Conservation Education Intern Job Locations US-MS-Holly Springs Type Temporary, Part-Time Job Category Education/Teaching ID 2018-3661 City Holly Springs State/Province MS Overview Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubons mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action. By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive. And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level. What defines Audubons unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 23 state offices, 41 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 46 states, and 700 staff across the country. Audubon is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Position Summary Strawberry Plains Audubon Center, in Holly Springs, MS, is seeking highly motivated individuals to serve as conservation interns for the 2016 summer. Interns will provide assistance to Audubon staff in a variety of capacities, helping further our day to day land management, environmental education, native plant nursery and general operations. The interns will learn about the components of our native habitats and ecosystems, including native flora and fauna, invasive plants and management techniques for encouraging Bird-Friendly Communities. Outside of plant surveys and land management, the interns will support our native plant nursery, learning propagation techniques, weed control and the maintenance necessary for managing our native plant demonstration site. In addition, interns will help facilitate on-site programming, including our summer camp and associated activities. This internship may be applied toward college credit. Essential Functions Assist Conservation Education Manager with updating plant label tags for Native Plant Nursery Assist the Conservation Education Manager and Ecologist with habitat restoration and demonstration garden planting projects Assist with propagation and cultivation of native plants at our nursery Support Maintenance Manager and staff in on-site projects as needed Assist in general trail maintenance, including the completion of the new Otter Pond Trail loop Identify, locate and map invasive species around the property to be removed and facilitate removal Assist as necessary with the general public and educational programming, including our Summer Camp and daily activities and projects Carry out native tree and plant surveys and identification Photograph and keep a record of plant species around the property for our internal species database Complete an Internship Project and present your work to the Strawberry Plains community by writing a scientific paper, essay summary of internship or by giving a presentation Qualifications and Experience Currently pursing or recent graduate of Bachelor's program focusing in Environmental Education, Environmental Studies, Biology, Wildlife Management or similar area. Ability to work and collaborate with people of varying backgrounds, in a professional and friendly manner Be flexible and self-motivated, working as an individual and in a team setting Experience working in variable and rugged outdoor conditions; should be able to stand for long periods of time Physically fit and able to work and spend time outdoors, including humid and hot conditions; a bility to climb over rugged terrain and lift approximately 50 lbs; Strong desire to learn new skills and information Highly motivated and hardworking Previous experience in land stewardship, gardening, environmental studies, or a related area is preferred but not required Must possess a valid driver's license and be will to operate ATVs Interact professionally and positively with staff, Center visitors and additional members of the research community Maintain coherent and replicable sampling techniques and thoroughly document procedures Interact with the public to provide information about Audubon and Audubons mission, answer specific questions for visitors associated with the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center and be a positive ambassador of Audubon Promote Audubons conservation initiatives within the community