The Wild Center seeks highly motivated and organized Summer Interns to join our programming staff at a world class not-for-profit natural history museum in the heart of the Adirondack Park. The mission of The Wild Center (TWC) is “To ignite an enduring passion for the Adirondacks where people and nature can thrive together and set an example for the world.” Summer Interns will be trained to design and lead formal public programs and informal interpretive experiences throughout our campus. Interns will have diverse responsibilities including animal encounters, exhibit guiding, canoe and stand up paddleboard trips, outdoor programs, Wild Walk, Science on a Sphere, and more.

Learning Experiences and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement interpretive programs for museum visitors of all ages, including outdoor experiences along the trails and on Wild Walk, live animal encounters, guided walks, behind-the-scenes tours, canoe and paddleboard trips, and many more informal interpretive opportunities
• Learn how to utilize innovative technologies for programming, such as Science on a Sphere
• Handle and interpret native animals including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals
• Co-lead two hour interpretive canoe and stand up paddleboard programs for beginner paddlers on flat water
• Perform outdoor tasks such as hiking the grounds, organizing our outdoor play area, filling bird feeders, etc.
• Assist with daily museum operations, including maintenance and development of education materials, opening and closing duties, exhibit guiding on the floor, and interpreting our new traveling exhibit on indigenous ecological knowledge, Roots of Wisdom
• Create positive experiences for museum guests
• Attend and/or work evening programs and/or events as needed
• Collaborate with all departments, including Animal Care, Facilities, Development, Admissions, Volunteers, and more
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Preferred minimum 2 years completed at an accredited college or equivalent experience
• Strong skills in communication, public speaking, customer service, writing, and computers. Skills in art, theater, social media, multimedia or graphic arts desired, but not required
• Available to work from May 20, 2018 through Labor day (end date flexible), including weekends and some evenings
• Comfort with handling captive animals, including reptiles and amphibians
• Experience with, or willing to learn waterfront skills including paddling tandem canoes or stand up paddleboards and providing instruction for others
• Able to travel on trails with moderate grades/uneven surfaces, maneuver on floating docks, and lift up to 25 pounds

Compensation and Benefits

• $250 weekly stipend (~40 hour work week)
• Shared, fully equipped housing in Tupper Lake, NY within walking distance of The Wild Center (does not include board)
• Interpretive Guide Certification from the National Association for Interpretation
• CPR and First Aid certification if necessary
• The opportunity to work in a LEED certified state of the art facility on an 115 acre site on the Raquette River featuring over 50 species of live exhibit animals
• Develop a deeper knowledge of the natural and cultural history of the Adirondack Park
• Formal training opportunities and ongoing mentorship in the principles of interpretation and interpretive program development and delivery
• Museum staff can work with you to gain college credit if desired (must be confirmed prior to hiring)