varies by year.
- Utilize newfound knowledge to assist in the development and facilitation of special events (including the month-long Light in the Forest event) and large programs and special events (ex: Hoots and Hops).
- Exposure to nature-based early childhood education at The Nature Center's Nature Preschool is a possibility for those interested in teaching young children.
- Work with the Nature Center Teen group on their service projects and programs to learn how the teen demographic differs from other program demographics.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & CONTINUING EDUCATION
- Develop and enhance collaborative working styles by interacting with and supporting all departments which help a non-profit operate efficiently. Depth of involvement with each department may vary by year and by personal interest.
- Enhance customer service skills by participating in safety, risk management, incident response, and customer service skills, including front desk naturalist trainings.
- Attend/view webinars and workshops with follow-up team discussions on topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
- Develop an appreciation for non-profit fundraising and membership retention by interacting with departments to ensure guests and donors have exceptional onboarding experiences. This may include, but not be limited to, new member and/or donor phone calls, new member hikes, assisting with fundraising events, and learning about the grant writing process.
- Cultivate interpretive writing skills by participating in writing groups and producing articles for Nature Center digital newsletters.
- Participate in an Environmental Education course through the Nature Center, as well as learn about appropriate approaches to conservation at different ages and experience levels.
- Work with the Stewardship team to hone natural history skills on the trail. Specifically, work with invasive removal team, horticulture team, and plant propagation team to solidify tree and plant identification.
- Work with trails team to understand trail management systems and how trails support the Nature Center's mission and guest experience.
- Visit other institutions in the conservation and/or nature education realm to see how different organizations operate and understand what the field might look like for careers post-internship.
- Participate in training covering the following areas: soft skills training (giving and receiving constructive feedback on teaching and interpersonal skills, working as a team, building community, etc.); hard skills training (local natural history, program interpretation, time management, etc.); career guidance (resume building, interview practice, etc.); interpersonal communication (MBTI/social styles, StrengthsFinder, etc.); as well as a variety of other trainings as requested/needed.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position requires the following physical activities: pushing, pulling, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity. Many of these activities occur outdoors in all seasons.
These job responsibilities represent only the essential and most significant duties of the position. These duties may fall after hours and/or on weekends. This job description does not exclude other work assignments, directives and responsibilities not mentioned herein.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in with children, preferably in groups, in formal or non-formal settings preferred
- Flexibility and willingness to develop office organizational strategies
- A strong interest in gaining practical skills in non-formal education/interpretation
- Because we serve the public when they are available, weekend availability (tentatively 4-5 weekend days per month) and periodic evening availability are essential
- Comfort with all aspects of the natural world (natural history knowledge is helpful but not essential; applicant should be willing to teach in any concept area, including evolution)
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
- Demonstrates personal organization and ability to maintain a variable schedule
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Please add noreply@echo.newtonsoftware.com to your safe sender list, as it will be the primary form of communication during the hiring process.
Our interns learn by doing. We expect interns to think on their feet and be open to all experiences. We encourage growth through (appropriate) risk taking, reflection, and requests for feedback from a variety of colleagues throughout the year.
The Nature Center is open 364 days a year. Programs run 7 days a week: day and night. Schedules will fluctuate week to week, with flexibility/adaptable schedules with advanced notice. We are open from sunrise to sunset each day. Interns will work a 40-hour work week with scheduled time with all programming teams and other teams as needed.
The internship pays a weekly stipend and is eligible for benefits (medical/dental/vision). We offer free onsite housing, including utilities. Housing is optional, but stipend amounts do not change if you choose to live elsewhere. Housing includes a private room, common living spaces, including a full kitchen, as well as internet and utilities. While we love animals, no pets are allowed.
About the Cincinnati Nature Center:
Since 1967, Cincinnati Nature Center has provided everyone in the greater Cincinnati region the opportunity to engage with nature through hiking, wildlife viewing, nature education, informative exhibits, and outdoor events. As the largest member-based nature center in the US, we welcome over 220,000 visitors each year; we are a regional leader in land stewardship and conservation and manage a variety of native habitats across 1,780 acres. Our naturalists and nature education professionals are experts in interpretive practices and guide visitors through programs that teach all ages about wildlife, plants, and local ecology.
