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Naturalist Intern Program

All of the DEC's environmental education centers (Reinstein Woods, Rogers, Five Rivers, and Stony Kill Farm) offer ten- to twelve-week naturalist training internships to persons seeking professional experience in environmental education. Each intern will receive training in the mission and role of the environmental education bureau within the DEC, a wide variety of education center programs, the operations and activities of a nature center, principles of environmental interpretation, and natural history of New York. Interns will assume the role of environmental education staff in carrying out the responsibilities necessary to meet the center's objectives. Opportunities for training and development of specific skills will be available depending on each intern's interests and the center's needs.

The internships run for 10 to 12 weeks and are held year-round, with sessions beginning in January, April, June, and September.

Qualifications

Anyone with a minimum one year college-level study may apply. Academic training in natural resources, natural sciences (geology, biology), environmental science, education, recreation, or a related field is advantageous. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong natural history background and a demonstrated interest in environmental education.

Intern Responsibilities:

(may vary slightly depending on location and season of internship)

Educational Activities:

  • Complete intern training: orientation to job and DEC, environmental education philosophy and techniques, environmental education literature, customer service, safety, and emergency procedures.
  • Plan and lead a variety of environmental activities for a wide variety of audiences including: preschool, elementary, middle, high school, youth groups, special needs groups, general public.
  • Design, prepare, conduct, and evaluate an original environmental education presentation.
  • Interact with the public during weekend and weekday visitor center receptionist duty.
  • Write newsletter or newspaper articles on natural history or environmental topics.
  • Attend teacher training workshops and assist staff in conducting; including Project WILD, Aquatic WILD, and Project WET.
  • Attend staff nature study training sessions.
  • Complete a project (to be arranged with the intern's supervisor). Examples of past projects:
    • Plan and present a walk on a particular topic either on or off-site
    • Create a theme slide show
    • Design and construct an exhibit
    • Develop new lesson plans and teaching activity materials
    • Write a seasonal trail guide
    • Prepare taxidermic mounts

Administrative Duties:

  • Complete a visual impressions report of grounds, trails, and exhibits.
  • Interview each staff member for practice in interviewing and to learn about each staff member's job.
  • Assist staff in planning seasonal general public programs.
  • Attend a meeting of the center's not-for-profit support organization.
  • Care for live animals.
  • Visit other DEC education centers.
  • Check trails and exhibits, update program announcements, perform other "professional chores."
  • Survey nest box use.
  • Complete an evaluation of the Internship Program.

Living Arrangements

Normal workdays are 8:30 AM to 4:45 PM Monday through Friday. Some weekends are required with compensatory time off. Each center provides housing, with fully equipped kitchen, furnished living room and private bedroom. Interns receive a stipend of $225 per week.

For Additional Information and to Apply

Download the Naturalist Intern Program application (41 Kb pdf) and return it to the address listed at the end of the application.