How do kids fall in love with the outdoors? Interpretive guides or environmental educators inspire them daily at parks and schools. We are in dire need of innovative educators to develop and guide this hands-on learning. Up to the challenge? Instill an appreciation of the natural world in students and adults alike with these internships!
Canyonlands National Park: Utah
January to May 2019
Teach elementary students the science of Utah’s canyon county in the outdoors! You’ll teach at Canyonlands National Park, nearby public lands, and local schools. You’ll develop instructor skills while learning the natural and cultural history of the Colorado Plateau. Have experience working with children and a passion for interpretation? This internship based in Moab or Monticello might be for you.
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge: Alaska
February to October 2019
Who wouldn’t want to be at the two million-acre Kenai National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska? Wildlife such as brown bears, moose, lynx, and wolves inhabit the area. As the interpreter intern, you’ll coordinate environmental education programs at the refuge. During winter, spring, and fall your projects include K-6 field trips and classroom programs. As summer approaches, the focus shifts to summer camp and outreach programs. You’ll also assist with refuge departments in areas like biology, fire, trail crew.
Oregon Caves National Monument: Oregon
March to September 2019
Calling all geology nerds! At 4,000 feet, the Oregon Caves National Monument is part of the rugged Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains and is known for its complex geology and biological diversity. As a cave guide interpreter, you’ll lead tours and support educational programs while developing curriculum skills. You’ll receive training in interpretation and learn all about earth sciences!
Hudson Valley Corps: New York
January to November 2019
Our Hudson Valley Corps, a 10-month AmeriCorps program, is looking for environmental educators! Focus on outreach for an endangered butterfly as an intern at Saratoga Spa State Park. Or lead programs as a geology educator at Thatcher State Park. Are you more of a birder? Work as an educator alongside the Audubon of New York to deliver For the Birds! programming at schools. Work with the live animal exhibits as a zookeeping interpreter. Search “Hudson Valley Corps” to browse more positions like these!
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Southwest: Texas
January to July 2019
Want to present environmental education programs for K-12 youth in Houston? This interpretive internship leading public programs on Houston-area parks might be for you. You’ll help with Virtually Wild Texas, a program bringing nature to youth who may not have access to the outdoors. Gain hands-on experience working with refuge staff on habitat restoration and biological monitoring. Take your skill development a step farther with job shadowing opportunities. The office space is in the city of Houston.
New Hampshire Corps: New Hampshire
January to October 2019
Our New Hampshire Corps is hiring interpretive rangers! You’ll live in Bear Brook State Park, with over 10,000 acres of land. In May, you’ll run a month-long series of environmental education camps based at the park and in classrooms. From June through October you’ll connect with almost 20,000 visitors throughout the state. You’ll receive training in Leave No Trace and relevant curriculum, such as Project Learning Tree. Not to mention, you’ll become certified as a Wilderness First Responder and a Certified Interpreter Guide.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge: Georgia
March to May 2019
Located in southern Georgia, the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge provides a wilderness experience for visitors. Nearly 120 miles of boating and canoeing trail wind through the refuge. As an intern at the refuge, you’ll be the smiling face that greets visitors. You’ll lead interpretive programs for all ages, while assisting with recreation and volunteer programs. This position will get canoe and wilderness training, as well.
USFWS Northeast Regional Office: Massachusetts
January 2019 to January 2020
You may also like this visitor services internship with the USFWS Northeast Regional Office. Support refuge activities like fishing, environmental education, wildlife photography, and more. You’ll make a difference for 70+ national wildlife refuges in the northeast.
Willamette Valley: Oregon
April to September 2019
Work in the Willamette Valley of Oregon with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as the outreach and trail intern. You’ll develop materials for youth environmental education and assist with dam tours. Want to get on the trail? The person in this position will also gather GPS data on trails, create maps, and clear trails. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and training with ArcGIS.
Campbell Creek Science Center: Alaska
January 2019 to January 2020
Do you want to lead outdoor educational programs in Alaska? As the environmental education intern, you’ll teach students from pre-school all the way up through college. The center is located on a 730-acre parcel of public land with forests, creeks, meadows, an abundance of wildlife (moose, bear, birds, and more).
New York State Parks Corps: New York
January to November 2019
As a member of our New York State Parks Corps, you’ll spend ten months working projects across the state. You’ll lead field trips to local schools as an environmental education steward. Ensure that interpretive opportunities at the park increase and are high quality. You’ll receive training in environmental education, Leave No Trace, and canoeing. Search “NYS Parks Corps” positions that focus on trail work and environmental education.
Looking to jumpstart your career? Browse SCA internships at national parks, forests, and other protected lands across the country.
