Conservation Education Intern

Overview

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.

Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Programs and Education Manager, the Conservation Education Intern (the Intern) will participate in a 10-week experiential education program based at The Discovery Center in Philadelphia, PA. Through hands-on activities, discussion, and assigned readings, the Intern will improve understanding of ecosystem health, learn best practices to protect birds and other wildlife, gain transferable skills that can be applied across industries, and deepen connections with nature. As part of the program, the Intern will be asked to design and implement a conservation project that considers the intersection of climate change, environmental justice, and related threats to birds and the habitat we share, and will be expected to present their project at a final presentation event.

The Intern will also learn and interact with the Philadelphia Outward Bound School and be introduced to experiential education and development of leadership skills.

The internship will begin in March 14th 2022 and last for 10 weeks. It will be in-person at The Discovery Center with potential for some remote work. Compensation is $16/hour, not to exceed 10 hours/week. Some travel assistance may be provided.

There are five openings for this position.

Compensation:

$16.00 / hour

Essential Functions

• Meet 2-3 times per week at The Discovery Center to participate in discussions and complete assigned tasks.
• Be able to understand environmental science topics, including but not limited to, climate change, environmental justice, water quality, birds as indicators of climate change, native and invasive plant species, green infrastructure, and conservation.
• Be willing to observe how these specific topics are affecting the intern’s individual communities.
• Read peer-reviewed articles, and related materials about environmental science topics.
• Research and develop deeper understanding of climate change and environmental justice.
• Brainstorm and design a conservation project that aims to mitigate and/or highlight impacts of climate change on birds and people through the lens of environmental justice.
• Participate in an end of internship event to present specific conservation project.

Qualifications and Experience

• The internship is designed for high school students and young adults, aged 14-21.
• Interest in environmental science, birds, conservation, and community outreach.
• Desire to educate others about conservation and the natural world.
• Must be organized and exercise good time management.
• Must be able to work independently as well as with others.
• Work permits may be required for candidates under 18 years of age as a condition of employment

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

COVID Policy

All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.