Environmental Education Intern

Interns will be involved in a variety of duties such as:

Environmental Education: IFS interns supplement the group leader’s knowledge with local site information and topical lectures. The level of assistance with educational programming will vary according to the group leader’s expertise and experience. Interns should be prepared to act as naturalists with a general knowledge of all the terrestrial and marine ecosystems of Andros.

Trip Facilitation: IFS interns are expected to stay in close contact with the group leaders, transport groups to their desired sites, and monitor the group’s safety while doing so. 

Field Station Operations: There are daily, weekly, and monthly tasks to be completed to maintain the full operation of the field station. Each intern will be involved in varying degrees with the daily tasks, such as interacting with the guests, working the lodge, running errands, unloading shipments, communicating with the office in Columbus, Ohio, and other duties as necessary.  

Maintenance: All interns participate in the maintenance and repair of the vehicles, boats, buildings, other equipment, landscaping and other facilities tasks as needed.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education, Marine Biology, Ecology, Fisheries, Botany, Geology, Environmental Biology, or similar science or education major
• Experience with diving, snorkeling, kayaking, lifeguarding, and/or species identification
• Experience with facilitation and leading trips
• Experience creating and presenting educational programming (middle school to adult audiences a plus)
• Key personality traits include: ability to live and work in a small group environment with limited personal space in rustic and rural conditions, flexible and adaptable, responsible and safety conscious, relatable and personable with students/group leaders/visitors/locals, a team player with a good work ethic
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and be comfortable driving large vans on unpaved, rural roads
• Must consent to and pass a Background Check
• Physical requirements: Must be able to and desire to spend time diving, snorkeling, walking for up to 8 hours a day, must be able to climb up and down ladders, must be able to lift 50 lbs, and must be able to drive a van for up to 1.5 hours at a time
• PADI Dive Instructor or PADI Divemaster certifications are preferable, but not required

Internship Program:

The internship runs from Late 2024 until August 2025. Training will include but not limited to: trip leading and planning, basic education on local flora and fauna, and station management. Days are long with 1-2 days off per week. SCUBA certifications will be offered to interns where appropriate. Other training opportunities may include Wilderness First Aid and ACA Sea Kayaking certifications. Interns may stay on for an additional season if it is mutually agreed upon by the intern, Station Manager, and Executive Director

Compensation:

The monthly stipend for interns will be $500 per month with room and board and meals provided (additional compensation offered to PADI Dive Instructors / PADI Divemasters). IFS will cover up to $100 on actual medical expenses per month. Interns are allowed to have two free guests (each with a week-long stay) during their year-long internship. Interns are entitled to two weeks paid vacation during their internship. Interns are required to pay for their flights to and from the island. Interns who complete their internship will have their first flight to the field station and their return flight reimbursed.