The Environmental Education Internship at Tampa Bay Watch’s Discovery Center will provide the potential intern with practical learning experience and knowledge of informal conservation and environmental education in a science center setting.

Interns will work an agreed upon number of hours per week and will gain experience in public programming, private programming, outreach, and overnights/ birthday parties (if applicable). This internship is seasonal, the fall season runs from September to December, the spring season runs from January to April, and the summer season runs from May to August. Applications are accepted year round for the upcoming season.

Responsibilities:

● Intern will be trained on the methods and techniques of environmental education. There will be weekly and/or monthly assignments.

● Intern will perform educational animal encounters and outreach with the public while promoting environmental awareness and wildlife conservation.

● Assist the Education Coordinator and Education Specialists in the daily and weekly set-up, clean up, and facilitation of each program.

● Interns may be trained on general husbandry of the center’s aquariums and handling and training of all education animals, including fish, invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians.

● Assist in the coordination and facilitation of special events at the Discovery Center.

● Interns may assist with classroom duties and eco-vessel tours.

● Design and implement environmental projects, programs, and games using the approved curriculum.

● Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Must be 18 years or older.

● Eligible participants are students who are enrolled in or recently graduated from an accredited college or university.

● Have excellent communication skills and enjoy working with all ages, especially children.

● Demonstrated interest in working with children, visitors and animals.

● Must be self-motivated, energetic, creative, adaptable and have the ability to work in a team environment.

● A driver’s license is required as is proof of health insurance.

● CPR certification is preferred but not required.

● Lifeguard certification is preferred but not required.

● Background Check, which includes fingerprinting, will be required, but paid for by the Discovery Center.

● Must be willing and able to work with children of varying ages, as well as adults, in a professional manner.

● Must be able to take and follow directions to maintain a safe work environment for personnel, visitors, and the animals at the center.

● Must be able to perform physical challenges involved in the daily duties of the department including talking for long periods, walking throughout the pier, lifting/carrying equipment weighing approximately 50 lbs., sitting, kneeling, stooping, crawling, twisting, reaching above head, pulling, bending, and climbing stairs and ladders. Candidate must be able and willing to perform all above duties outdoors and in all weather conditions.

Additional Information:

This internship is unpaid and housing is not provided. This internship may provide college credit, with approval from the university and professor. Intern will be responsible for all transportation costs and personal health insurance. A background check, including fingerprinting, will be required at the expense of Tampa Bay Watch.

To apply, please send your resume and a short cover letter introducing yourself and explaining why you would like to intern for the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center as one single PDF attachment saved as YourName_EducationIntern to tbwdcjobs@tampabaywatch.org. Include “Education Intern” in the email subject line.

Location:

Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center at the St. Pete Pier.