Naturalist Internship

Cerro Gordo County•Mason City, IA

6d•$17

About The Position

Intern will assist Conservation Education Manager in carrying out environmental education/interpretive programming for the Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board and Lime Creek Nature Center. Major duties include learning and facilitating established programs and field trips for a variety of audiences; designing new program opportunities for the community; caring for captive education herptiles; designing signage and other interpretive media; writing articles for print and radio; assist in maintaining Facebook page; and maintaining nature center displays. Other special projects may include resource management activities and professional workshop opportunities. Interns will receive valuable practical experience in program design and facilitation along with continuing education in interpretive techniques and natural resource knowledge during employment. Assisting the Conservation Education Manager with the performance of all phases of routine environmental education programming for the County Conservation Board and the Lime Creek Nature Center. The intern works under the direct supervision of the Conservation Education Manager and the Director. The work week is limited to no more than 40hrs/week, with some non-routine (i.e. some weekend & evening) assignments.

Requirements

Be enrolled in or have a degree in one of the following or similar fields: natural resources, environmental education/interpretation, biology, ecology, or environmental studies.
The ability to effectively apply knowledge and common sense to solve problems and/or achieve work objectives
Ability to routinely stand, walk, sit, kneel, stoop, balance, climb
Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and be exposed to dust, fumes and loud noises
Ability to routinely lift 50 lbs.
Ability to follow written and oral instructions
Possess a valid driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record.
The ability to follow oral & written instructions.
The ability to work without direct supervision.
The ability to establish and maintain effective rapport with co-workers and the public.
The ability to work at satellite areas within the county as needed.
The ability to effectively apply common sense to solve problems or achieve work objectives.
The ability to maintain accurate work & equipment records.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record.
The ability to lift 50lb. objects and carry up to 15 yards.
The ability to work out-of-doors in extreme hot, cold, snowy, rainy, and windy weather conditions.
The ability to routinely stand for one hour, walk up to 4 miles, sit, kneel, stoop, balance, climb, and climb a 6-foot step ladder for up to 15 minutes.
The ability to work with power tools, around moving parts/equipment and be exposed to dust, fumes and loud noises.

Responsibilities

Assist with and provide public and school programming on natural resources, outdoor recreation and related topics.
Perform skilled and unskilled maintenance/management tasks associated with the operation of the nature center.
Maintenance of animal aquariums and bird feeders.
Assist in care of live education animals.
Assist other staff with special projects at county managed areas.
Assist with routine trail (hard surfaced & natural surfaced) management & maintenance activities.
Assist with and lead local on-site & off-site field trips.
Create new and make improvements to existing displays and traditional and electronic bulletin boards in the nature center.
Draft resource related articles and press releases for local & social media.
Complete special projects as assigned by supervisory staff.