Environmental Education Internship

About the role

Environmental Education Interns become an integral part of the staff and participate in many aspects of the nature center’s operation. A two-week orientation and training period is followed by a variety of teaching opportunities in both day and residential settings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and teach ecology-based lessons for K to 4th grade on and off site with our school day programming.
• Become Learning Group Leaders for 2 to 3 weeks over the fall at Outdoor School, a 4-day residential camp for local 5th grade students.
• Facilitate hands-on lessons and guided exploration of the natural world, with a curriculum that supports the Pennsylvania education standards.
• Work with all ages and with a variety of groups, including public and private schools, organizations, clubs, and the public.
• Work in planning, delivering, and evaluating the center’s educational and recreational offerings.
• Assist with live animal training and care.
• Work with volunteers.
• Contribute to the center’s social media platforms.
• Maintain trails and restore habitats.
• Collect and submit data for citizen science projects.
• Foster sustainable initiatives at the center.

Requirements

A strong desire to teach and share your knowledge of and enthusiasm for the natural world. A background in education or the natural sciences is helpful but not necessary.

Qualifications

Successful candidates will be able to work independently and as part of a team, possess excellent communication skills, and be comfortable working with children and adults.

Skills

Strong organizational skills, ability to work with diverse groups, and proficiency in using technology.

Benefits

Professional guidance and on-site housing at our intern house nestled in the woods away from park visitors. Average work week is 40 to 45 hours.

Pay

Details on pay are not specified in the job posting.

Schedule

Details on schedule are not specified in the job posting.

Benefits

Details on benefits are not specified in the job posting.

Application Instructions

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

Background Checks/Clearances

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

Campus Security Crime Statistics

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO is the Law

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.

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