Environmental Education Internship at the Maria Mitchell Association

Maria Mitchell Association•Nantucket, MA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) is hiring multiple Environmental Education Interns for its Summer Discovery Camp Program, serving children ages 5–17. Interns work as a team alongside the Education Manager to design and deliver hands-on environmental education curriculum, co-lead weekly camp groups and field trips, and facilitate activities such as guided nature hikes, pond explorations, snorkeling and kayaking trips, live-animal programs, and nature-based crafts and games. The program uses immersive, experiential learning in diverse habitats around Nantucket Island. Interns work with a broad range of ages and teach a variety of topics. They also help with birthday parties, private programs and events, public education programs, special events, visitor assistance, information requests, and other day-to-day operations of the small nonprofit. The internship includes nights and weekends, and no two consecutive days off are guaranteed. Interns also co-present educational and outreach programs several times per week, participate in weekly service projects, and assist with observatory open nights. This paid internship runs from May 31, 2027, to approximately August 27, 2027, with a possible flexible extension through December 13, 2027. Compensation is $16 per hour. Dormitory-style housing is available for $30 per week with a $200 security deposit; rooms are shared with one or two roommates. Interns may arrange their own housing but must provide proof of alternative housing before the internship begins. Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, three references, two recommendation letters from those references, transcripts, and the internship application by March 1, 2027, at 11 p.m. EST.

Requirements

At least two years of college experience and experience in environmental education, natural history, natural sciences, or education, which may include coursework, internships, volunteering, or lab work.
At least 20 years old; preference is given to candidates aged 21 and older.
Able to lift 50 pounds.
Able to work outdoors for six or more hours per day in heat and sun.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Naturalist skills and/or experience as an environmental educator.
Experience working with children of multiple ages.
CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to become certified by the start of the internship.
Lifeguard certification, or willingness to become certified by the start of the internship.
Valid, current driver's license, clean driving record, and at least two years of driving experience.
Ability to pass a safe-driving test to qualify to drive company vehicles, including 12-passenger vans.
Ability and confidence to lead groups of children outdoors, including in beach and aquatic environments, in a fun and safe manner.
Comfort with group and behavior management.
Ability to work independently, initiate activities, coordinate with co-instructors, and maintain a positive attitude in challenging situations.
Enthusiasm for sharing a passion for science and nature with children through creative lesson planning.
Strong work ethic, attention to detail, flexibility, commitment, desire to learn, and ability to work well with children and as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Interest in pursuing a career in K–12 education or environmental education.
Interest in careers in environmental science, outreach and education, marine science, or natural history.
Experience or interest in environmental science and youth-focused education.

Responsibilities

Work with a co-instructor and the Education Manager to plan and write detailed weekly lesson plans for campers ages 5–17.
Design and create educational supplements for lessons and activities, including worksheets, activities, experiments, and crafts.
Guide campers in nature hikes, wetland observations, bird watching, orienteering, community science projects, art and craft projects, insect collecting, kayaking excursions, and snorkeling exploration.
Co-lead weekly camp groups and field trips and deliver hands-on environmental education activities.
Maintain educational supplies and equipment by cleaning and putting items away after use.
Attend required meetings, including end-of-summer Education Department cleaning.
Help prepare administratively for the following week.
Assist with daily and weekly cleaning and organization of Education spaces, vehicles, classrooms, supplies, gear, and equipment.
Help with special events, public and private programs, birthday parties, snorkeling excursions, and other MMA operations and development efforts as needed.
Co-present educational and outreach programs on and off site several times per week alongside other MMA interns.
Take part in MMA service projects for 1–2 hours per week.
Assist at the front desk during observatory open nights.
Assist visitors to campus and respond to public requests for information.
Participate in dorm cleaning days if living in MMA-provided housing.