Conservation Education Intern

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION

3d•$20•Onsite

About The Position

At the undergraduate level the emphasis is on recruitment, career exploration, and introducing top performing students to MDC.

Requirements

Must maintain a current, valid driver's license.
Undergraduate student at an accredited university/college in good standing. Students who will be graduating before the internship begins are not eligible.
Ability to demonstrate regular and predictable attendance.
Ability to develop and sustain cooperative working relationships.
Ability to keep an accurate record of supplies, services and time reports.
Ability to manage time and be self-motivated.
Ability to work Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays when needed.
Competently operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.
Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
Work outside in adverse weather conditions and perform tasks requiring strenuous physical activity.
Ability to bend and twist in use of force situations
Ability to regularly lift 5 pounds, correctly lift up to 25 pounds.
Constantly operate a computer and other office machinery.
Work Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays as needed.
Ability to navigate in a variety of environments including woodlands, steep terrain, wetlands, caves, and uneven terrain
Clarity of vision and ability to distinguish colors.

Nice To Haves

Cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher on 4.0 scale is desirable.
Preference will be given to students who have completed at least 45 credit hours.

Responsibilities

Assist with the development and presentation of scheduled programs, outdoor skills clinics, and special events on, and off, site. Special focus on Tier 1 and Tier 2 communities of the region.
Attend and complete certification in BAI, HED, DNS, DNF trainings in order to offer programs based in nature education/conservation, fishing, and archery programs in targeted Tier 1 and Tier 2 Communities.
Set-up and maintain a learning station offering an educational/nature art hands-on activity and interacting with visitors when hosting programs at off-site locations. (Mingo, Poplar Bluff Library, or any other Tier 1 or Tier 2 location)
Research, preparation, and staffing of a conservation education program for kids 3-5, 6-9, 10-12, or of a multi-generational nature.
Assist with feeding and care of education animals.
Answering phones, as needed, providing quality customer service and answering questions about the area and its natural history.
Help with general maintenance of education and program supplies. (Maintain and inventory discovery trunks, help to maintain loaner fishing poles and tackle, etc.).
Assist with preparation and execution of any large-scale regional events (kids/family fishing clinics, preparations for fairs and events, etc).
Propose, initiate, and complete an approved project (project scope will be decided between the Naturalist Intern and the Conservation Educator based upon the needs of the region, as well as the skills and interests of the intern).
Work at least three days with other branch professionals (including other regions) to gain a better understanding of how the various disciplines fit together in managing and protecting Missouri’s natural resources. Choose from Fisheries, Forestry, Private Lands, Wildlife, or Protection.
Provide a presentation summary of experiences and independent project to an appropriate audience before the last day of employment.
Other duties as assigned.