Intern, Education (Eco-Act Environmental Leadership Program)

Summary: Assists education staff with implementation of Eco-Act Environmental Leadership Program. The intern will observe and learn about outdoor, experiential, and environmental/sustainability practices through hands-on experiences assisting with material preparation and program delivery for the Eco-Act program. This is a part-time position, averaging 25 hours a week, scheduled June through mid-August.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists education staff in the implementation of the Eco-Act Environmental Leadership Program.
• Works with staff to create and deliver environmental education activities for high school students.
• Uses independent work time to complete additional projects based on intern interest and program needs, ex. Curriculum design, creation of resource guides, program data analysis, etc.
• Assists in the preparation of all program materials.
• Shadows Garden staff and assists with other education programs as needed and based on the intern’s career interests.
• Works with Garden staff to ensure all health and safety protocols for program participants are followed.
• Works cohesively as a team with other staff, interns, and program participants.
• Demonstrates highest level of professional and ethical conduct.
• Meets expected attendance guidelines.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies:

Communication – Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.

Collaboration – Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.

Accountability – Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues’ concerns.

Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions.

Stewardship – Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.

Qualifications/experience:

• Interest in environmental education, working outdoors and the environment.
• Basic understanding of sustainability practices and principles preferred.
• Group leadership and problem-solving experience.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Comfortable working with high school aged students from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Flexible Hours
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:

• H.S. diploma or equivalent by start of internship. Some college coursework with an emphasis in Education, Environmental Science, or Life Sciences preferred.
• An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Language Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written).

Mathematical Skills:

• H.S. basic math aptitude; requires proficient ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals; etc.

Reasoning Ability:

• Requires ability to exercise judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.

Computer Skills:

• Proficient Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., Powerpoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook).
• Comfortable with virtual meeting platforms including TEAMS and Zoom.

Physical Demands:

• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb ladders, etc.).
• Able to lift up to (30) pounds (i.e., load, unload and move supplies and equipment).
• Must be able to work in high heat/humidity and other summer weather conditions.
• Ability to stand and move about entire facility, and/or project sites, for extended periods of time – 80% or more of the workday may be standing on feet (e.g., extensive standing, walking, reaching and stooping).

Work Environment:

• Climate controlled buildings.
• Shared office space.
• Work outdoors in temperatures of 100F or more, humid conditions, as well as temperatures below 0F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions and some uncomfortable conditions (i.e. wet, mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, etc.) as needed.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

• Garden Employees, Volunteers, Guests
• Community Partners
• Regional educators
• Eco-Act Participants

Supervisor:

Coordinator, Teen Programs