Field Biologist and Outreach Intern - Kelleys Island Field Station
Title: Field Biologist Individual Placement
Positions Available: 1 Internship
Location: Kelleys Island, OH
Position Dates: May 29th – August 18th, 2023 (12 weeks)
Pay Rate: $400/week + housing
Status: 40 hours/week, Full-Time/Seasonal/Temporary
Contact: accrecruiting@conservationlegacy.org
Position Summary:
Spend your summer immersed in the natural world!
With the support of Appalachian Conservation Corps, the Kelleys Island Field Station and the Kelleys Island State Park will be sharing an AmeriCorps Intern for the 2023 summer to assist with environmental programs. This is a unique opportunity to work and live in a beautiful natural setting that is fairly remote. Candidates should know that they may have limited access to the mainland.
The Kelleys Island Field Station promotes and supports education by providing a distinctive learning and research environment for elementary students to adults. The Kelleys Island Field Station has a variety of operating educational programs such as Science Saturdays (Memorial Day-Labor Day), Nature Camp (ages 4-12), five weeks of Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory summer courses, and other outreach and educational events for youth and adults including a stargazing event and a geology hike. The field station also has a .15-acre pollinator habitat that is monitored and maintained for education purposes and for the general public and partnering with the Kelleys Island State Park on an additional 15 acres. We partner with the Kelleys Island Audubon Society, the Kelleys Island State Park, and the Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory.
The Field Biologist Individual Placement will spend their summer caring for the natural spaces on Kelleys Island and educating the public on the flora and fauna of the area through a variety of program types.
The intern will be responsible for the following:
Fieldwork:
- Invasive plant species management
- Trail maintenance
- Wildlife and plant surveying
Outreach:
- Deliver school and adult education programs including outreach, field trips/tours, camps, and community festivals.
- Teach about Kelleys Island and Lake Erie’s habitats, wildlife, and conservation to all age groups.
- Support with program and curriculum development for education program offerings.
- Handle ambassador animals for educational programs. (Mostly the native Lake Erie Water Snake)
- Support with maintenance of program materials/inventory/spaces.
- Provide support to volunteer groups including Kelleys Island Pollinators & Partnerships, Kelleys Island State Park, and Fairs and Festivals
- Develop special projects and new programs, as directed by manager or supervisor.
The intern will learn a variety of public outreach and environmental education skills, and how to work with small local communities. The intern will gain skills with animal handling and care, as well as the local flora and fauna of the Lake Erie Islands. Working with the state park and community will help the intern learn the importance of environmental education and outreach and how to make organizations successful.
Housing is provided on Kelleys Island.
Benefits:
- $400/week living stipend, paid bi-weekly
- $1,1718.25 AmeriCorps Segal Education Award upon successful completion of a 450 hour service to be used for paying off federal student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college)
- Onsite housing
- Possible student loan forbearance
- Member Assistance Program– 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist
- Uniform shirts provided
- On-the-job training
- Additional subject-specific certifications and trainings may be offered
- Depending upon the academic institution and program, Individual Placement positions may fulfill academic internship requirements
- Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, alumni listserv, etc.) and exposure to natural resource career paths
General Qualifications:
To qualify, you must be between the ages of 18 and 30, and a US citizen that has received a high school diploma or GED. All offers of employment are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and federal criminal background check. Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award.
- Public speaking and presentation skills and abilities
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Professionalism in working with project partners and park visitors
- Background in customer service or education/teaching/public presentation
- Be comfortable living in a remote setting
- Comfort handling animals like snakes