Description 

The Environmental Education internship is a 6-month position that provides the candidate with invaluable experience in environmental education, interpretation, animal handling, and special events. The intern will also gain extensive knowledge of Southwest Florida’s unique ecosystems and how conservation and climate change impacts our region.

The Environmental Education intern will be an integral part of our Education team and bring environmental awareness to thousands of students and visitors through educational outreach. This is an excellent opportunity to learn educational, interpretive, and public speaking skills that will be essential for a professional career within the Environmental Education field.

$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, afterschool programs, camps, Nature Center tours, daily public talks, and special events. Interns will also assist in development of program content and materials.

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 (public visitors, 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 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 area.

Our Nature Center features a collection of indoor and outdoor exhibits, artifacts, and live animals curated to showcase Southwest Florida’s unique wildlife and habitats. The Nature Center experience includes state of the art hands-on exhibits and technology for all ages.