Environmental Educator Seasonal Internship

Position ANNOUNCEMENT

313 Hudson Avenue   •   Tenafly, New Jersey  07670   •   201.568.6093   •   201.569.2266 fax  •  www.tenaflynaturecenter.org

201.568.6093 phone

201.569.2266 fax

Tenafly Nature Center is an independent non-profit member-supported 400 acre nature preserve, located in Tenafly, NJ, five miles north of the George Washington Bridge. With over seven miles of trails and a 3-acre pond, TNC is the largest privately-run nature center in Bergen County. Education Interns (report to the Education Director) are responsible for assisting the Education Director with all aspects of running the Tenafly Nature Center education department and education staff department needs including teaching our increasing demand of programs both on and off site throughout the year. Curriculum is hands-on and geared toward helping children and adults to develop awareness, appreciation and stewardship for the natural world. A Tenafly Nature Center education intern works hard and develops the skills needed to continue in any career in the education/interpretive field.

Duties & Responsibilities:

·          Learn about our environmental education curriculum and assist in implementing the purpose, goals and objectives of each program. This includes all aspects of programming, including set up, clean up, evaluation, and follow up.

Create and maintain a safe, fun, learning atmosphere for children while projecting a knowledgeable & confident image to parents and teachers.
Work on one major project, such as developing new resource packets for schoolteachers and summer nature program instructors, creating a new publication or exhibit or developing a web page.
Support Education Director in keeping meticulous records for the education department, so the information and organized records can be used as attendance sheets, seasonal use, budgeting, the annual audit, and archived records.
Assist Education Director with program logistics and preparation, including program promotion, registration, pre-visit communication, development of props and materials, classroom maintenance, and curriculum development.
Assist with care of captive live animals (ex. Raptors, Reptiles. Amphibians)
Greet and engage visitors; articulate TNC’s mission and project a helpful and positive attitude when interacting with the public, including TNC members, parents, teachers, and group leaders in person & on the phone.
Assist staff with answering phones, as needed, field natural history questions from the public, and direct questions to appropriate experts.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications (EESI):

Currently enrolled in a college/university and have completed at least two years of course work in a major field of study to be applied during the internship (e.g. education, environmental studies, etc.).
Knowledge of and passion for the natural world with an interest in environmental or outdoor education and/or classroom science education.
Prior environmental education, outdoor education or early childhood education experience preferred.
Mastery of Microsoft Office and common office equipment. E-mail and internet access required.
Enthusiastic, outgoing, patient, and flexible when working with children and adults.
Ability to work both independently and on a team with minimal supervision.
Comfortable handling or learning to handle reptiles, invertebrates and raptors (training provided).
Ability to communicate effectively and interact well on the phone and in writing.
Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Ability to walk all the trails of TNC and climb one flight of stairs. Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs.
Willingness to work outdoors in variable weather conditions and variable terrain.
Current first aid/CPR certification is a plus.
Criminal history background checks will be required, consistent with all applicable laws
Currently be eligible to work in the USA.
Valid Driver's license and personal transportation.

Environmental Educator SI: Position starts either March 20 or May 15. Education interns have a regular 40 hour/week schedule, usually 10:00 am to 4:00 pm or 11:00 am-5:00 pm, working five days a week (one weekend day and evening included).

Length of Internship: Spring internships are from mid-late March to mid-late June; Summer internships are from mid-late May to mid-late August. Specific dates are somewhat flexible to suit varying schedules.

Stipend: $160/week.

Application Process: To apply, please submit a complete application package which includes: cover letter, resume and completed internship application form via email to Debora Davidson ddavidson@TenaflyNC.org.  No calls please.

Download Internship Application Form:  Environmental Educator Seasonal Internship Application Form

Application Deadline: All application packages must be received by February 27, 2019.

Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline will