Interpretation

Under the direction of the Director of Conservation Education, Lead Education Specialist, and Education Specialists, the Interpretation Full Time Intern will observe and assist with developing, coordinating, maintaining, and evaluating interpretation programs, materials, and other related activities.  Upon showing the skillset, the Conservation Education Intern will aid in presenting informal interpretation programs and eventually run programs on their own, for all ages in various settings.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Education related responsibilities:

Assist with all tasks involved with any educational on-site informal education opportunities including but not limited to keeper/exhibit/exercise yard chats, after-hours events, creek studies, nature play, and nature hikes.

Involvement in any program is not guaranteed as the quality of our programming is paramount. Interpretation Interns will have to show they are skilled enough to provide a quality program before being allowed or expected to participate in programming.
Set up:

Gather appropriate materials, prepare, and set up any required or requested materials to execute the program scheduled.
Get materials to appropriate spaces for programming at appropriate times.

 Facilitating or Assisting with Education:

Assist with or facilitate the program on time & appropriately for the targeted audience.
Reflect positively on the zoo & present accurate information.
Help fulfill the Lehigh Valley Zoo’s mission and any campaigns or initiatives they are working on.
Place any materials back to proper location
Clean up utilized spaces back to original conditions

Helping with or running camp. This includes all tasks related to the preparation, execution, and cleanup of summer camps which includes but is not limited to assisting with early drop off and late-pick up for campers. During pre-zoo camp weeks, interns will be assigned to create and run the camp themselves.
Research. This includes researching the appropriate information about specific species/habitats/topics related to the species we have here at the Lehigh Valley Zoo and the ambassador animals that interns work with directly as to prepare for facilitating educational programs to the best of the intern’s ability. Interns may also be asked to research and create materials such as infographics, exhibit graphics, newsletters, etc. It is expected that all information is correct and accurate.
Learn and execute appropriate interpretation techniques. It is an expectation for the intern to invest effort into developing their educational technique skills and focus on the concept of education more than just reiterating factual knowledge.
Complete required courses on San Diego Zoo Global and with satisfactory results.
Learn and stick to any specific program content, materials, or messaging. Creativity is encouraged but general program formats, if established, are expected to be followed.
Assist staff members in brainstorming, developing, and implementing new programs, content, materials, or messaging. This includes any research, legwork, or office work needed to get new programs implemented.
Assist with any daily scheduled or unscheduled programs or activities including but not limited to scheduled mingles, camps, or related tasks, crowd control, general house-keeping tasks, etc.
Assist staff with keeping any presented information (verbal, print, published, website, etc.) up to date and easily accessible.
Stay up to date on current related topics or news. Interns are expected to be knowledgeable on current events related to topics of the field or educational programming.

Keep workspace, classrooms, office, vehicles, etc. clean, neat and organized.
Directly communicate with the Education Specialist(s), Lead Education Specialist, and/or Director of Conservation Education in terms of Lehigh Valley Zoo related matters, education programs, and any other relevant topics.
General maintenance as needed.
Drive zoo vehicles within and outside of zoo limits. This includes but is not limited to driving the Education vans, John Deer “Gator”, golf cart, or Kubota’s in or around the Lehigh Valley Zoo and to offsite errands. Utility vehicles are only to be used when intern has been cleared by the Lead Education Specialist and all zoo driving policies must be followed at all times.
Perform other related work as required or requested by Education Staff or zoo manager.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have graduated high school or obtained a GED. Must be over the age of 18 years old.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Intern must have established skills or be willing and open to learn new principles & practices of educational program development, learning theories, interpretive techniques, teaching methods, and teaching all age levels on a variety of topics. Intern must also have established skills and/or be willing and open to improve oral and written communication skills, effective presentation skills, and effective interpersonal skills. Intern must be willing and able to function and perform tasks independently and as a part of a team. Intern must have the ability to coordinate a variety of work activities and to ensure the timely completion of assignments. Individuals must be highly motivated and organized with attention to detail and have the ability to use computers and computer technology.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Intern must be willing and able to read, understand, and follow all Conservation Education Standard Operating Procedures and other official departmental and zoo-wide documents.
Ability to receive instruction and carry them out with relative independence. 
Must have established and proficient verbal and written communication skills. 
Ability & willingness to learn to communicate technical information to a variety of audiences.
Must have skills to foresee and apply safety precautions applicable to the work. 
Ability to see, hear and communicate clearly. 
Must possess valid driver’s license.
No allergies to plants and animals which may interfere with the ability to work. 
Ability and willingness to remain on feet or sit for long periods of time, climb stairs, bend, and move/lift 60lbs. 
Ability and willingness to work outside in all weather conditions. 
Ability and willingness to work flexible schedule, which may include weekends, holidays, evenings, overnight and after-hours assignments. 
Ability to cover the cost and receive satisfactory results required on criminal record check, fingerprinting clearance, and child abuse history clearance.
Ability and willingness to work overtime.
Ability to follow any zoo policies, department specific or all zoo policies that apply to the person.
Must be honest, transparent, and willing to communicate about work related topics or personal topics that have or may affect performance/work. 
Must be punctual
Must have Covid-19 vaccination.

How to apply:

Email Cover letter and resume to Cher Vatalaro at cvatalaro@lvzoo.org