Environmental Education Summer Camp Intern

Mission of Riveredge

Riveredge is more than a nature center. Its legacy as a pioneer in the areas of land restoration, research, and  inquiry-based education throughout Wisconsin serves as a strong foundation to its future initiatives. Today,  Riveredge is redefining the role of the nature center in the community by empowering and supporting  communities to live in harmony with their natural environment in a way that encourages exploration,  adventure, and fun.

With a 50 plus year history as a leader in environmental education in the State of Wisconsin, the Center provides  science-based, inquiry-oriented, outdoor experiences to learners of all ages. Recently, Riveredge adopted an  “audacious goal” to become the leading destination in the Midwest for learning, discovering, and experiencing  the interconnections between nature and society. We will do this through creating partnerships which  transform the culture of our formal education systems, communities, and lifestyles. This is an exciting time in  the history of Riveredge as we work to pioneer strategies to redefine the role of nature centers in today’s  society.

Position Purpose

The Riveredge Nature Center Environmental Education Summer Internship is a unique opportunity for a person  just entering the environmental education field who is willing to learn and work with a dedicated group of staff  and volunteers. The intern will assist with Riveredge Nature Journeys Summer Camp programs. Depending on  the goals of the selected intern, she/he may also assist, observe, and lead Youth and Family programs as well as

Summer Day Adventure programs. If the Intern chooses to take college and university credit with this program,  Riveredge staff will work with him/her to fulfill requirements when applicable. This position is responsible for  teaching environmental education programs to school-aged students, families and adults, and the delivery of  education events.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation and delivery of Nature Journeys Summer Camp programs.
•  Teach environmental education programs for evening and weekend public groups.
• Observe, assist with and teach inquiry-based environmental education programs for school-aged children.
•  Teach Summer Day Adventure Programs.
• Assist in caring for any education animals and maintaining educational equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Expectations

In addition to the Primary Duties, the Environmental Education Intern is expected to meet the following  expectations set forth to all staff members of Riveredge Nature Center:

• Meaningfully contribute to the Riveredge staff team.
• Foster an inclusive and supportive environment through personal actions such as supporting and  helping other staff members and volunteers.
• Provide high quality customer service experiences to all guests and volunteers.
• Strive for excellence and innovation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completed coursework in the education, natural sciences or related field.
• Self-starter and a well-developed ability to set and meet goals and outcomes.
• Loves working with children of all ages and families.
• Enthusiastic, positive, motivated and likes to have fun on the job.
• Ability to work as a member of a team by sharing decision making while personally assuming and  also asking for responsibility and accountability.
• Strong interpersonal skills, organized and professional demeanor, self-directed.
• Ability to physically traverse the Riveredge trails with ease.
• Naturalist skills and knowledge of Wisconsin natural history.
• Experience in a non-formal setting.

Compensation & Working Conditions

This is a stipend position with the expectation that the intern will work 40-46 hrs/wk. Ideally, the Environmental  Education Intern will agree to work June 5- August 18. While most hours will take place during the Monday-Friday work week, some evening hours are expected.

Interns will receive a stipend of $425/week; housing may be available at UW- Milwaukee’s Field Station or with other partner organizations, just  minutes away from Riveredge at an expense to the intern.

This position reports to Riveredge Associate Director of Education.