Environmental Education Internship

Organizational Mission: 

The mission of the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release native and migratory wild birds that have been harmed or displaced, to provide or locate a humane shelter for those birds that cannot be released, and to educate the public towards the importance of coexistence with all wild bird species. 

Job Description:

Have you ever dreamed of living on an island and working in the field of environmental education? The Florida Keys Wild Bird Center’s Environmental Education Internship program offers a flexible, part-time schedule in exchange for free housing in the Florida Keys. A private, single room is provided in our shared intern house that boasts ocean views of the Florida Bay. The program is designed so that Environmental Education Interns have the ability to pursue a paid part-time job in the community.  

Job Summary: 

The Environmental Education Intern is a supporting role and involves participating in all aspects of education programs and outreach efforts for the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center in Tavernier, FL. Education efforts include field trips, in-classroom visits, afterschool programs, camps, and all other public educational events. Outreach/community efforts include providing content for social media platforms, attending community festivals, tabling events, expos, and other non-profit related events. This position also includes handling our species ambassadors, which can include a raptor, snake, turtle, and invertebrates. 

The Environmental Education Intern position is a part-time, unpaid, seasonal position lasting between 4-6 months and may include some holidays, weekends, evening, and event hours. Typically the Environmental Education Coordinator works a 3-day, 24 hour work week with occasional events or programs, not to exceed 30 hours. The goal of this position is to provide well-rounded experience to build towards a career in Environmental Education and Outreach.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Work on an independent project approved and supported by the Outreach Coordinator over the course of the internship.
• Assist Outreach Coordinator with running and delivering educational programming on and off site
• Set up and run educational booths at local festivals and off-site events
• Assist with development and implementation of educational programs for visiting groups and local events.
• Assist with developing programs and workshops to integrate environmental/wildlife concepts into established school curricula. Integrate CPALMS standards with program development.
• Assist in planning and set up for annual fundraising event
• Maintain outreach program log, including program name, dates, type, and participant numbers.
• Lead guided tours of the hospital and sanctuary to interns, volunteers, and guests as scheduled.
• Attend public bird releases.
• Assist in gift shop operations inventory, shipping orders, greeting guests, etc.
• Respond to the public’s curiosity and questions about the organization (i.e. the mission, sanctuary information, bird advice, bird injuries, etc.).
• Network with other environmental education organizations to form collaborative efforts.
• Assist with content for social media including pictures, videos and captions.
• Assist with volunteer group programming
• Represent the FKWBC at events as scheduled.

Minimum Requirements: 

• At least 21 years of age
• Currently pursuing or recent graduate with an environmental or education focused degree or a related field
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and work in hot, humid, and rainy weather conditions
• Ability to adapt to a changing work schedule to accommodate events that occur on weekends
• Comfortable with handling animals including birds and reptiles
• Knowledge of basic biological principles and ability to quickly master Florida Keys ecology.
• Ability to teach to people of all ages
• Public speaking experience
• Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Possess effective time management skills with the ability to plan, organize, and adapt
• Self-motivated, confident, and disciplined with a strong work ethic and positive attitude
• Will respect FKWBC property as smoke- and drug-free zones
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record dating back 5 years