Naturalist Teacher Intern

The Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center (OEC) is a great place to start your career in environmental education! Each year, we hire Naturalist Teacher Interns who spend the school year teaching students hands-on science in the woods; they are provided with ongoing training and support to help them become the best educators they can be, as well as explore and learn about other environmental career paths.

Job Overview

Position Description:

The Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center’s (OEC) mission is to provide transformative learning experiences that engage students in the practices of sciences; promote self-discovery and growth; cultivate community; and create a connection to our natural world. The Glen Helen Naturalist Internship begins with 2 weeks of comprehensive training that transitions into a semester-long teaching experience. Naturalist Interns teach elementary students about the natural sciences during multi-day residential programs. Students are provided with experience-based connections to nature while cultivating community and personal growth. Interns live on-site amidst the beautiful 1,000+ acre Glen Helen Nature Preserve, which is within walking distance of the vibrant and artistic Village of Yellow Springs.

Our curriculum is aligned with Ohio Education Standards, and Naturalist Interns have the freedom to creatively develop lesson plans to support their individual teaching style and passions. Lessons are conducted on the trails of Glen Helen covering topics pertaining to observation, questioning, senses, wildlife, succession, nocturnal animals, forest ecology, stream ecology, geology, environmental problem solving, cooperation and team building.

We are committed to fostering lifelong learning at the Glen Helen OEC, therefore ongoing training, professional development, and mentorship are provided. This internship provides real-world experience in preparation for employment as a naturalist, educator, or science communicator of any kind. Our alumni can be found in parks and environmental learning centers across the country. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Design and deliver standards-aligned environmental education experiences for a diverse population of students in our multi-day residential and day programs.
• Complete 2 week Naturalist Intern training, participate in regular workshops, and staff meetings. 
• Role model positive community engagement and environmentally conscious behaviors. 
• Ensure the safety and well-being of program participants and OEC team members using sound judgment and applying safety protocols. 
• Assist in the maintenance of all program supplies, equipment, and facilities. 
• Comply with all Glen Helen Association policies and represent the OEC in a professional manner at all times. 
• Share in the general daily and weekly responsibilities at the OEC. 

Special Benefits

Compensation:

• $400 weekly stipend, paid bi-weekly
• Housing (no fee): private bedroom, shared bathroom, kitchen, common space, and laundry 
• Meals provided during training days and when school groups are on-site
• Mentoring from OEC staff and ongoing professional development experiences
• Training to handle and teach with reptiles and birds of prey. 
• Position may qualify for academic internship or co-op credit.

Minimum Requirements

Requirements:

• Minimum two years of undergraduate course work or associate's degree
• Demonstrate a respect and affinity for children 
• Demonstrate a passion for the natural environment
• Commitment to equity and inclusion
• Willing to live in community and work closely as a team
• Willing to be mentored and receive feedback
• Applicants must be able to commit to the full duration of the program, from the beginning of training through the conclusion of the Outdoor School term 
• Proof of Vaccination against COVID-19
• Must pass a FBI and Ohio BCI criminal background check and fingerprinting prior to the start of training 
• Applicants must successfully complete First Aid, CPR, and AED training (to be provided on-site)

Qualifications:

To qualify for the Naturalist Internship program, an individual must be able to perform each primary responsibility. The Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center aims to make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform primary responsibilities. 

If you are interested in and passionate about our work, please do consider applying, even if you do not meet all the requirements; we would still like to hear from you and learn about how we can make this field more accessible to all. 

The Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center does not sponsor work visas, thus, in compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire.

Physical Demands:

Naturalist Interns are required to regularly stand for long periods of time and walk up to 5 miles per day on uneven terrain, while carrying a 25-lb backpack in all weather conditions.  Naturalists must be able to verbally communicate and have visual abilities that allow them to deliver programs safely.