Education Internship

The Humane Society of West Michigan is looking for UNPAID interns for the SUMMER of 2026!

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• College student pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in any field.
  • Ideal focuses: Education, Early Childhood Education and/or Development, Social Work, Communication, Public Relations, Business Administration or Psychology and Sociology
• A desire to learn more about the animal shelter environment
• Comfortable working with children ages 4 – 17
• A highly developed attention to detail 
• Well-developed interpersonal and writing skills
• Excellent and professional customer service and communication skills
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills
• The ability to work independently or in a team environment
• Flexibility in hours; working some nights and possible weekends

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in the implementation of Humane Society of West Michigan’s Youth Education Program
• Plan, implement, facilitate, and evaluate Kids' Night Out events, Spring Break Camp and Summer Camp
• Assist with planning and executing children’s daily camp activities
• Assist with group and school presentations and in the development of program curriculum
• Communicate with external groups including parents, community members, groups, and media
• Communicate with parents of campers on changes to program in person or via email
• Assist with volunteer management and training as available
• Coordinate and lead activities with volunteer groups
• Develop and/or share communication pieces for volunteers and summer camp families
• Data entry for program touch points
• Research innovative ideas for our summer, day, and overnight camps
• Research and create a project proposal for a new day or night camp 
• Develop potential new outlets for funding/partnership for specific volunteer and camp needs
• Develop training protocol proposal for animal handling for junior camp counselor and camp counselors 
• Other duties as assigned by the Humane Education Coordinator, Director of Community Programs, and other HSWM staff

WORK ENVIRONMENT

HSWM Expectations of Employees

• Treat animals, staff, and volunteers humanely, with compassion, both on and off the job, and transmits these values to others
• Adhere to all state and local laws regarding personally owned animals
• Provide accurate information and courteous service to the public at all times
• Discretion with confidential information

Work Environment

• May be exposed to unpleasant noises, odor and animal feces
• May be exposed to bites, scratches and zoonotic diseases

Physical Demands                                                          

• Work requires lifting and carrying items & animals that weigh up to 40 pounds. Will be assisted by other staff members with items & animals weighing over 40 pounds
• Will be required to walk or stand for extended periods of time.  Will frequently work in a bent position