Naturalist- Internship

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center • Girdwood, AK

7d

About The Position

The Naturalist Intern assists the year-round education team with interpretation, educational programming, and tours at AWCC and off site. The position is intended for college students, recent graduates, and career changers interested in the field, regardless of their degree path. Interns gain experience related to the position’s duties and may cross-train in animal care duties and procedures.

Workdays and hours are assigned by the Director of Education and Naturalist Supervisor and vary by week. The position is 40 hours per week, five days per week, with a maximum of eight hours per day. Positions begin in May and end in September or October.

The role includes public interpretation and education, sanctuary upkeep and safety, and assistance to the Animal Care Department. Interns may also have the opportunity to assist with the Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program as a Cook Inlet beluga whale observer. Housing is available in shared, dormitory-style staff accommodations. The position has uniform requirements; AWCC provides specified logo apparel, while employees are responsible for additional clothing and gear.

Requirements

• Ability to speak publicly to large and small audiences while professionally representing AWCC.
• Ability to engage respectfully in a team environment and help achieve AWCC’s goals and objectives.
• Professional, positive, and respectful attitude and strong work ethic.
• Comfort working around animals in human care.
• Willingness to participate in team-building activities.
• Ability to work outdoors in drastically changing weather, including extreme wind, temperatures, pouring rain, and winter conditions.
• Ability to work long hours on one’s feet and walk long distances over uneven terrain while providing interpretive talks and information.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including cleaning and moving up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work directly with the public and diverse audiences, providing information and assistance positively.
• Willingness to learn about topics of visitor interest, including local history, geography, and geology.
• Ability to work a highly variable schedule as needed, including all weekends, early mornings, and nights.
• Strong time and task management skills.
• Current driver’s license.
• Must pass a background check.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Must have received or be willing to receive a tetanus vaccination by the date of hire; proof of vaccination is required.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred internship length is 19–21 weeks, with an end date in mid-to-late September or early October.
• Preferred start date is by May 11th.
• Some college coursework in a related field, such as education, interpretation, wildlife biology, environmental studies, natural resources, zoological sciences, ecology, or animal science.
• Application demonstrates how the opportunity will build the applicant’s career.
• Application demonstrates knowledge of AWCC programs.
• Experience with Alaska’s wildlife and environment.
• Rabies vaccination may lead to more animal-care opportunities, depending on the animals in care during the internship.
• Fluency in multiple languages.
• Dena’ina language familiarity.
• First Aid and CPR certification.

Responsibilities

• Give daily talks about AWCC and Alaskan wildlife to diverse audiences.
• Conduct daily walking tours.
• Serve as a step-on guide for motor coaches traveling through AWCC.
• Provide informal interpretation to guests and give animal presentations to school and private groups.
• Interpret at information stations and facilitate positive guest experiences.
• Facilitate animal encounters with porcupines, Sitka black-tailed deer, reindeer, moose, and bears.
• Rove to provide frontline interpretation, support positive guest interactions, and manage guest behaviors and needs.
• Plant, weed, and harvest garden beds.
• Keep trash out of animal habitats and help inventory and remove invasive plant species on the property.
• Facilitate service-learning groups.
• Clean interpretive signs and buildings.
• Assist the Animal Care Department by cleaning animal habitats, collecting browse, preparing diets, washing dishes, and performing assigned husbandry and feeding duties.
• Potentially assist with the Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program as a Cook Inlet beluga whale observer.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Housing is available for seasonal team members in dormitory-style shared accommodations; Wi-Fi is provided.
• Staff in housing with a valid driver’s license and safe driving record have occasional, limited access to an AWCC vehicle for group grocery and supply runs.
• AWCC provides required logo uniform items, including a jacket, rain jacket, mid-layer, and shirts.
• Free AWCC admission for friends and family.
• Discount in the Be Wild Gift Shop.
• The position may be eligible for academic credit through the University of Alaska system and several other universities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed