Environmental Education Interns work side by side with our Naturalist teaching staff to deliver educational lessons and activities for children ranging from toddlers to 12 years old during summer camp programs, family classes, and in our interactive exhibit space, the Discovery Room. Interns participate in 1 week of training and rotate through various summer camp duties for 10 weeks.

We believe nature is the best classroom, so we deliver hands-on lessons in an outdoor, natural environment. Our educational programs are fun, creative, innovative, and we hold our content and program delivery to the highest standards. All instructors must have the ability to engage and direct kids in a variety of settings and group sizes, while clearly explaining science and conservation topics. Equally important is a passion for sparking curiosity, modeling enthusiasm, and inspiring a lifelong appreciation of environmental stewardship.

Expectations and Opportunities

• Learn to develop, prepare, and lead educational and interpretive programs in an outdoor, natural environment
• Prepare classroom materials, set-up, and clean classroom spaces
• Develop career and professional skills with feedback, evaluation, and guidance from mentors
• Work alongside experienced environmental education professionals in a supportive environment
• Cultivate interpersonal skills working with volunteers, families, and students of diverse ages and backgrounds
• Always ensure safety of all participants and model Leave No Trace principles
• Safely use, maintain, and organize all supplies, equipment, and facilities
• Commit to accessibility, equity, and inclusion for a diverse community of students of all ages
• Lead by example and serve as a role model for environmental literacy and stewardship
• Perform all Naturalist Intern duties and tasks as assigned

Education and Requirements

• Enrollment in Fall 2026 semester as a junior or senior in an undergraduate degree program in Biology, Environmental Science, Wildlife, Recreation, or Education related field
• Available to work May 26 – August 7, 2026
  • Required Training May 26 – May 29
  • 10 weeks teaching rotations June 1 – August 7
• Genuine interest in working with children outdoors
• Comfortable with exposure to outdoor weather such as heat, humidity, and rain
• The ability to lift to 25 pounds, move safely over uneven terrain, and work frequently outdoors
• The ability to follow all procedures, regulations, and safety measures put in place related to COVID-19
• Responsible for housing and transportation to and from the Houston Arboretum