INTERNSHIP- Environmental Education

Conservancy of Southwest Florida Environmental Education Internship

The Environmental Education internship is a 6 to 7-month learning opportunity that provides the candidate with invaluable experience in environmental education, interpretation, public outreach, and animal handling. Through training, mentorship, and practical experience, the intern will gain extensive knowledge of Southwest Florida's unique ecosystems and how conservation and climate change impact our region.

The Environmental Education intern will be an integral part of our education team, bringing environmental awareness to thousands of Southwest Florida students and residents through educational outreach. Throughout the internship, the intern will develop skills in environmental interpretation, public speaking, audience engagement, curriculum development, proper animal handling, and educational material development that will be essential for a professional career in Environmental Education and related fields.

$300 bi-weekly cost of living stipend and dorm accommodation, including laundry, provided.

Essential Duties

Interns will assist with and deliver environmental education programs for audiences of all ages and present live animals for these programs as needed. These programs include, but are not limited to, school field trips, after-school programs, in-school programs, camps, and special events. Interns will also assist in the development of program content and materials as needed.

Work and Training Environment

• Willingness to handle (where appropriate) reptiles, invertebrates, and amphibians.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
• Ability to work with audiences of all ages (school groups, volunteers, fellow interns, and staff).
• Willing and able to work weekends, holidays, early mornings, and evenings shifts.
• Ability to lift 20 pounds and work outdoors in hot, humid and sometimes buggy conditions.

Education/Experience

• Applicant must 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 handling is preferable but not required.

About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida

For more than 60 years, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has been a leading environmental advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the water, land, wildlife, and future of our five-county region.

While our Nature Center is undergoing renovation, the Education team is focusing on public outreach, field trips, and in-school programs. By meeting people in local libraries, on nature trails, in the classroom, and throughout the community, the Education team continues to provide engaging environmental education experiences and bring conservation education directly to Southwest Florida residents and students. We'll continue to provide the fun and informative programming our organization has become known for.