Do you know any college students or recent graduates with an interest in nature education and conservation? As of today, registration for the Alaska Conservation Foundation's internship with Discovery Southeast is open. 

2011 Intern Celeta Cook at Outdoor Explorers summer camp

Learn about and apply for the 2012 Alaska Conservation Foundation Internships.

All registration materials for this internship are due by midnight, Alaska time, on February 29, 2012.

Read the Discovery Southeast internship description below, quoted from the ACF website:

Host Organization:  Discovery Southeast

Title: Natural Science Educator

Location:  Juneau, AK

Website: www.discoverysoutheast.org

Description of Organization:  Discovery Southeast is a non-profit environmental education organization whose mission is to connect people to nature.  Discovery Southeast is devoted to experience-based, inquiry-driven natural history and conservation education programs for children, adults, students, and teachers in Southeast Alaska. We encourage a land and sea use ethic that recognizes our interdependent relationship with nature, and also recognizes the unique qualities of the Southeast Alaska coastal environment as a place to experience this relationship.

Duration: Twelve weeks: preferably June 4, 2012 through August 24, 2012, though there is some flexibility (Outdoor Explorers camp season runs June 11 – August 10).

Internship Assignment:  The Natural Science Intern will spend 70% of his/her time in the field leading, exploring and delivering Discovery Southeast’s hands-on environmental education program, Outdoor Explorers (OE), to youth ages 7-12.  This exciting and dynamic week-long day camp exposes youth to Juneau’s natural area through outdoor exploration, natural history, science based education, arts, crafts, and environmental education games and activities.  The intern receives training and experience in inquiry based, hands-on field leadership as well as conservation education and Southeast Alaska natural history.   The intern is also responsible for some coordination and administration of the OE program and reports to the Executive or Program Director while working closely with a lead naturalist and other program support staff.

The goals of this assignment are to have youth participants in Outdoor Explorers:

• explore the diversity of Southeast Alaska’s natural habitats,
• describe the natural communities found in the Juneau area
• demonstrate group skills and work together in a positive atmosphere
• learn and practice outdoor survival skills
• express and understanding and appreciation of the natural world through creative activities and conservation ethic
• learn how the ocean influences them and how they influence the ocean

Responsibilities:

• Assist with the planning, coordinating, and leadership of summer outdoor day-camps
• Prepare lessons and activities that focus on outdoor skills, natural history, and connections between nature and science-based principles
• Engage in outdoor procedures that emphasize safety, risk management, good judgment, positive group interaction, and personal leadership
• Perform administrative tasks in support of the Outdoor Explorers summer day camp program which includes handling registrations and communication with participant’s parents
• Assist when needed with the implementation of Discovery Southeast’s other community-based programs like Parade of Species, Teacher Expeditions and World Ocean Day
• Assist with driving a 15 passenger van upon approval. (Not required).

Qualifications:

• Prior experience in environmental education, backcountry travel, and natural history interpretation
• Desire and proven ability to work with diverse youth between the ages of 7 and 12
• Creative teaching and supervisory skills
• Ability to manage risk, provide positive leadership, and interact constructively with others
• Knowledge of Pacific Northwest/Southeast Alaska natural history preferred
• Ability to hike in difficult terrain and conditions while wearing a 10-20 lb. backpack
• Current First Aid/CPR required; Wilderness First Responder preferred
• Strong organizational, communication, and computer skills
• Valid driver’s license and proof of good driving record

Financial Support:  This is a paid internship with assistance in finding low-cost housing

Click here to apply (and to find out whether you are eligible).