Glen Helen Naturalist Teacher Internship 

Start Date: January 4, 2023    End Date: May 31, 2023 

The Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center’s mission is to provide transformative learning experiences that engage learners in the practices of sciences; promote self-discovery and growth; cultivate community; and create a connection to our natural world. Our Outdoor Education Center (OEC) team forms a fun, passionate, engaged learning community interested in making a difference in the lives of everyone we work with. We share the values of being inclusive, growing new skills, learning together, and communicating well in order to work together effectively. Glen Helen is an equal opportunity provider. 

Position Description

The Glen Helen Naturalist Teacher Internship begins with 2 weeks of intensive training, and segues into a semester-long practicum, an intensive learning experience that merges theory and practice. Naturalist Teacher Interns teach elementary students standards-aligned, science lessons; facilitate community building; and provide students with an experience-based connection to the natural world during a transformative multi-day residential program at Glen Helen Outdoor School, all the while cultivating community and student growth!

We are committed to fostering lifelong learning at the Glen Helen OEC, and thus ongoing training, professional development, and mentorship is provided throughout the entire program. Interns live and practice within the Glen Helen Nature Preserve. This internship will provide you with real-world experience in preparation for employment as a naturalist or educator; our alumni can be found in parks and environmental learning centers across the country. 

Our curriculum is aligned with Ohio Education Standards, and Naturalist Teachers have the freedom to creatively develop individual lesson plans to hone their teaching style and persona. Lesson topics include observation, questioning, senses, wildlife, succession, nocturnal animals, forest ecology, stream ecology, geology, environmental problem solving, cultural history, cooperation and team building. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Train as a Naturalist Teacher, sharing your learning with students and participating in ongoing, regularly scheduled workshops and weekly staff planning meetings
• Design and deliver standards-aligned environmental education experiences for a diverse population of student participants in our multi-day residential and day programs 
• Serve as a role model for positive community engagement and responsible environmental behaviors
• Ensure safety and well-being of program participants and OEC team members using sound judgment and applying appropriate decisions by following safety protocol and reporting incidents, near misses, or possible hazards
• Assist in the maintenance of all program supplies, equipment, and facilities
• Comply with all Glen Helen Association policies and represent the OEC in a professional manner at all times
• Share in the daily and weekly responsibilities at the Outdoor Education Center and complete other duties as assigned

Qualifications

To qualify for the Naturalist Teacher Internship program, an individual must be able to perform each primary responsibility. The Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center aims to make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform primary responsibilities. 

If you are interested in and passionate about our work, please do consider applying, even if you do not meet all the requirements; we would still like to hear from you and learn about how we can make this field more accessible to all. 

The Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center does not sponsor work visas, thus, in compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire.

Requirements

• Minimum two years of undergraduate course work or associate's degree
• Demonstrate a respect and affinity for children 
• Demonstrate a passion for the natural environment
• Commitment to equity and inclusion
• Willing to live in community and work closely as a team
• Willing to be mentored and receive feedback
• Applicants must be able to commit to the full duration of the program, from the beginning of training through the conclusion of the Outdoor School term 
• Proof of Vaccination against COVID-19
• Must pass a FBI and Ohio BCI criminal background check and fingerprinting prior to the start of training 
• Applicants must be able to successfully complete First Aid, CPR, and AED training (to be provided on-site)

Physical Demands

Naturalist Teacher Interns are required to regularly stand for long periods of time and walk up to 5 miles per day on uneven terrain, while carrying a 25-lb backpack in all weather conditions.  Naturalists must be able to verbally communicate and have visual abilities that allow them to deliver programs safely.

Compensation

• $250 weekly stipend, paid bi-weekly
• Housing: private bedroom, shared bathroom, kitchen, common space, and laundry
• Meals during training days and when school groups are on site
• Intensive mentoring from OEC staff and ongoing professional development experiences
• Training to handle and teach with reptiles and birds of prey