Internship Website and Application Information
Coastal Environmental Education Internship
Description
The Bald Head Island Conservancy on Bald Head Island (BHI), NC, is seeking rising college juniors and seniors with outdoor and environmental education experience to join our nonprofit team dedicated to the conservation, education, and preservation of barrier islands. Duties are primarily leading outdoor educational programs, but will also include conservation field work and other responsibilities essential to the function of a nonprofit organization. Interns will live and work on an island only accessible by ferry with the main form of transportation being golf carts.
Position Responsibilities
- Lead environmental education programs mainly outdoor summer camp, kayaking, crabbing/fishing, nature tours, and live animal programs (reptiles and saltwater touch tank)
- Conduct an individual project to enhance our research mission
- Assist with wildlife emergency responses
- Assist with nonprofit-related duties such as information center, development and marketing, fundraising and hosting special events with visiting groups
- Potential to assist with conservation projects and the Sea Turtle Program
- Promote and practice stewardship of Conservancy’s facilities, properties, and equipment
- Maintain a professional code-of-conduct in all interactions both on and off the island
Qualifications/Attributes
- Rising junior, senior or recent graduate from any college or university majoring in natural sciences or education.
- Experience working with the public in an outdoor environmental educational capacity.
- Must be comfortable with (no experience needed but willingness to learn):
- dissection of preserved specimens (squid, urchin, dogfish, etc)
- catch and release fishing (bait preparation, crab/fish handling, etc)
- handling animals (reptiles, fish, insects, etc).
- kayaking (moderately/hard tidal system)
- Ability to work and live with a diverse group of people. Willing to communicate effectively, directly, and adapt quickly to changes with work and dormitory schedules.
- Ability to work in physically challenging environment including extreme temperatures and field conditions while keeping a positive demeanor and upbeat personality
- Naturally curious and passionate to share the natural world with those around you
- Self-directed, detail-oriented, and a team player
- Must possess a valid Driver’s License, be able to lift 40 lbs, and pass a background check
Details
The internship will run from May 13 through August 16, 2024. BHI Conservancy’s office is open from 8:30 am – 5 pm daily, but education programs will be at unusual hours including evening Bald Head After Dark and Turtle Walk programs that end at midnight. Average work week is 50 hrs, with 1 day off per week. Weekend work is required. Interns live in provided on-campus housing. More details at https://www.bhic.org/internships.
Compensation
Interns will receive a stipend of $600 per month (pre-tax). Also provided are shared living quarters in the BHI Conservancy dorm, utilities including wireless internet, parking for a vehicle at the Deep Point Marina, and a weekly ferry ticket for trips between the island and the mainland.
