Calvert County Natural Resources (CCNRD) and Calvert Nature Society seek creative, enthusiastic, and organized interns to prepare and lead hands-on outdoor environmental education (EE) programs. Interns will be trained to implement lesson plans and will learn local natural history, trailside activities, and teaching techniques. Other general duties: assisting with animal care, program materials maintenance, trail and garden work, and assisting naturalists with research projects.  Great career builder for individuals interested in careers in EE and interpretation or environmental studies.

 

Hours:

Weekdays, with occasional weekends or evenings

25-30 hours/week for 12 weeks (or a minimum of 300 hours)

Internship term for Fall 2024 is August 26 to November 15

Other internships are available: Spring (March to June), and Summer (June to August).

Responsibilities include:

  • Environmental Education and Interpretation: predominately leading curriculum-based environmental education field trips for Calvert County 5th graders at the Fishing Creek boardwalk in Chesapeake Beach
  • Creating and leading interpretive programs for the public in various settings such as outreach, camps, family nature classes
  • General park operations: including animal care and garden and trail maintenance as time allows
  • Assist year-round staff with wildlife monitoring projects as available

Qualifications:

  • College junior, senior, or recent graduate with education background in environmental science, environmental education, biology, recreation, or related field of study
  • Work/volunteer experience with children
  • A demonstrated interest and passion for environmental education and the natural world
  • Intern must provide their own transportation (will be traveling to various sites in Calvert County)
  • Current First Aid and CPR certification preferred, but not necessary

The successful applicant will:

  • Have excellent communication skills
  • Be self-motivated
  • Be capable of working independently with mentor guidance as well as in a team with patience and flexibility

Outcomes of the internship may include:

  • Develop teaching and educational skills in an informal education setting
  • Learn how to structure and guide hands-on inquiry-based programs for a wide range of ages
  • Facilitate learning and manage groups effectively
  • Training in natural history, gardening, butterflies, environmental education and other science topics
  • Improve leadership skills by assisting with training summer camp staff or leading volunteers in natural history research projects
  • Research and develop virtual EE and Interpretation products including: videos and social media posts
  • Other projects may be developed based on intern’s interests and CCNRD needs

Financial Support – A stipend of $2,000 is given out in installments through the internship period

Qualified applicants should submit the following to Tania Gale (tania.gale@calvertcountymd.gov):

  • A letter of interest detailing the applicant’s current skill set that would meet the internship requirement and an explanation of how the internship could help the applicant meet his/her personal and professional goals
  • One-page resume