Education Paid Intern - Nashville Zoo

NASHVILLE ZOO PAID INTERNSHIP PROGRAM EDUCATION INTERNSHIP | FALL 2024

Do you want to inspire a passion to conserve the natural world?As an Education Intern at Nashville Zoo you will have the opportunity to gain experience in presenting thematic interpretive programs, leading education programs and developing your knowledge on a variety of topics including conservation, wildlife biology, botany, history and park management.

Applicants must be college aged or a recent college graduate with interest in the natural, physical or cultural sciences, communication, education, natural science interpretation or recreation and resources management. As part of your internship, you will receive trainingin methods that were developedas part of Denver Zoo’s ROADMAP program as well as techniques taught as part of the National Association for

Interpretation’s(NAI) Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) Course.Education Internships

will be on a full-time basis with internworking 30 to 40 hours per week.

JOB TITLE: Education Intern

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES -- This supervised education position interacts with animals, guests, volunteers, and other Zoo staff. Upon completion of training, the placement consists of:

• Assisting in development, facilitation and evaluation of education programsand interpretive experiences for a wide range of audiences on grounds, off grounds and virtually
• Working to create programs aligned with Nashville Zoo’s Program Content Standards, Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Standards in Science, Math, Reading and Language Arts
• Developing program evaluations that assesses participant learning as well as informs program development
• Learning to make positive contributions to enhance the guest experience at Nashville Zoo

KNOWLEDGE,SKILLS AND ABILITIES -- Applicants will be assessedaccording to their knowledge, skills and abilities in the following areas:

• Passion and interestin exploring a zoo or conservation relatedfield
• Knowledge of biology,zoology and conservation issues
• Strong public speaking skills
• Ability to work with all age groups
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to followwritten and oral directions
• Guest-serviceoriented and enthusiastic about providing guests an enriching experience

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

• College aged or recent collegegraduate
• Willingness to study and learn curriculum providedby Zoo
• Submit to a criminal background check and drug screening
• Submit proof of a negativeTB Test
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Requires frequent moving about for long distancesand over uneven terrain
• Will be expectedto wear the approved uniformand observe the same personal appearance standards required of all Zoo staff
• Must be able to work a set schedule which will includeflexible hours, evenings, holidays, and/or weekends
• Frequent exposure to the outsideelements and summer heat can be expected.

INTERN REQUIREMENTS

• Present and on time for all assignedshifts
• Active engagement in all aspectsof assigned duties
• Attendance at all required trainingsessions and lectures
• Attendance at all meetings with assigned InternCoordinator, Volunteer Manager and other mentors
• Completion of all assignments including two projects for each 12-week term
• Maintain a writtenjournal throughout internship term

BENEFITS

• Hourly rate of $12.50 per hour for up to 40 hours per week
• $700 living stipendfor each 12-weekterm
• Housing provided if outside of a 40 mile radius of Nashville Zoo
• Receive training on current best practices for zoo interpretation and program development
• Receive first-hand experience in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited institution
• Enhance personal creativity and portfolio

APPLICATION PROCESS – Interested candidates should complete the application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• (2) Letters of Recommendation