Education Internship

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Seal Rescue Ireland (SRI) is a charity organisation which operates a busy marine animal rescue and rehabilitation centre located in Courtown, Co. Wexford. As the only facility that fully rehabilitates seals within the Republic of Ireland, SRI responds to strandings nationwide. Most reports are for young grey seal ( Halichoerus grypus) and common seal ( Phoca vitulina) pups found sick, injured or orphaned across the Irish coastline. In addition, SRI pursues understanding and public engagement of ocean conservation and sustainability through education, community outreach and research programmes.

SRI is currently accepting applications for their Education Intern position. This high paced, full-time position is for a minimum of 12 weeks, but longer time commitments are encouraged. After completion of initial training, interns who excel may be invited to stay longer and offered higher levels of responsibility.

Due to Covid-19, Seal Rescue Ireland is only considering applications from Irish residents until further notice. All offers of internship positions with Seal Rescue Ireland may be subject to change depending on government regulations and advice, as well as SRI’s decisions on what is best for the health and well-being of our team. We thank everyone for their flexibility and understanding during this crisis.

Reports to: Operations Manager

Job Summary: The Education Intern will assist with everything related to the various education programs which cater to children as young as 2 years old all the way up to presentations geared towards adults. The intern will need to be able to plan, develop and deliver educational programs, activities, games, and materials which are tailored to each group’s specific needs, interests and curriculum. They will plan/attend community outreach events, school visits, birthday parties, fundraisers and networking events to promote awareness of SRI’s mission of marine conservation. They will also be trained to give daily educational tours of the Centre as well as providing customer care in the gift shop. There may be some involvement in assisting in the husbandry care and maintenance of rehabilitation animals if interested.

Requirements: Applicants must have a background and dedicated interest in areas of study such as Zoology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Conservation, Education, Oceanography, Child Development or a related field. Background knowledge of marine mammals is preferred but not required. Applicants must be organized, personable, self-motivated, resourceful and have experience facilitating events and lessons for large groups. Great networking and public speaking skills are a must. Interns will be expected to maintain a high level of professionalism and diplomacy whenever they are representing Seal Rescue Ireland. We are looking for a candidate that works well as a team and is comfortable around individuals of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds. Finally, applicants must possess the ability to adapt to an ever-changing work environment, and be available to work nights, weekends and holidays. Applicants must be fluent in English, as this position will require the intern to speak in front of large groups. For non-native English speakers coming from European countries, we require a C1 level of English.

Duties Include:

• Lead groups of children and adults in educational activities
• Give educational tours of the facility to visitors and school groups
• Coordinate and develop educational programs, and create educational plans and materials
• Attend community outreach events to represent SRI
• Plan and assist with fundraisers, and provide customer service to visitors in the gift shop
• Assist in the care and maintenance of the Center’s rehabilitation animals (if interested)
• Provide assistance to the rehabilitation staff as needed
• Performs other duties relating to the Centre’s goals and mission statement as required.

This is an unpaid position. Intern housing may be offered to successful applicants for 90 Euro/week (including food). Interns are responsible for their own travel expenses.

Application Deadlines:

1st of November, 2020 for January, February, March and April, 2021 start dates

1st of January, 2021 for May, June, July, and August, 2021 start dates

1st of May, 2021 for September, October, November, and December, 2021 start dates

Please visit our website at ( http://www.sealrescueireland.org/internships/) to download the application form. Then send completed with your resume, cover letter, and two reference letters to: intern@sealrescueireland.org

Attention: Education Internship