Maine Audubon has openings for multiple environmental education interns to join its team at Scarborough
Marsh Audubon Center (SMAC) based in Scarborough, ME. Since 1843, Maine Audubon has worked to conserve Maine wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people in education, conservation, and action. The Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center has hosted a nature center and store, school programs, canoe/kayak rentals, nature tours, community science, interpretation, and other environmental education and community engagement programs within the 3,100 acre Scarborough Marsh estuary owned and managed by Maine Inland Fisheries & Wildlife for more than 50 years.

Internship Overview

The environmental education intern gains valuable training and experience by assisting professional educators with programs on salt marsh ecology at the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center and other locations through the end of the school year. In mid-June, the center opens to the public full time and the intern assists with a variety of family, children, and adult programs throughout the summer. In addition, the intern will complete ongoing center projects with guidance from the supervisor, such as making displays and interactive exhibits, updating informational packets with current background information, creating new educational materials and activities for programs; or fieldwork experiences like taking inventory of flora and fauna. The environmental Education Interns will report to the SMAC Manager.

Additional opportunities for individualized internships for students and/or those seeking educational experience are also available for projects such as:

● Helping to coordinate monitoring projects for birds, plants, and insects
● Assisting with fieldwork on a variety of topics
● Planning and leading special events
● Developing new curricula and programs

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

● Gain experience alongside staff and volunteers throughout the season by providing educational and enjoyable experiences for the public.
● Assist with upgrading and expanding the educational materials, displays, and exhibits at the nature center.
● Aid in the coordination of our plant and insect monitoring days along with staff and volunteers.
● Pursue a particular skill or project that is of interest to the intern such as field work on a variety of topics relating to the salt marsh, outreach to the community, or development of new materials and programs.

Qualifications

Required qualifications include:

● An interest in or experience with salt marsh ecology
● Able and willing to work outdoors in sometimes challenging conditions
● Able to work independently and in a collaborative environment
● Have an interest and eagerness to engage the public and be an enthusiastic educator for all ages
● Current CPR/First Aid Certification or willingness to obtain certification

Skills in the following areas are helpful:

● Experience paddling canoes/ kayaks
● Working with people of all ages, including younger elementary school students
● Fieldwork such as monitoring of animal populations and water quality

Physical Requirements/ Working Conditions

● Able to stand for extended periods of time
● Able to lift up to 50 lbs
● Able to frequently hike natural woodland trails

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet 100% of the requirements but believe that you would be a good fit for this position.

Timing, Compensation, and Benefits

This is a volunteer position. Opportunities to assist with college credit may be discussed. Benefits may include:

Free canoe rentals. Discounted or free admission to Maine Audubon programs and trips. A 25% discount on store merchandise. Enrichment in salt marsh ecology and educational techniques. Interns can observe and participate in other Maine Audubon departments and education programs such as our nature camps and conservation field work. We also have a reciprocal arrangement with other nonprofits for job shadowing.

The primary Environmental Education Intern position described here runs early May through August and typically consists of 120 hours or more. Individualized internship opportunities can also occur for a month or shorter period during the summer. Time commitment and scheduling is set collaboratively between the intern and the Scarborough Marsh Manager.

To apply: Please send a resume and a cover letter to educationjobs@maineaudubon.org, with Intern - Scarborough Marsh in the subject line. Positions are open until filled.

Maine Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other aspect of identity protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.