Internships

Fall Education Intern (September-December)
Location: Newburyport, MA

The Spring Education Intern works one-on-one with the Teacher Naturalists of School, Family & Youth Programs with the implementation of a variety of ecology-based programs that will be offered both onsite at the Joppa Flats Education Center and on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island. Themes may include coastal ecology, marine biology, awareness & stewardship, bird migration, endangered species, and energy conservation. This term is for March through June. Extensions are available.

• Maintain the feeding and care of our 110 gallon tide pool touch tank and all of its inhabitants, including coastal invertebrates, skates, and fish
• Create monthly self-guided activities for the lobby that includes games, experiments, outdoor exploration, and crafts.
• Assist on family and youth programs such as forest walks, birding trips, tracking expeditions, and outdoor hikes and drop-in family programs.
• Assist staff in the research, preparation, implementation and evaluation of education programs
• Develop program materials such as posters, promotional flyers, activity kits, teaching handouts, & signage for an enhanced visitor experience
• Assist in ensuring the safety of all participants and other volunteers.

Commitment: A minimum of 12 weeks
Hours: A minimum of 20 hours per week
Days: Flexible with some weekend work

Qualifications:

• Age 18 or older
• Experience with animal care or aquaria
• Experience organizing programs or activities for children
• Experience with outdoor activities such as tide pooling and kayaking
• Demonstrates creativity, reliability, flexibility, and enthusiasm
• Requires strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work with people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds
• Local knowledge of Plum Island ecology preferred

Compensation and Benefits: This is an unpaid internship.

To inquire about this position:
Send resume and cover letter to:
Lisa Hutchings, Teacher Naturalist
lhutchings@massaudubon.org
Joppa Flats Education Center
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 462-9998 ext. 6804

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Volunteering with Mass Audubon
Joppa Flats offers a variety of exciting volunteer opportunities and internships for people of all interests and experience levels. Volunteers are valued members of the Mass Audubon team and provide an important link to our local communities. Whether you have a lifetime interest in nature or are just getting started, Joppa Flats has a place for you.

Volunteer

Behind-the-Scenes Volunteer
Location: Newburyport, MA

Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) Volunteers are adults who are masters at organization and research but may not want to work directly with the public. BTS Volunteers help with the preparation, organization, and completion of projects that continuously improve our education programs. BTS Volunteers also assist with Project “STUFF,” the ongoing process where we “sort, toss, unpack, find, and file” everything from program kits to closets to donated recyclables. If you are a super-organizer or like the satisfaction that comes from knowing your work helps to keep our education programs running smoothly, get in touch with us about becoming a BTS Volunteer!

Projects may include:

• Researching background information to add to new and already existing program topics
• Cataloging and reshelving our extensive library in our Resource Room,
• Fact-checking information for already existing program topics,
• Organizing arts and crafts supplies and storage areas
• Inventorying program kits that contain signage, visual aids, lesson plans, games, and presentation props
• Creating handouts, signage, or publicity for events or programs
• Filing, sorting, laminating, and copying,
• Revising current program descriptions, outlines, and classroom materials
• Performing individualized tasks or research based on your interests and time availability.

Qualifications: Must be able to commit to at least one three-six hour shift per week during the school year (September-June)

To inquire about this position:
Please contact:
Lisa Hutchings
lhutchings@massaudubon.org
Joppa Flats Education Center
1 Plum Island Turnpike
Newburyport, MA 01950
978-462-9998

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Education Volunteer
Location: Newburyport, MA

Do you love the outdoors and sharing nature with children? Become an Education Volunteer at Joppa Flats! Throughout the school year, Joppa Flats staff and volunteers offer a wide range of coastal ecology and birding programs for children on-site at Joppa Flats, at schools, and in various local habitats on Plum Island and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Watch this YouTube Video to see what it’s like being an Educational Volunteer.

• Attend Education Volunteer training classes (fall, winter, spring)
• Shadow and assist Teacher Naturalists and Program Leaders with a variety of programs
• Develop skills to lead or assist with groups of 10-20 students from area schools
• Increase student awareness of the natural world through on-location hands-on activities
• Assist staff and leaders in preparation and organization of materials
• Help spread the Mass Audubon mission to increase awareness and inspire stewardship
• Participate in planning and/or development meetings as desired

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 18 years of age
• Some teaching experience Basic natural history science background; local natural history of Plum Island a plus
• Interest in natural history, environmental education
• Enthusiastic, friendly, creative, flexible, responsible, and punctual
• Attendance at all Education Volunteer training classes
• Successful interview and background check

Commitment: At least two half days a month during the school year (September-June)

Winter Volunteer Training Class Dates

• Tuesday, January 10, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 17, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 24, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Compensation and Benefits: Education Volunteers receive coastal New England habitat training, develop an outdoor education teaching techniques, work with experienced educators, and become part of a dedicated and knowledgeable team.

To inquire about this position:
Please contact:
Lisa Hutchings, Teacher Naturalist
lhutchings@massaudubon.org
Joppa Flats Education Center
1 Plum Island Turnpike
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 462-9998

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