Fontenelle Forest consists of two nature centers situated 2000 acres of urban forest along the scenic Missouri River in the Omaha Metro Area. Each year over 100,000 people visit the Forest. Our mission is to provide a place for people to experience and enjoy the quiet wild of nature. We want to inspire current and future generations to care for the natural world.

We are seeking an Education Intern that will contribute to our work providing environmental education and nature experiences to over 40,000 school aged children and 6000 senior citizens each year. As a member of the Fontenelle Forest team, you will help further our efforts to be a national leader in environmental stewardship and education and the region’s premier nature center.

This internship offers broad experience in the field on nature center environmental education and program operations. The Education Intern implements a wide variety of interpretive and environmental education programs, with opportunities to plan and develop programs; and, gain experience and leadership in program planning and operations.

A strong interest in contributing your talent and knowledge to Fontenelle Forest and in personal and professional growth and learning, including self-assessment and receiving performance feedback is required. The right intern will also demonstrate emotional intelligence, cultural competence, and an effective ability to work with students from backgrounds and cultures that are underrepresented in conservation and environmental fields. This position reports to the Director of Education or his/her appointee.

Primary Duties:

• Conduct environmental education programs for students of all ages, including on-site field trips, after-school programs, off-site outreach, scout activities, camps, outdoor recreation experience, public programs and interpretive hikes, and birthday parties
• Create a safe learning environment for youth and adults with positive reinforcement, role-modeling, and cultural sensitivity
• Lead classes effectively while meeting program learning objectives and itinerary requirements
• Manage program logistics, maintain equipment and supplies, plan and deliver curriculum
• Provide leadership in risk management before, during, and after programs ensuring the safety of sites, activities, and participants; report any injuries and/or safety concerns
• Assist with recruitment, training, supervision, and mentorship of other youth interns and volunteers of all ages
• Provide good customer service to Fontenelle Forests visitors and promote our mission
• Maintain cleanliness, safety, and organization of program and office spaces
• Handle and teach with select animals (including but not limited to snakes (non-poisonous), turtles, rabbits, and ferrets) in accordance with Fontenelle Forest procedures and ethics
• Effectively communication, coordinate, and build respectful relationships with all members of the Fontenelle Forest team to ensure overall success of Fontenelle Forest programming
• Work in all weather conditions with a positive attitude
• Attend required training, staff meetings, and events
• Work in collaboration with other departments and contribute to the development of a comprehensive interpretive plan
• Work with general public to answer nature-related questions
• Represent the organization in public forums by writing articles/papers and/or conducting presentations
• Assist with the coordination of staffing and scheduling of on-site educational programming
• Other duties as assigned

• Knowledge of basic scientific principles and how to teach them
• Enthusiasm for learning and teaching about the natural world
• Experience and passion for teaching and leading young children and teens
• Commitment to equity and promoting diversity and inclusion
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and overnight camping
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences, public speaking skills, and to communicate with enthusiasm
• Ability to drive Fontenelle Forest and personal vehicles to off-site programs
• Experience and proficiency using computers
• Demonstrated ability to positively engage with other staff and visitors from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to work as a member of a team and to build strong working relationships with supervisor and co-workers
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to pass a criminal background check

SCA’s mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.