Coastal Education Intern - Joppa Flats

Location: Newburyport, MA
Sanctuary: Joppa Flats

Spring 2020 Term (mid-May through late August): The team of 4-5 Coastal Education Interns (CEIs) will spend the early part of their internship assisting with the implementation of field trips offered onsite at the Joppa Flats Education Center and offsite on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and Plum Island. Themes may include coastal ecology, marine biology, environmental awareness and stewardship, bird banding and migration, and invasive species. Field trips may include sandy beaches, rocky shores, tide pools, salt marshes, rivers, and ponds.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities from mid-May through mid-June: 

Assist naturalists with school and family field trips on Plum Island at the sandy beach, rocky shore, bird banding station, salt marsh and maritime forest
Develop weekly ecology-based themes for self-guided activities and table-top displays in our Education Center for visitors of all ages
Create short and simple presentations for families about the weekly themes
Train with our biosurvey naturalist to create visitation aides with a focus on the plants and wildlife on the grounds (insects, butterfly gardens, etc.) 

Summer 2020: The team of CEIs will work with their team to run our our drop-in visitor program, Meet Beach Creatures and our traveling tide pool touch tank every week. Interns will act at mentors for the teen naturalists that assist with these programs. Together, this team will present live marine life and welcome beachgoers to learn more about coastal conservation projects and on-the-beach programs about marine life, micro plastics, coastal erosion, shorebird protection, and climate change. Projects may be collaborated on with interns from US Fish & Wildlife and the Dept. of Conservation and Research.  

Responsibilities from mid-June through late-August: 

Lead our summer public program with our 110-gallon tide pool touch tank in the Education Center
Lead our traveling tide pool touch tank program to local beaches 
Mentor teen naturalists both on and offsite
Interpret our wildlife tanks and insect cages for the visitors

Qualifications

At least 18 years of age or 16 years with 1-2 years experience with Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats
Experience interacting with people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds
Possess strong public speaking skills 
Experience developing lesson plans and/or activities for children
Demonstrates creativity, reliability, flexibility, and enthusiasm, and strong oral and written communication skills
Local knowledge of New England coastal ecology and rocky shore species a plus but not required
Experience with outdoor activities such as birding and tide pooling
Experience with tank maintenance, animal care, and feeding
Valid driver’s license preferred
First aid & CPR certified preferred
Must pass a background records check (CORI, SORI and driver's)

Compensation and Benefits

This is an unpaid internship

Additional Comments

Dates of Employment: late May - late August 2020
Commitment 15 weeks for a minimum of 20 hours per week
Some evenings and weekends required.