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Company/Organization Description:
Majestic View Nature Center is the City of Arvada's interpretive/environmental education team in the Parks department. We're a small team that works with public and school programs, volunteers, site management, fundraising, exhibits, and environmental research. Majestic View Nature Center and Community Park is a place to experience and understand the area's natural features by interacting directly with nature. The 3,000 square foot Nature Center features hands-on nature displays, wildlife exhibits, a kid's area, classrooms, and meeting space. The park encompasses over 80 acres, including a lake and wetland areas, a beautiful demonstration garden, interpretive trails, prairie grasses and many wildlife species.
Company/Organization Type:
Government
Internship Description:
Nature Center Volunteer Naturalist Intern’s main responsibility will be to lead programs and assist with projects throughout the park. These projects may be different depending on the season and budget priorities, but can include exhibit and traveling display updates, program development, summer camp assistance, conservation research, and more. This role is flexible but ideal for 12-20 hrs/wk.
Responsibilities of the Intern:
Engage with visitors and provide a positive interpretive experience for visitors with in-person interactions, exhibits and displays, and asynchronous activities (seasonal bingo, kids’ nook crafts, etc.)
Work closely with the Nature Center staff and volunteers in creating new programs, exhibits, activities and participate in staff meetings.
Teach Majestic View Nature Center school programs on weekday mornings, occasional evening events, and other special projects as school schedule allows.
Ability to perform some manual duties associated with programs and building use; arranging table, chairs and equipment, leading outdoor activities, cleaning after programs, animal husbandry, or other duties as they arise.
Ability to assist with natural resource management and garden projects.
Work flexible hours as assigned at least 3 weeks in advance.
Help plan, prepare, and facilitate events, such as Earth Day Celebration or fundraisers.
Qualifications:
Interest to learn about nature and environmental topics.
Ability to professionally interact with kids and adults; previous experience working with kids is preferred.
Enthusiastic, high energy, positive attitude.
Self-starter, willing to learn new tasks.
Work well with staff, volunteers, and the public in a collaborative manner as well as with independent work.
Must pass a background check (if over 18 years old).
Benefits:
Opportunity to practice hands-on experience in the naturalist field and get to see behind the scenes of daily nature center operations.
Develop knowledge and skills in environmental education and interpretive sciences.
Facilitate refinement of interpersonal skills and development of work attitudes.
Receive valuable feedback of on-the-job performance towards improved effectiveness.
Help inspire environmental stewardship for future generations and make a difference in our community.
Friendly staff and volunteers available to provide mentorship.
Gain experience for a variety of environmental careers.
Work both inside and outside in a beautiful park overlooking the front range.
Receive class/course credit, flexible to accommodate different requirements.
Internship Format:
In-person
Hours of Operation:
2023 Staff typically works Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Public hours Tuesday - Friday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, programs by appointment
Required or Recommended Skills:
Knowledge of microsoft word/excel, basic knowledge of what is a habitat/ecosystem, ability to work collaboratively as well as independently, and basic customer service skills.
We highly recommend getting certified as and interpretive guide (CIG) through NIA as it's an amazing experience for any young professional entering the interpretive field. It is expensive but lasts 4 years and comes with NAI membership. We're hoping to be able to offer it to our volunteers for less in the next year or so but TBD. We also recommend first aid/CPR.
Number of Potential Internship Positions:
Summer - 3
Fall - 1
Spring - 1
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