Education Internship

Title: Education Internship Reports to: Educator(s) and Education Engagement Supervisor Overview: Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is currently seeking Education Interns to assist with the daily operations of the Education Department. The vision of the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Garden’s Education Department is to inspire everyone within our reach to take positive action to protect wildlife and wild places.

Our Mission Is To Provide educational and entertaining programs;

Promote awareness and conservation of plants, animals and natural resources;

Employ a professional and knowledgeable staff;

And deliver positive, memorable guest experiences.

In support of our mission, the Education Department develops implements and evaluates programs suitable for a variety of audiences. Every program features up-close and hands-on encounters with a collection of small animals in both formal and informal settings.

This position will report to the Education Supervisor and will be an active participant in a dynamic team who work to connect the community of North Florida with service opportunities benefiting our organization and the environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation and break-down of facilities and materials in programs.
• Assist Zoo staff members with administrative responsibilities pertaining to programming including check-in, cleaning and organizing supplies, updating letters or other information, and photographing groups and activities for use on the website or other publications.
• Assist Educators with the implementation of programs including leading groups on Zoo grounds, assisting with and/or teaching portions of curriculum.
• Complete project (or maintain journal) pertaining to area of interest upon completion of internship.
• Rotation in other areas of the Education Department
• Traveling offsite with Educators to help facilitate outreach presentations for various groups.
• Other duties as assigned by the Curator of Education.

This is not an exhaustive list, and opportunities/responsibilities are subject to change.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum commitment of 20 - 40 hours per week for 12 weeks.
• Preferred degrees are early childhood education, elementary education, or recreation; other science degrees will be considered.
• Experience working with children and live animals preferred.
• Possess outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable speaking in front of large groups of people.
• Passion for working with children.
• This position requires considerable flexibility and patience. Candidates must also be able to work well both independently and cooperatively in a positive, team-oriented environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Ability to sit in a vehicle for long periods of time when traveling.
• Must be able to walk long distances and work in all weather conditions including heat, humidity, rain, cold, and dust.
• Must be able to walk, bend, kneel and crawl.
• Ability to traverse zoo grounds on foot and operate a motorized golf cart.

Additional Qualifications: Education and Experience

• Enrollment in or recent graduation from a higher education program

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong work ethic: dependable, timely, responsive, productive, organized
• Effective verbal and written communication skills including professional and respectful interpersonal skills
• Excellent safety practices including safe operation of hand tools, vehicles, and equipment
• Basic computer operations, including Microsoft Office, and willingness/ability to use technology
• Ability to learn new tasks and follow written and verbal instructions
• Effective time management including prioritization
• Sound judgment and critical thinking skills
• Ability to remain focused despite interruptions and manage stress to perform job effectively
• An inclusive mindset with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills
• Acceptance and application of constructive feedback
• Maintains confidentiality where required
• Able to work individually and in a team

We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment regulations EOE / DRUG FREE WORKPLACE