NY.gov Portal State Agency Listing Search all of NY.gov
D E C banner
D E C banner

Naturalist Intern Program

The Naturalist Intern application process for the Summer 2013 session at Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center and at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center is now CLOSED. Applications for the Fall 2013 internship at both locations are now being accepted. The application deadline for Reinstein Woods is June 1, and the deadline for Five Rivers is June 30.

DEC's environmental education centers (Five Rivers and Reinstein Woods) 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 DEC environmental education bureau, a wide variety of center programs, the operations and activities of a 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 of two years of college-level study or equivalent experience and able to work in the United States may apply. Academic training in natural resources, natural sciences (geology, biology), environmental science, interpretation, education, recreation or a related field is advantageous. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong natural history background, experience with teaching or youth leadership, and a demonstrated interest in environmental education. We expect interns to have a professional attitude and exemplify the standards of the NYSDEC. Valid driver's license required.

Intern Responsibilities:

(may include the following)

Educational Activities:

  • Complete intern training: orientation to job and NYSDEC, 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: pre-school, 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 workshops; including Project Learning Tree, Project 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 environmental education centers
  • Check trails and exhibits, update program announcements
  • Survey nest box use
  • Perform other duties as assigned by environmental education center staff
  • Complete an evaluation of the Naturalist Internship Program

Living Arrangements

Normal workdays are 8:30 AM to 4:45 PM Monday through Friday. Some weekend and evening work required with compensatory time off. Depending on availability, each center may provide housing, with fully-equipped kitchen, furnished living room, and private bedroom. Interns receive a stipend of $275 per week.

For Additional Information and to Apply

Download the Naturalist Intern Program application (PDF) (182 kB) and return it to the address listed at the end of the application.