Careers and Internships

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is seeking an energetic and passionate candidate to serve as Guided Discoveries Instructor for our dynamic, 8-week summer day camp program. Science Center day camps encourage discovery, learning, and outdoor play in and about the natural world for kids ages 4 through 12. Our camps are active and emphasize time spent outdoors—even when it is raining, hot, or chilly. The Guided Discoveries Instructor is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the summer camp, supervising and coaching the Guided Discoveries Intern, planning educational activities, leading day camps, communicating with parents, handling live animal ambassadors, and performing other tasks that support the safety and success of the program. The Guided Discoveries Instructor must be available to work Monday through Friday May 28-August 19, 2019 (start date is negotiable). These dates include training and planning time and eight weeks of camp sessions.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and lead innovative, engaging, and age-appropriate activities for eight weeks of nature and science-themed camps targeted for youth ages 4 through 12.
• Develop weekly lesson plans.
• Provide high quality customer service to campers and parents.
• Coordinate daily camp activities and animal encounters.
• Handle animals for educational purposes while ensuring the safety of animals, campers, and yourself.
• Model respectful, positive, and considerate personal interactions through reinforcing, reminding, and redirecting negative camper behaviors to provide a positive experience for all campers.
• Create engaging displays in the Guided Discoveries Classroom to provide a welcoming environment for campers and parents.
• Purchase camp supplies and track camp supply budget.
• Care for, maintain, and develop high-quality program supplies and equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety of all program and office spaces.
• Complete necessary camp paperwork including tracking of daily camper arrival and departure.
• Ensure safety of site, activities, and participants; report any accidents, injuries, and safety concerns to Education Director.
• Effectively communicate and coordinate with all members of the Science Center team to ensure overall success of programming.
• Provide direction to Guided Discoveries Intern; work with intern to plan and lead activities, and provide feedback on performance.
• Work in all weather conditions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or two years of experience in environmental education, interpretation, recreation or related field or teaching experience with nature-based centers or camps.
• Current certification or ability to become certified in Adult and Child CPR/First Aid (Note: Free CPR/First Aid training is provided. If unable to attend provided CPR/First Aid training, you must obtain the credentials at your own cost, prior to the start of camp.)
• Able to receive a clean criminal background check prior to hire (as required by NH state law when working with youth).
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions, walk long distances on uneven terrain, and lift at least 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in an environment that includes exposure to zoonotic diseases and environmental allergens including but not limited to dust, mold, pollen, live birds, live mammals,  live reptiles, live insects, and other animals.
• A strong and active interest in learning and personal growth, including self-assessment and feedback from colleagues.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Desired Qualifications

• Previous experience working with youth ages 4-12 in an outdoor setting.
• Knowledge of New Hampshire’s natural history.
• Animal handling experience.
• Ability to play a musical instrument(s) and willingness to play with/in front of kids. Willingness to sing songs with campers.
• Demonstrated public speaking skills and ability to communicate with enthusiasm.
• Computer literacy on a Microsoft-based platform.
• Positive and enthusiastic attitude.
• Good organizational skills.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation.

Compensation
The Guided Discoveries Instructor is a seasonal, non-exempt hourly employee with a starting pay range of $13.00 to $14.00/hour depending on experience. The position requires 40 hours/week.

How to Apply
Submit cover letter, resume, and at least three professional references electronically to Education Director Audrey Eisenhauer at . Please submit one PDF file and include your last name in the file name. Use Guided Discoveries Instructor as the email subject line. Applicant review will begin January 14, 2019. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Download Guided Discoveries Instructor Description

The Science Center’s Animal Care summer internship is an opportunity to learn and grow while gaining experience in native wild animal husbandry at a nationally-accredited nature center. The Animal Care Intern assists staff with all aspects of caring for the Science Center’s animal ambassadors. The Animal Care Intern also gains experience with interpretation by presenting Up Close to Animals programs about native New Hampshire wildlife.
Internship Experiences

• Animal observations and record keeping
• Animal handling, capture and restraint
• Proper diet preparation and distribution
• General husbandry of animal and keeper areas
• Proper Association of Zoos and Aquariums protocols, policies and procedures
• Animal training and enrichment
• Basic avian wildlife rehabilitation
• Training in environmental education and interpretation techniques
• Opportunity to receive First Aid/CPR certification
• Presenting Up Close to Animals presentations during July & August, duties to be shared with other interns
• Assisting with special events, and additional duties as assigned
• Complete a final project in animal training or enrichment under the guidance of animal care staff

Requirements

• College junior/senior status or graduate student with a major in biology, zoology, natural sciences, or related field
• Enthusiasm, motivation, strong time management and a desire to work with people and animals
• Ability to effectively communicate with staff and volunteers
• Appropriate footwear is required; work boots, hiking shoes or similar. Appropriate outerwear is required for all weather conditions – heat, rain, wind etc.
• Must be able to lift, and carry 50 pounds
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time
• Candidates receiving college credit for the experience are given priority in consideration
• Available from May 28 to mid- to late-August, 2019. First three weeks are training in education/interpretation and animal handling with a Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM schedule. The remainder of the summer is a Friday-Tuesday 7:30 AM-3:30 PM schedule.

