As an Environmental Education Intern at Delaware State Parks, you will have the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge in the fields of environmental education and outdoor recreation through extensive hands-on experience and training. An ideal candidate enjoys sharing a love of nature with others, is creative, considerate, and willing to work with our team to provide the best possible experience for park visitors. Principal duties of the position are to conduct educational and recreational programs such as canoeing, hiking, birding, public programs, school programs, special events, walk-by programs, and guided hikes featuring our Park’s many natural and historical resources. This internship provides nature-based interpretive experience, public speaking practice as well as leadership skills. The position includes working weekends and some evenings.
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
- 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
- Preference given to candidates with a valid driver’s license, experience conducting canoeing, hiking or other outdoor activities, knowledge of surrounding environment/ecology
- 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
- Performs duties in compliance with Division and Park Customer Service Guidelines and Safety Guidelines
- Ability to lift 50 pounds
