Conservation Education Intern

Position summary

This position helps educate children ages 4-13 about science, animals and conservation in our summer Zoo Camps. Conservation Education Interns develop child management techniques, interactive teaching strategies, and are directly mentored and extensively trained through a self-reflective, experiential training program. This role works closely with an experienced team of educators and volunteers and is supervised by the Programs Operations Manager. Conservation Education Interns play a critical role in support of the Zoological Society of Milwaukee’s (ZSM) mission to educate people about the importance of wildlife and animals and support the Milwaukee County Zoo, and the Conservation Education department’s vision to inspire and empower all members of our community to take conservation action.

Essential duties and responsibilities

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed below. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as deemed appropriate.

• Serve as Conservation Education intern for Zoological Society of Milwaukee’s summer education programs (Zoo Camps and Classes).
• Study and learn curricula, prepare classroom materials, and set-up and clean classroom spaces.
• Assist education instructors in classroom educational activities.
• Lead fun, safe and interactive Zoo tours daily.
• Implement policies and procedures to ensure a safe and engaging Zoo education experience for participants.
• Mentor and evaluate High School volunteers with supervision by the High School Coordinator.
• Focus on career development and professional skills through reflection, mentoring, and evaluation.
• Learn and employ strong child management and interpersonal skills to connect to and relate with a diverse group of participants, family members, and volunteers.
• Act with integrity and professionalism in the workplace at all times, and in representation of ZSM on Zoo grounds.
• Assist with Conservation Education Department light housekeeping.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Open to any major of study for those passionate about education, conservation, wildlife, natural resources, and/or social sciences (e.g., informal or formal education, conservation, zoology, biological sciences, forestry, human dimensions, psychology, etc.)
• Must be First Aid/CPR/AED certified or be willing and able to become certified.
• Must be able to attend mandatory trainings May 31st and June 3rd – 7th.

Physical demands          

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach or grasp with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk; and occasionally lift, carry and/or move up to 25 pounds; and to operate a motor vehicle.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to read from a computer, and the vision required to operate a motor vehicle.

WORK ENVIRONMENT      

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate, but occasionally loud. The employee may occasionally be exposed to outdoor weather conditions during all seasons, as well as dust, vibration or odors.