Benefits

• Stipend of $150/week
• Onsite, shared housing in rustic Intern Cottage

To Apply
Email cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to Animal Care Manager Lauren Moulise at . Cover letter should address your interest in applying for this position, your career goals, and how you anticipate this position will contribute to your professional development.

Download Animal Care Intern Description

The Science Center’s summer Education Program internship is an opportunity to learn and grow while gaining experience in environmental education at a nationally-accredited nature center. Education Program interns alternate between two focus areas: assisting with Guided Discoveries day camp programs and presenting live animal programs. Guided Discoveries are week-long day camp programs that provide children ages 4-14 with hands-on experiences that help them discover and connect with New Hampshire’s natural world. Live animal programs include Up Close to Animals – short, live animal programs presented at the Center’s outdoor trailside amphitheater, and Live Animal Outreach programs – presentations given offsite at a variety of venues including campgrounds, libraries, summer camps, and environmental organizations. Education Program interns also complete one or more projects developed with guidance from Education Staff.

Qualifications:

• College junior/senior status or graduate student with a major in the natural sciences, environmental education or related field
• Experience working with children in educational and/or recreational settings preferred
• Candidates receiving college credit for the experience are given priority in consideration
• Enthusiasm, motivation and a desire to work with children, adults and animals
• Available from May 28 to mid- to late-August and able to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends

Benefits:

• Weekly stipend $150/week
• Onsite, shared housing in rustic intern cottage

To Apply:
Email cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to Senior Naturalist Dave Erler at .  Cover letter should address your interest in applying for this position, your career goals, and how you anticipate this position contributing to your professional development.

Download Education Program Intern Description

The Science Center’s Guided Discoveries summer internship is an opportunity to learn and grow while gaining experience in environmental education at a nationally-accredited nature center. Guided Discoveries are week-long programs that provide children ages 4-12 with hands-on experiences that help them discover and connect with New Hampshire’s natural world. The Guided Discoveries Intern assists the Guided Discoveries Instructor with the planning, preparation and instruction for these theme focused programs. The Guided Discoveries Intern also gains experience handling and teaching about native New Hampshire wildlife.
To learn more about the Science Center visit http://nhnature.org.  

Qualifications:

• College junior/senior status or graduate student with a major in the natural sciences, early childhood education, elementary education, environmental education or related field
• Experience working with children in educational and/or recreational settings preferred
• Candidates receiving college credit for the experience are given priority in consideration
• Enthusiasm, motivation and a desire to work with children and animals
• Available from May 28-August 16, 2019 on weekdays from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Benefits:

• Weekly stipend $150/week + onsite housing

To Apply:
Email cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to Education Director Audrey Eisenhauer at . Cover letter should address your interest in applying for this position, your career goals, and how you anticipate this position will contribute to your professional development.

Download Guided Discoveries Intern Description

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center seeks a college student as a Marketing Intern. The Marketing Intern will gain experience working in a nationally-accredited nature center. The Marketing Intern will work with the Marketing Manager to help strategically manage the promotion and marketing efforts of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, its environmental education programs, and mission to the general public, membership, and school groups.

Projects may include video creation and editing for social media channels, writing press releases and blog articles, photography of all aspects of the organization, visitor surveying, and photo organization. Assignments may also include reviewing and editing web copy, editing and proofreading materials, designing event flyers, updating calendar listings, managing press list, analyzing online advertising strategy, assisting with special events, mailings, general office support, and business sponsor solicitations.

Qualifications:

• Strong time management skills and ability to work independently.
• Strong written and oral communications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects on deadlines.
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite products is a plus.
• Available approximately 40 hours per week. Schedule may include occasional evening and weekend event assignments.

Benefits:

• Weekly stipend $150/week
• Onsite, shared housing in a rustic intern cottage

Email letter of interest and resume to Amanda Gillen, Marketing Manager at

Download Marketing Intern Description