Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a private not-for-profit Audubon Sanctuary encompassing 13,000 acres in Southwest Florida’s western Everglades. The Sanctuary is open seven days per week year-round and attracts visitors from all over the world.  Being a part of the Corkscrew team means making a difference for conservation. The Education Intern is a paid, full-time seasonal position assisting with essential environmental education duties including assisting with the implementation of a 2nd and 5th grade field trip program to the Sanctuary and with educating visitors to the Blair Visitor Center and boardwalk. The Education Intern will also assist with giving tours and presentations and other public education activities as necessary. 

On-site housing is provided and required due to the relatively remote location of the Sanctuary and early work hours. Housing is a furnished one-level dormitory-style building. There are two single and two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, two joined kitchens, a living room and a screened porch. Wireless internet, water and electricity is provided. Housing will be shared with other interns and/or visiting researchers. Education intern will have a single, private room. Corkscrew is a remote Sanctuary and is known as a dark sky site. The intern housing is nestled in the pine flatwoods near the Research Building and Director’s office.   

Interns are expected to assist with additional Sanctuary events and activities, as needed. An opportunity to pursue personal conservation-based interests (e.g. environmental education, environmental policy, or ecological research) is available through the completion (design, and execution) of an independent project with the guidance of Sanctuary staff.

Under the guidance of Audubon staff, the intern will develop skills in a variety of environmental education activities, including:

• Teach, manage, and inspire groups of 2nd and 5th grade students about the value and importance of the natural world in Corkscrew’s outdoor classroom;
• Conduct nature walks/tours for visitors to Corkscrew Swamp’s boardwalk and other areas that increase the knowledge of, and appreciation for, the Sanctuary and it’s plants and animals;
• Serve as a docent and concierge within the Blair Visitor Center by educating visitors and providing exceptional customer service through answering questions, selling memberships and tours, and providing first aid as necessary;
• Assist with the logistics and conduct public education at a variety of off and onsite events, such as festivals, tours, buggy rides, After Hours, presentations, etc.

• Be currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of an institution of higher learning, pursuing a degree in environmental education, communications, natural sciences or a related field;
• Excel in interpersonal communications and interpersonal skills while maintaining a team-focused attitude;
• Possess a basic understanding of ecology and a desire to learn about conservation;
• Demonstrate the ability to exercise sound judgment and adaptability to changing work conditions;
• Possess a valid driver’s license;
• Commit to the full duration of the internship (October 2018 - April 2019);
• Be self-directed and demonstrate initiative once trained and prepared for programs and events;
• Ability to work long hours out-of-doors in the field in sub-tropical wetland environments, exposed to harsh South Florida environment (sun, biting insects, severe summer storms);
• Ability to stand for eight hours in the Visitor Center or at an event, while maintaining a smile and positive attitude, while speaking to the public in a courteous manner; and
• Ability to carry tables, chairs, cases of drinks and other heavy items of approximately 40 pounds over short distances.

Please apply online at https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/3775/education-intern/job. 

For more information, please contact Debbie Lotter.