Avian Apprenticeship

Penn State University•University Park, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Arboretum at Penn State and Penn State’s Outdoor Education Field Lab and Nature Center – Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center – are searching for an energetic Avian Educator that can provide research assistance and informal and formal interpretation to the community. The intern will gain valuable interpretative skills through experiential learning projects that may include Project Nestwatch, Project Feederwatch, Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas, local hawk watches, the farmland raptor project, and other faculty research initiatives. The Avian Educator will work with the Arboretum and Shaver’s Creek staff to develop and facilitate nature-based programs and activities related to central Pennsylvania's avian ecology, geology, history, and culture. The position will also expose the intern to public gardens and horticulture, volunteer management, public relations, and donor support. The intern will build meaningful relationships with staff, peers, volunteers, and both the University and local community through teamwork and collaboration.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in or recent graduates from an undergraduate or graduate degree program in Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Management, or a related field.
Demonstrate a strong interest in environmental education.
Basic understanding of avian ecology and biology.
Ability to identify common Pennsylvania bird species.
Resume or CV
Cover letter
Contact information for at least two professional references.
Valid driver’s license

Nice To Haves

Written letters of recommendation highly preferred.
Desire to learn more about avian ecology.
Ability to explain how this opportunity will help them reach their career goals.

Responsibilities

Assist in on-site and off-site nestbox monitoring to track nesting activity, egg-laying, chick hatching, and fledging success of secondary cavity nesters.
Develop working knowledge of the Natural History of American Kestrel and American Barn Owls through landowner outreach, nestbox management, and hands-on banding demonstrations.
Develop working knowledge of the Natural History of central Pennsylvania’s breeding birds by participating in the 3rd Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas.
Contribute to avian research projects led by Penn State Faculty.
Support staff in outreach and interpretation at Penn State’s annual three-day event, Ag Progress Days.
Support the Arboretum’s annual Avian Education Lecture event programming, as well as bird walks, and programs organized and delivered as part of the avian education program suite.
Embrace a growth mindset by demonstrating critical thinking, taking on leadership roles, and seeking opportunities for professional engagement.
Participate in paid, regularly scheduled community education days designed to support career and self-development.
Enroll in a mandatory 9-week non-credit tuition-free Canvas course (currently titled Upskill Penn State) designed to support reflection on experiential learning.
Help maintain the Arboretum’s bird feeding stations during peak use.
Develop a working knowledge of migration ecology and identification through local fall and spring hawk watch sites.