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Visitor Education Internship - apply by 4/15

National Zoo, Washington, DC


The Friends of the National Zoo's Department of Education and Volunteer Services is seeking a Visitor Education Intern to assist with the research and development of educational materials and activities for visitor education initiatives. This position would be primarily responsible for researching scientific information on a multitude of species and groups of animals, and, from this research, developing educational materials to be used in volunteer training and visitor education programs.

The Visitor Education Intern will work closely with Education Specialists to provide exciting and engaging opportunities for visitors to the Smithsonian's National Zoo, an AZA-accredited facility that reaches over two million visitors annually. The intern will grow skills in program development, research and conservation education.

This is an unpaid position and no stipend is offered. FONZ does not pay for transportation costs to/from the National Zoo or housing costs. FONZ will work with an intern to obtain credit hours for internship, but it is the responsibility of the intern to verify availability through their school and supply paperwork in a timely fashion.

Requirements:
  • Minimum of two years of college at an accredited institution;
  • Background in science, education, or museum studies preferred however others are encouraged to apply and indicate how the position meets their education/career goals.
  • The intern is required to work at least one day per week for a minimum of six months; flexible starting and ending dates

Abilities/Skills:
  • Interest and enthusiasm for conservation and wildlife education
  • Ability to create exciting and engaging content and activities for audiences of all ages
  • Ability to understand and interpret scientific information
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Creativity, initiative and professionalism
  • Diligence and attention to detail
  • Willingness to take initiative and motivation to seek new learning opportunities
  • Flexibility and a good sense of humor
  • Ability to meet deadlines
  • Computer proficiency in MS Office & Acrobat; Knowledge of Photoshop or Premier Pro preferred
  • Zoo or Aquarium or other museum related experience a plus
  • Must be comfortable actively working outside in warm summer months
  • Must be able to lift 30 pounds

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Comprehensive research of species-specific information—including natural habitat and distribution, diet, adaptations, communication, reproduction, relevant conservation issues and messages, and more—for a variety of animals
  • Development of species-specific wildlife conservation threats, messages, and actions for a variety of audiences
  • Collaboration with Smithsonian’s National Zoo animal care staff in content development and review
  • Assistance with visitor education events, including development of activities, learning outcomes, and messaging
  • Curation of media to be used in digital visitor education initiatives
  • Participation in FONZ volunteer interpreter training
  • Other duties as assigned

TO APPLY:  Please submit the following via email to FONZed&volunteers@si.edu prior to the close of business on April 15, 2016:  Resume summarizing education and experience, Names and contact details of two references.  For more information:  Contact Department of Education and Volunteer Services