Salary:

$15.00/hr

Schedule:

Monday-Thursday & Saturday; 40hrs/week

June - August 2024

Position start date:

06/03/2024

Overview:

Under the direct supervision of the Nature Center Manager, the Environmental Education Intern is responsible for assisting the Nature Center Manager and Naturalist staff in planning, organizing, and supervising the assigned program areas. Major duties include, but are not limited to, assisting with supervision and management of summer camp programs and participants, administrative duties, and customer service functions and animal care. Towards the end of the summer, the intern will lead one summer camp with the direct support of the Naturalist staff.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Work with Nature Center Manager and Naturalist staff to gain experience in the following program areas: nature camps, family and youth programming, special events and projects.

• Work at the Knoch Knolls Nature Center reception desk: greet visitors, answer questions and phone calls, register program participants in park district programs, and provide general information on park district activities and facilities.

• Assist with interpretive programs and exhibits at the Nature Center and other facilities throughout the Park District.

• Provide care for the nature center's live animals including feeding and tank cleaning.

• Communicate effectively with patrons and co-workers regarding safety, questions and concerns.

• Demonstrate and support park district customer service standards.

• Prepare, maintain, and submit reports regarding programs, facilities, and customer trends.

• Follow district and departmental safety, personnel, and administrative policies, procedures and ordinances.

• Maintain a proactive approach to safety and risk management, reporting all accidents, incidents and unsafe conditions in a timely manner.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Record and communicate any difficult situations to Nature Center Manager immediately.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the theories, practices, and philosophy of environmental education programming.

• Skill in the operation and maintenance of environmental programs and equipment.

• Demonstrated exceptional customer service and leadership skills.

• Demonstrated excellent communication skills (i.e., professional ability to attend to customer needs).

• Demonstrated good judgment, initiative, flexibility and creativity.

• Capacity to multitask.

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills.

• General knowledge of Windows-based software.

• Ability to work independently in day-to-day operations with general supervision from supervisor.

Education and Experience:

• Educational experience in Environmental Education, Interpretation or related field is required.

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, CPR, AED and First Aid certification within four (4) weeks of date of hire.

• Valid driver's license.

• Experience working with reptiles and amphibians preferred.

Special Considerations:

• Must be at least 18 years old.

• Subject to modified/flexible work schedule, including weekend and some evening hours.

• Subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions.

• Subject to prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking.

• Ability to lift, carry and/or move object(s) weighing ≤ 30 lbs. Lifting assistance is required when lifting ≥30 lbs.