Interns in the Conservancy’s Dalton Discovery Center care for live exhibits that house over 125 species of local wildlife including marine and freshwater fish and invertebrates, reptiles amphibians and raptors. Interns will gain experience in several fields such as education, interpretation and husbandry. You will also gain extensive knowledge of Southwest Florida’s unique ecosystems and assist the staff in bringing environmental awareness to thousands of students and visitors.

Essential Duties: Interns will work with protected wildlife such as a loggerhead sea turtle and American alligators and will assist the Environmental Education team with animal collection at various coastal locations.  In addition, interns will assist with teaching daily environmental education programs for audiences of all ages and presenting live animals for these programs. Interns will also deliver curriculum based environmental education programs to students in Pre-K through high school as well as lead interpretive Nature Center tour, assist with lecture series, assist with special events, lead off-site outreach programs and lend a hand with field trip programs.

Education and/or experience

- Applicant must be at least a senior in college or possess a BS or BA in science and/or education.
- Environmental science/ecology, education or comparable background with a strong interest to work in a nature center and with diverse audiences of all ages.
- Some teaching experience is preferable but not required.
- Animal care experience is preferable but not required

Qualifications/Work Environment:

- Willingness to work with native and exotic species of reptiles, raptors, invertebrates, amphibians, and fish.
- Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
- Ability to work with audiences of all ages (public visitors, school groups, volunteers, fellow interns, and staff)
- Willing and able to work weekends, holidays, early mornings, and evenings shifts.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds and work outdoors in hot, humid and sometimes buggy conditions. Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.