Internships

Mass Audubon offers a variety of exciting volunteer and internship opportunities for people of all interests, ages, and experience levels. Volunteers and interns greatly assist Mass Audubon in delivering its mission of conservation, education, and advocacy, and provide an important link to the community. They also gain invaluable experience in their fields of interest, whether for pleasure or career advancement.

Advocacy

Advocacy Department Community Planning Intern (Summer)
Location: flexible

This intern will assist in data collection and analysis in preparation for the publication of the next edition of Losing Ground, Mass Audubon’s acclaimed report that documents land-use trends across the Commonwealth and the impacts of development on the nature of Massachusetts. Specifically, this intern will assist in the compiling and analyzing of planning and zoning practices of communities in the ‘Sprawl Frontier’, helping us create an up-to-date understanding of which communities utilize various sustainable planning and zoning tools, and which do not.

Qualifications: Planning and sustainable development education and training and/or equivalent professional work. General knowledge of MA zoning and land use law framework preferred.

Dates of Internship: Now through August 2013.

Required Hours: 10-16 hours per week.

Compensation and Benefits: This is an unpaid position.

To inquire about this position:
Email resume and cover letter to:
Stephanie Elson
shapingthefuture@massaudubon.org

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Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary

Nature Pre-School Intern (Fall-Spring)
Location: Easthampton, MA

The Pre-School Intern assists our lead teachers in providing a fun, educational and safe environment for our nature pre-school which runs mornings from 9:00 am-noon. The intern will observe, assist, and if comfortable, create nature lessons for children age 3-5 years. This is perfect internship for those looking to gain experience in early childhood education for certification with the EEC. Intern may choose to volunteer Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays or Thursdays and Fridays or all five days for the fall season, spring season, or both.

Qualifications: Experience working with children and a love of the natural environment. Should be energetic and willing to be outdoors for a part of each day.

Compensation and Benefits: This is an unpaid position.

To inquire about this position:
Send resume and cover letter to:
Ruthie Ireland
Mass Audubon/Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary
127 Combs Road
Easthampton , MA 01027
413-584-3009 ext. 818

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Endicott Wildlife Sanctuary

Environmental Education Intern - Fall or Spring
Location: Wenham, MA

Assist with coastal science program focusing on study of phragmites on salt marshes with middle and high school teachers and students. Participate in field studies, teacher workshops, and curriculum development and improvement; perform office tasks, write press releases, and design web pages. Computer skills, teaching experience with this age group preferable. Flexibility, willingness to learn, and ability to work cooperatively and independently desired.

Compensation and Benefits: This is an unpaid position.

To inquire about this position:
Send cover letter, resume, and references to:
Elizabeth Duff, Education Coordinator
Mass Audubon
346 Grapevine Road
Wenham, MA 01984
lduff@massaudubon.org

For more information go to: http://www.massaudubon.org/saltmarsh/

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Joppa Flats Education Center

Animal Husbandry Intern (May-August 2013)
Location: Newburyport, MA

The Animal Husbandry Interns will spend the early part of their internship assisting with the implementation of ecology-based programs and field trips offered onsite at the Joppa Flats Education Center and offsite on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and Plum Island. Themes may include coastal ecology, marine biology, environmental awareness and stewardship, bird migration, and endangered species.

After the school year ends, the Animal Husbandry Interns will begin preparing for our daily drop-in visitor program, Meet Beach Creatures (MBC), which will be offered Tuesday through Sunday in July through August.

The term for this internship is May through August. Extensions may be possible. Joppa Flats is seeking three interns for this position.

Responsibilities may include:

• Maintain our 110- and 50- gallon cold marine aquarium tanks; care for and feed their inhabitants (coastal invertebrates and fish); perform necessary tank maintenance.
• Lead bi-monthly collecting trips to release tank organisms and collect new ones (often starting at 8 am).
• Provide and develop interpretation of aquarium tanks to visitors during MBC; topics may include local marine life, ecosystems, and conservation efforts.
• Maintain necessary housing, care, and feeding for temporary seasonal “guests” (tadpoles, insects, etc.) and provide interpretation for visitors.
• Design themed art projects, demonstrations, and self-guided activities for visitors, as well as visitor experience materials (posters, flyers, activity kits, handouts, and signage).
• Assist with family, youth, and school programs including boat cruises, birding trips, backyard wildlife talks, and drop-in programs.

Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age or a senior in high school
• Experience with tank maintenance, animal care, and feeding (salt water preferred)
• Local knowledge of New England coastal ecology and rocky shore species a plus but not required
• Experience with outdoor activities such as birding and tide pooling
• Experience interacting with people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds
• Demonstrates creativity, reliability, flexibility, and enthusiasm, and strong oral and written communication skills
• Experience leading teens in a team-like atmosphere

Commitment: 12-15 weeks, starting no later than May 21, 2013

Schedule/Hours: Flexible days plus some two Saturdays per month and at least one Sunday during the summer. Choose from the following dates: June 2, July 28, or August 11, 2013. Minimum 20 hours per week.

Compensation and Benefits: This is an unpaid internship.

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

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Family Programs and Events Intern (May-August 2013)
Location: Newburyport, MA

The Family Events and Programs (FEP) Intern works with the Education Coordinator of School & Youth Programs on the implementation of ecology-based programs offered onsite at the Joppa Flats Education Center and offsite on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and Plum Island. Themes may include coastal ecology, marine biology, environmental awareness and stewardship, bird migration, and endangered species.

Family Programs and Events Interns’ responsibilities will be divided into three areas: program development, program preparation, and visitor experience.

The term for this internship is May through August. Extensions may be possible. Joppa Flats is seeking three interns for this position. Extensions may be possible.

Responsibilities may include:

• Lead the preparation, coordination, and implementation of family drop-in programs on at least two Saturdays a month.
• Mandatory: At least one of the following dates for assisting with the implementation of our monthly public free-for-all events on Sunday June 2, 2013 or Sunday July 28, 2013 or Sunday August 11, 2013.
• Create weekly guided and self-guided activities for the lobby (may include outdoor games, group activities, experiment demonstrations, storytelling and puppets, and/or art projects).
• Maintain necessary housing, care, and feeding for temporary seasonal “guests” (tadpoles, insects, etc.) and provide interpretation for visitors.
• Develop program materials like posters, promotional flyers, activity kits, teaching handouts, and signage for visitors. .
• Assist staff on family and youth programs such as boating trips, birding trips, backyard exploration, and coastal programs.
• Assist when needed with the maintenance and care of our 110- and 50- gallon cold marine aquarium tanks.

Qualifications:

• At least 18 years old or a senior in high school
• Experience organizing or leading programs and activities for children a plus, but not required
• Experience with outdoor activities such as birding, tide pooling, kayaking
• Local knowledge of New England ecology and experience with animal care or aquaria both an advantage but not required
• Demonstrates creativity, reliability, flexibility, and enthusiasm, and strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work with people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds

Commitment: A minimum of 12-15 weeks starting no later than May 21, 2013

Schedule/Hours: Two Saturdays per month, plus 1 mandatory Sunday during the summer. Flexible weekdays; minimum 20 hours per week.

Compensation and Benefits: This is an unpaid internship.

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

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