Part-time Youth and Family Programs Intern - Summer 2027

About the internship

The Arboretum at Penn State is offering paid part-time (20-30 hour/week) internships for undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates interested in career paths in environmental education and related careers. The positions are for 16-week terms, beginning on May 3, and ending August 20, 2027. Scheduled internship activities generally take place between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. Some evening and weekend availability will be required.

Experience

This internship provides an experiential introduction to outdoor, place-based education in a botanic children's garden setting. Interns will work together with the Arboretum's Youth and Family Programs education staff to develop and facilitate nature-based programs and activities related to central Pennsylvania's ecology, geology, plants, and animals. The position will expose interns to the world of public gardens and horticulture, field trip facilitation, lesson planning, event planning, volunteer management, public relations skills, and donor support. Interns will build meaningful relationships with staff, peers, volunteers, the University, and the local community through teamwork and collaboration. This internship meets hours requirements for Recreation Park and Tourism Management (RPTM) 495A.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, facilitate, and evaluate outdoor learning experiences, educational activities, lesson plans, and programs.
• Embrace a growth mindset by demonstrating critical thinking, taking on leadership roles, and seeking opportunities for professional engagement.
• Enroll in a mandatory 9-week non-credit tuition-free Canvas course (currently titled Upskill Penn State) designed to support reflection on experiential learning.
• Participate in paid, regularly scheduled community education days.

Qualifications

Applicants should be currently enrolled in or recent graduates from an undergraduate or graduate degree program and should demonstrate a strong interest in environmental education. A background in education, recreation, natural science, human development, or a related field is an asset. Preference will be given to candidates who can explain how this opportunity will help them reach their career goals.

Requirements

• Resume or CV
• Cover letter
• Contact information for at least two professional references. Written letters of recommendation highly preferred.

Application

Please make certain to include a cover letter, resume or CV, and reference contacts/letters of recommendation with your application materials. Candidates will be contacted for interviews beginning in February 2027.

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. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

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