Public Programs Intern

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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The goal of the Education: Public Programs Internship is to provide a pre-professional, experiential learning opportunity for students interested in environmental conservation, informal education, program development, and communication. Interns will receive detailed training in interpretive and informal education techniques, conservation education development, program evaluation, and relevant animal information. Upon completion of training, interns will be responsible for leading conservation education-based programs on Zoo grounds and the facilitation of guest education. Beyond gaining valuable work experience as a conservation educator, interns will also have the opportunity to network within one of the world’s most respected zoological and conservation organizations.

RESPONSIBILIITES: The Education: Public Programs intern assists the Conservation Education Initiatives Supervisor and Interpretive Programs Supervisor with all conservation and interpretation related efforts, projects, events and activities. Intern responsibilities may include:

o Participate in training to learn accurate exhibit information, including species and individual animal information.

o Participate in training/mentoring process to learn effective public speaking and interpretation techniques

o Leading conservation, interpretation programs at animal exhibits and conservation events.

o Research necessary information and methods need to implement new conservation related programs.

o Staying current with emerging conservation issues related to species housed by Zoo Atlanta.

o Assist the supervisors with the management of conservation events at Zoo Atlanta.

o Provide excellent guest service to Zoo Atlanta’s guests.

o Special projects as assigned.

OBJECTIVES:

o Gain professional hands-on experience in conservation education at a world-class nonprofit/zoological facility.

o Gain experience working with our Zoo Atlanta’s team on important conservation issues.

o Join Zoo Atlanta in its mission of wildlife conservation, education, and industry leading research

Qualifications:

o Must be 18 years of age or older.

o Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program OR a recent graduate in environmental studies, zoology, theatre, psychology, biology, education, conservation, volunteer/nonprofit management or related field

o Must have job related experience, such as working in a nonprofit organization, education setting, animal conservation, and/or volunteering at a nonprofit organization

o Must be willing to submit to a background check and provide proof of negative TB test

o Available to commit a minimum of 16-24 hours per week. Saturday/Sunday availability is required

o Demonstrated strong conservation and environmental knowledge in order to communicate appropriate conservation and wildlife messages to all guests

o Demonstrated ability to communicate information in an informal setting, such that it is personal and relevant to guests

o Proven oral communication skills

o Willingness to intern outdoors in all weather conditions

o Ability to work well in a team environment and independently

SKILLS:

o Excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills; ability to verbally express ideas clearly

o Superb organizational skills

o Ability to effectively manage a wide variety of tasks, projects and responsibilities

o Extremely strong oral and written communication skills - comfortable talking with strangers in person

o Must be reliable, flexible and work well in a team-oriented environment

o Ability to work well with a diverse group of staff and volunteers

o Individual should possess an appreciation of wildlife and be in agreement with the philosophy and mission of Zoo Atlanta