Cincinnati Nature Center (CNC) views today’s interns as tomorrow’s leaders. CNC provides the types of real-world experiences that will make each education intern highly effective in his or her career. To this end, CNC 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. We also provide time for evaluation and reflection, along with portfolio building and interview practice. We want our interns to move on to positions of influence and leadership throughout the country.
 
As an Environmental Interpretation Intern, you will learn to:

• Teach students from preschool through high school about ecology and the environment;
• Develop and deliver programs, tours, drop-in enrichment stations and special events for a variety of audiences on weekdays, weekends, and evenings;
• Plan exhibits, write articles and create teaching tools and educational materials;
• Train volunteer educators;
• Assist with curriculum development, evaluation, and revision;
• Serve on CNC’s Education Team;
• Gain an overview of operations at a large nature center through interdepartmental exposure.

Environmental Interpretation Interns receive training in:

• Teaching techniques and group management including front loading, safety and hazards on the trail, leveling and scaffolding, bringing it back to the lesson, working with children with special needs,
• Facilitation skills including storytelling, using music in non-formal education, developmentally and age appropriate practices, questioning strategies, guided inquiry methods, nature mentoring, puppetry and specific lesson plans.
• Managerial and supervisory training including flexibility, communication, teamwork, customer service, giving and receiving constructive criticism, provisional language and positive communication, coaching, conflict resolution, scheduling, transitioning from colleague to boss, safety and risk management and incident response. 
• Formative and quantitative exhibit creation and evaluation;
• Event planning;
• National Association for Interpretation’s Certified Interpretive Guide course (a $380 value);
• First Aid/CPR training

Environmental Interpretation Interns receive: 

• Personal mentoring from veteran staff
• In depth periodic evaluations
• A stipend of $235/week plus furnished on-site housing. A $100 deposit will be collected from each intern who utilizes housing.

Qualifications:

• Baccalaureate degree
• 9 month commitment 
• A passion for teaching and the natural world
• Ability to teach a variety of ages
• Proficient in public speaking
• Willingness to work independently and on a team
• Pass criminal record checks
• Good writing and oral communication skills; good customer service skills
• Experience in teaching, coaching, summer camp, etc. preferred
• General familiarity with the natural environment/agriculture is a plus

Requirements:

• This is a full-time intern position requiring 40 hours per week, including some weekends and evenings.
•  We are currently accepting applications for the 2017-2018 internship class.  
• We will accept applications until all internship positions have been filled.
•  Internship will run from end of August 2016 through the beginning of June 2017.  Exact dates to be determined.

Application Process:

Early application is encouraged. Send resume, three references (with email addresses), and a thoughtful letter of application stating why you are interested in being part of the next Environmental Internship class.
 
Click here for pictures of the intern house:
http://www.cincynature.org/media/involved/NewInternHouse.pdf