Intern - First Catch Center (Summer)

About the role

We are seeking a creative and motivated team member to plan, execute, and evaluate statewide aquatic education programming. This individual will work remotely and independently as they travel around the state with the First Catch Center (a trailer filled with educational fishing equipment). Due to the nature of this position, evening and weekend work will be required. The position will offer programs in state parks and communities with audience bases ranging from family to adult classes. Program topics include, but are not limited to: tying on lures, casting, cleaning fish, cooking fish, tips for fishing for specific species, etc. Part of being an effective educator is taking care of course materials, therefore, the intern will be tasked with the upkeep of education equipment within the First Catch Center trailer. Candidate must enjoy working with families and adults, and enjoy spending time outdoors. Training is provided. Experience pulling a trailer is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and evaluate statewide aquatic education programming
• Travel throughout South Dakota with the First Catch Center trailer
• Deliver programs in state parks and communities to family and adult audiences
• Teach topics including lure tying, casting, fish cleaning, fish cooking, and species-specific fishing tips
• Maintain and care for educational fishing equipment within the First Catch Center trailer
• Work independently and remotely with evening and weekend hours required

Requirements

• Must be a current part-time or full-time student (minimum 6 credit hours) in upcoming semester or immediately preceding semester
• Enrolled at a college, university, or technical institute at time of application
• Completed one year (nine months) of chosen program by internship start
• Experience with education and outreach OR working toward a relevant degree (education, communication, outreach, outdoor recreation, agricultural education, science education, physical education, sports and recreation management, or related field)
• Strong foundation of fishing experience with ability to work independently, care for equipment, and answer public questions
• Enjoy working with families and adults and spending time outdoors
• Experience pulling a trailer preferred but not required

Preference may be given to applicants with junior/senior standing, South Dakota residents, and students of South Dakota institutions.

Benefits

• Innovation: Shape and execute marketing strategies for recruitment, retention, and reactivation of outdoor enthusiasts
• Collaboration and Communication: Work with marketing, communications, and education teams on statewide efforts
• Professional Development: Support and resources to remain an expert in marketing and outdoor recreation
• Task Diversity: Duties include meetings, collaboration with government representatives, representing the Department at Commission meetings and national conferences, visiting state parks, promoting habitat and access programs
• Leadership Opportunity: Align and implement department-wide, statewide, and nationwide recruitment, retention, and reactivation content marketing and communications strategies

Pay

Minimum salary: $19.09 per hour

Schedule

Summer session (May – August). Evening and weekend work required. Remote work with extensive travel throughout South Dakota.

Location

Based in Sioux Falls, SD with statewide travel required.