DEEC Marsh Loop - Photography by Christi Leeson

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Please submit completed application, cover letter, and resume here, or mail to:

Ashley Dussault

1400 Delmarva Lane
Wilmington, DE 19801

302-656-1490

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Summer Education Internship – DEEC

Opportunity Type: POSITION FILLED - CHECK BACK IN 2023 (Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt, 11-week)

Location:

Organization Description

Delaware Nature Society’s (DelNature) mission is to connect people with the natural world to improve our environment through education, conservation, and advocacy. We envision a healthy and sustainable environment.  Founded in 1964, DelNature, a state affiliate for the National Wildlife Federation, is renowned for our educational programming, conservation, and advocacy. We provide the tools for communities to take action and promote the health of the environment through land preservation, wildlife protection, and watershed stewardship.

We manage over 2,000 acres of land, including four nature preserves, and operates four educational sites: Ashland Nature Center, Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, DuPont Environmental Education Center, and Coverdale Farm Preserve. Our organizational priorities are comprised of three pillars of engagement focused on:  Working & Natural Lands, Healthy Waters, and Protecting Habitats and Wildlife.

DelNature aspires to be inclusive multicultural organization that celebrates the rich dimensions of diversity and is committed to understanding and addressing where we fall short. Diversity creates an awareness of and acknowledges respect for differences and translates into understanding and valuing of each other’s perspectives. We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage all who are qualified to apply.

Job Description

The Summer Education Internship is an 11-week paid internship program at DuPont Environmental Education Center (DEEC) in Wilmington, Delaware. DEEC welcomes thousands of guests throughout the year.

DelNature’s goal is to interact with these visitors and introduce them to DelNature, DEEC’s nature and wildlife, and the menu of programs and activities available to them. The Summer Education Internship intern primarily supports the effective delivery of educational lessons and activities.

Summer educational programming includes group field studies, Summer Camp, and outdoor engagement activities with local Wilmington youth (RENEW Program).

This position reports to the DEEC Education Coordinator, Ashley Dussault.

Responsibilities

  • Supports the effective delivery of educational lessons and activities including field studies and Summer Camp programs
  • Assists in the facilitation of Summer in Southbridge and Summer Marsh Experience to engage Wilmington youth
  • Interacts with Wilmington community through on-site engagement and local outreach
  • Greets and interacts with visitors to the site
  • Completes an environmental education capstone project
  • Participates in instructor training events and activities
  • Assists with other projects, programs, and duties as needed

Training

Training and resources are provided to gain knowledge in site-specific and regional environmental science topics. Interns attend summer camp instructor training (includes canoe training and CPR/First Aid certification). Training consists of formal all-staff events, mentoring, and opportunities to work alongside educators with different teaching styles and skill sets.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Passion for the outdoors, enthusiasm for environmental awareness, and excitement for outdoor recreation
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ)
  • Teaching experience or experience working with children
  • Excellent communication skills with an ease and enthusiasm for talking to individuals of all ages
  • Ability to always interact in a positive and professional manner
  • Ability to work independently or as part of a team, indoors and outside under variable weather conditions
  • Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Familiarity with or willingness to learn social media marketing
  • Ability to or the willingness to learn how to ride a bike, kayak and/or canoe
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • 18 years of age or older

Additional Considerations

  • Delaware Nature Society is dedicated to building a culturally diverse organization and strongly encourages applications from individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC), members of the LGBTQIAS2+ community, and/or other historically marginalized communities.
  • Preference is given to Wilmington residents or locals of Delaware.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • The employee frequently is required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and be able to carry, move and setup necessary supplies and equipment.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
  • Ability to lead and participate in activities across a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings, weather, and terrains

Highlights of the Summer Education Intern Experience

  • Working with supportive, experienced, and knowledgeable staff
  • Being outdoors and teaching children
  • Gaining practical professional experience in the field of environmental education
  • Participating in fun outdoor activities (canoeing, kayaking, hiking, photography, and many other exciting adventures!)
  • Exploring the preserves managed by DelNature

 

Essential Dates

Dates: June 5, 2023 – August 18, 2023.

Some virtual trainings may occur before the start of the internship.

Hours are Monday – Friday, may include some evenings and weekends.

Salary and Benefits

Pay is set at $14/hour. Interns work full-time for 11-weeks.

Applicants Must Submit

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