Internship Website with Application Information
The International Crane Foundation is seeking to fill four Conservation Education (CED) Naturalist Intern positions in 2022. Do you have a passion for nature? Do you want to share that passion with others? You can make a difference for conservation. Join us as a CED Naturalist Intern and inspire visitors from around the world who come to see the only complete collection of the world’s 15 crane species. Design and lead interpretive programs about these amazing birds and the International Crane Foundation’s global effort to save them. Saving cranes and their habitats make the planet a healthier, happier and safer place – not just for cranes, but for people and other species, too.
Background: The International Crane Foundation is a leader in the conservation of the world’s 15 crane species. We provide experience, knowledge and inspiration to involve people in resolving threats to cranes and the ecosystems vital to their long-term survival. The foundation has projects around the world, and our international headquarters is nestled in the rolling hills of rural Sauk County, Wisconsin. We are just one hour north of Madison in Baraboo.
Description: The Conservation Education Naturalist Interns will gain valuable hands-on experience working with the Conservation Education Department and will:
- Learn to develop interpretive programs that make a positive impact for conservation.
- Acquire confidence as you develop your public speaking skills.
- Lead interpretive tours at the International Crane Foundation for visiting schools, community organizations, private groups and the public.
- Assist in the completion of one or several projects related to the goals, work plan and objectives of the Conservation Education Department (e.g., help design and develop self-guided written or audio media; write, film and edit short films about our work; create, test and evaluate interpretive programs; design interpretive signage; assist in managing the foundation’s volunteer program; research policy-related projects and initiatives; etc.)
- Plan, organize, promote and execute one or more special events onsite (Mother’s Day, Whooping Crane Day, Cranes of the World Festival, Good Neighbor Day).
- Provide outreach programs for local schools, civic groups, housing facilities, parks and festivals.
- Conduct virtual outreach programming for groups that cannot visit our site.
- Conduct duties associated with daily opening/closing the welcome center, exhibits and gift shop.
- Learn about International Crane Foundation project initiatives related to crane ecology, behavior and husbandry; field conservation and ecology; and ecosystem restoration techniques and processes.
- Assist with the sale of admission tickets, gift shop merchandise, annual memberships and overall site orientation as needed.
- Have the opportunity to volunteer with and participate in job shadowing experiences in other departments at the International Crane Foundation.
- Meet and work with a variety of international colleagues and professional staff at the foundation.
The Conservation Education Naturalist Internship begins March 14, 2022, and runs through November 18, 2022. A taxable $800/month stipend and comfortable on-site housing accommodations are provided at no charge. Applicants should be prepared to live in a co-ed communal living situation and be able to work outdoors every day in all weather conditions in Wisconsin. Conservation Education Naturalist interns will work weekends and will have two consecutive days off during the work week. The International Crane Foundation campus is set in a rural Wisconsin setting at the edge of Wisconsin’s beautiful Driftless area and is adjacent to state parks and many nature-oriented activity areas. All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the time they apply. Candidates without a work visa must obtain one before they will be considered for an internship.
The International Crane Foundation achieves our mission by working with individuals, teams and communities in more than 50 countries. The ability to form cooperative relationships with people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds requires the foundation to seek out and engage with staff, volunteers and associates who value and honor these relationships. We recruit individuals who have a true passion for our mission, regardless of race, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical and mental abilities and religious choice. Each person’s life experiences, backgrounds, thoughts and ideas make us stronger.
Qualifications: Two years of college or equivalent practical experience required; B.A. or B.S. or Associate degree in a relevant program is preferred. Students from all disciplines are welcome to apply, however, studies relating to wildlife conservation, education or biology are preferred. The applicant should have a strong desire to teach diverse audiences in a non-formal setting. Candidates should demonstrate an interest/background in the fields of interpretation, environmental education, conservation biology, ornithology, education, digital marketing, graphic design, film/documentary production or other related fields. Applicants must have a valid U.S. driver’s license.