Position Website and Application Information
Duration and Salary: Nine months, position to begin when the qualified applicant has been selected (earliest start date June 1, 2022). $800/month plus housing at our International Guest House.
Position Summary: The Whooping Crane Outreach Program Intern will advance the mission of the International Crane Foundation by participating in initiatives necessary to preserve and grow Whooping Crane populations. Within the North America Program, this position involves engaging individuals and conservation partners willing to assist with the awareness and protection of Whooping Cranes. Interns will educate and inspire people of all ages and walks of life by providing education and outreach programs in Wisconsin and neighboring states to increase awareness of Whooping Cranes and the ecosystems they depend on to safeguard their future. In addition to essential learning goals, interns will also perform an independent project to assist in the completion of one or several projects related to the goals, work plan, and objectives of the Whooping Crane Outreach Program, such as helping design and develop K-12 educational content, contributing to social media and blog posts about Whooping Cranes, evaluating the effectiveness of the outreach program, and researching policy-related projects and initiatives. Interns will also volunteer with other departments and participate in job shadow experiences at the foundation. The Whooping Crane Outreach Program intern will work weekends and occasional evenings and have two consecutive days off during the work week.
Learning Goals:
- Learn to conduct virtual and in-person outreach programming to K-12 classrooms, civic organizations, hunting groups, gun clubs, birding groups, zoos, and other organizations at our site and in local communities.
- Acquire the ability to form and maintain partnerships with hunters, landowners, and other citizens who monitor or keep watch over the Whooping Cranes in their areas.
- Learn about the International Crane Foundation’s initiatives developed by staff related to crane ecology, behavior, husbandry, field conservation and ecology, and ecosystem restoration techniques and processes. You will achieve experience planning, designing, and evaluating outreach programs and written materials, interpreting and presenting research results, goals and initiatives as conducted by the North America Program, and gaining confidence in public speaking.
Qualifications: B.A. or B.S. degree in a relevant program preferred. Students from all disciplines are welcome to apply; however, studies relating to wildlife conservation, education or biology are preferred. Applicants with experience in social science, research, high school education or field studies are highly preferred. The applicant should have exceptional oral and written communication skills, organization, time management and project management skills, experience working with volunteers, experience with basic computer programs (ZOOM, Office, Excel, and PowerPoint), and a strong desire to collaborate with team members and teach diverse audiences in a non-formal setting. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to work independently, show respect and sensitivity towards others, inspire trust and work with integrity. A valid driver’s license (U.S. or International) and an acceptable driving record are required. A fleet vehicle will be provided for work use. All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the time they apply. Interns living in International Crane Foundation housing must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.