Are you an energetic and creative person who would like to gain experience in environmental education under the mentorship of our seasoned education field specialists? This is an excellent opportunity for future teachers or anyone who might be interested in getting into the outdoor education field. This internship is offered on a part-time basis, unpaid, up to 20 hours per week, with an option of work in exchange for course credit.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
In Our Own Back Yard (IOOBY): Our ground-breaking environmental education program started in 1999. IOOBY connects local elementary school children and teachers to open space in Sonoma County through multiple, full-day immersion field trips throughout the year.
Inspired Forward (IF): Geared towards teens and young adults, Inspired Forward grows leadership, team-building, mental resilience, ecological literacy, and stewardship skills.
In this internship you will support our youth programs staff as they bring science curriculum to life and create connections to nature and community on field trips to open space preserves across Sonoma County. This opportunity takes place during the school year.
SKILLS NEEDED
- Comfort and positive attitude about working with groups of 10-20 students in the field
- Interest in environmental education / working with 2nd-6th grade students
- Desire for collaborative team-oriented work environment
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) skills are a plus
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION INTERNS ARE REQUIRED TO:
- Volunteer weekly with either IOOBY and/or Inspired Forward
- Assist LandPaths staff with the implementation of outdoor lessons and other field trip work – eventually working up to leading groups and/or activities.
- Assist groups of 10-20 students with various theme day activities such as water testing, non-native plant removal, aquatic macroinvertebrate collection and scientific sketching, under the direction of LandPaths’ staff and classroom teachers
- Help students make and record observations
- Support students with writing in the field – journals and data recording
- Participate in a stewardship project
ADDITIONAL SKILLS THAT YOU MAY DEVELOP
- Participate and assist in beginning of the year teacher and volunteer training in August/September
- Participate in the introductory class presentations to schools
- Assist in preparation for field teaching and evaluation of field experiences
- Participate in the planning and implementation of the stewardship project with your school
- Work with classroom teachers to expand the field experiences into the classroom
- Assist in admin duties in the office, including data entry, photo curation, and e-communication design
TIME COMMITMENT
At least one day a week during the school year months from late August- early June. We will consider ½ year internships, but preference will be given to students who can commit to the full school year. (No field days required from approximately Dec 20-Jan 5).
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
- Spend time outdoors in a beautiful place, getting exercise and fresh air
- Learn outdoor education, teaching and leadership skills for working with youth (group management, small and large group nature-based games, inquiry-based exploration of the natural world, and more)
- Get some LandPaths schwag like t-shirts and hats
- Earn school credit as arranged with your advisor
- Upon successful completion of the internship, you will be awarded a certificate of completion and letter of recommendation outlining successes and skills achieved as an IOOBY and Inspired Forward intern.