- Agency
- The Wonder Gardens
- Location
- Bontia Springs, FL
- Job Category
- Internships
- Salary
- n/a
- Start Date
- 06/05/2023
- Last Date to Apply
- 05/01/2023
- Website
- https://wondergardens.org/
- Description
- This summer, connect children to the WONDERS of the natural world near the gulf coast in southwest Florida. The Wonder Gardens is a botanical oasis in historic Bonita Springs, a place that parrots, alligators, flamingos, and other local and exotic animals call home. Here, we tell a story of the past meeting the future while inspiring our intergenerational visitors and providing transformational experiences that educate our guests about important issues relating to the environment and wildlife. Summer Camp Interns at Wonder Gardens serve as full-time lead counselors for at least 3 weeks, engaging, inspiring, relating, and connecting as they have hands-on experiences in a fun, relaxed environment.
- Qualifications
- JOB TITLE: Summer Camp Intern DEPARTMENT: Education REPORTS TO: Education and Volunteer Manager CLASSIFICATION: Intern/Volunteer While interning with the Education department you are expected to work alongside staff members to provide environmental education programming to campers, ages 6-10, that reflects the mission of the Wonder Gardens. The Summer Camp Internship is designed so you will be able to complete the day-to-day tasks at our facility by the end of your internship. Interns are expected to work both independently and as part of a team. Must be able to work Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm, 3 of the 6 weeks of summer camp June 12-July 28, 2023, and be available onsite for mandatory orientation the week of June 5. The Summer Camp Intern is classified as a volunteer, and no financial compensation or housing is provided. In addition to completing the application, applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation. Interns must also attend an orientation session before the start of the internship. II. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES ● Serve as lead counselor for Wonder Gardens camp programs, implementing curriculum as provided ● Prepare environments and materials to support learning opportunities ● Sustain a welcoming, peaceful, and joyful atmosphere for campers ● Assure children's physical and emotional safety, including following policies regarding camper health and wellbeing, allergy management, and authorized release ● Maintain a clean, healthy, safe outdoor and indoor environment ● Respond to emergencies in a calm and responsible manner ● Maintain compliance with all relevant governmental, company, and departmental rules and regulations ● Interact with visitors and guests to provide educational awareness of EWG attributes. ● Provide wildlife information and conservation messages daily through guest interactions ● Provide educational public demonstrations to audiences ● Maintain positive relationships between staff, volunteers, campers, and parents ● Ensure that guest interactions in the gardens and with animals are positive and represent our mission. ● Assist with the care and maintenance of animals, equipment and materials used in programming. ● Work effectively as a member of a team and provide support to other team members. III. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: ● Minimum 3rd year (Junior) college student pursuing a degree in education, biology, zoology, or related area. ● Exceptional customer service and verbal communication skills and capable of interacting with guests in a professional manner. ● Must be able to follow written and oral directions. ● Experience in group management ● Enthusiastic desire to work with children of all cultures and abilities. ● Must demonstrate strong emotional intelligence, including empathy and listening skill set. ● Must demonstrate working knowledge of hazards and risk assessment as related to the environments of young children. ● Must be flexible and willing to lead or assist with a variety of teaching duties ● Must demonstrate knowledge of biology, ecology, and/or natural history concepts ● Knowledge of or a willingness to learn about local ecosystems and natural history of southwest Florida ● Must be able to work Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm, 3 of the 6 weeks of camp. ● Must be able to easily navigate the grounds of WG and work outdoors in hot, humid or inclement weather. ● Must be able to safely navigate a variety of surfaces, walk long distances, stand for extended periods of time, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, climb stairs or ramps, and carry up to 50 lb. Requires lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds. ● Computer skills (Microsoft Office suite and Google Suite working knowledge a plus) PREFERRED: ● Experience in a zoo, environmental, or education organization preferred.
- Contact Person
- Ashley Szumski
- Contact Phone
- 2399922591
- Contact eMail
- education@wondergardens.org
