Environmental Education Intern-White Clay Creek State Park

Want to ignite a lifelong appreciation of the outdoors in young children? Looking for a way to share your love for the natural world? In this position you will have the opportunity to! As a part of the White Clay Creek State Park Nature Center/ Environmental Education Team you will be working with school-aged children in school groups in our Nature Center. In this position interns will be working with field experts to become actively engaged in resource-based educational program delivery, research, and coordination both on- and off-site.  Nature Center Interns may also have the opportunity to conduct research on the cultural and natural history of White Clay Creek State Park and the surrounding area to expand current programming offerings.    

Interns will also participate in intern-wide professional development activities and experiential learning opportunities that may require them to be off-site or away from their placement. Each intern will complete a personalized “demonstration of learning” project. At the conclusion of the internship, all interns will present their projects during a poster session for peers and Delaware State Parks staff.      

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a team of naturalists to provide quality educational programs on cultural and natural resources
• Be a front-line representative of Delaware State Parks - greet nature center guests, table at events, and rove throughout campground and/or park
• Interact and create a safe and enjoyable environment for all park visitors
• Abide by all Delaware State Parks safety regulations
• Coordinate with all park staff for use of equipment, planning of programs, and working special events
• Assist in developing, leading, and evaluating environmental education programs for a wide variety of audiences such as pre-school, elementary, middle, high school, youth groups, special needs groups, and the general public
• Work as a team to keep nature center and all equipment clean and presentable, following all cleaning safety protocols
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills

• Appreciation and understanding of the natural environment.
• Understanding of educational principles and techniques- experience in teaching or educational programming helpful
• Desire to help provide environmental education and interpretive opportunities
• Must be able to demonstrate responsibility, dependability, and good communication skills
• Must keep a positive attitude and have fun in a fast paced, sometimes hectic environment
• Must be able to work in varied weather conditions for up to 8 hours
• Ability to create enjoyable hands-on activities and games for a variety of age groups
• Able to communicate effectively with a diverse public and speak publicly in front of groups or audiences
• Professional appearance and demeanor, responsible and trustworthy
• Pleasant and personable, enjoys people, good customer service skills
• Works well independently or as a cooperative, contributory team member
• Ability to present programs as instructed by Park Interpreter, Educator or Nature Center Manager
• Able to assist with both indoor and outdoor programs
• Comfortable working around boats/water; ability to pass a canoe/kayak safety course that includes a swim test - not applicable at all sites