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Environmental Education Instructor

Maria Mitchell Association (MMA), a science and history-based nonprofit organization on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, is seeking to fill 11 education positions to lead our Summer Discovery Programs. Voted best children's program on Nantucket in 2017, 2018 and 2019! Our mission is to provide quality outdoor adventure and environmental learning experiences for Nantucket residents and visitors.  We are seeking high-energy, motivated individuals to design and lead science-based classes for children ages 3.5 - 16 years. We welcome diverse experiences and are committed to our policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity to all qualified applicants.

Vassar College students should apply through Vassar College
Please email fellowships@vassar.edu should you have any questions.




Benefits to Interns:

Through this internship, Environmental Education (EE) Instructors will:
  • Become skilled in writing and implementing science, environmental education, and adventure-based lesson plans
  • Develop and improve collaboration skills through group planning and co-teaching
  • Receive two full weeks of training before programs begin
  • Learn about Nantucket’s diverse ecosystems including globally rare sandplain grasslands and coastal heathlands
  • Have fun snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, exploring the island, and much more
  • Have the opportunity to incorporate your own interests and hobbies into outdoor education lessons
  • Rotate out of camp at least one week during the summer to gain experience in another educational initiative offered within the education department such as animal care, natural science museum interpretation, pop-up science stations around the island, public family programs, etc.
  • Learn how to properly handle a variety of animals
  • Take part in all MMA educational opportunities free-of-charge including open nights at the observatory, science lecture series, historical walks, night hikes, etc.
  • Enjoy group activities for interns including cookouts, a night of ice skating, and a behind-the-scenes tour of a local farm.
  • Build a resource binder of your lessons and activities to take with you at the end of the summer
  • Develop friendships that will last a lifetime.





Responsibilities and Tasks:

  • Work with a co-teacher and Education staff to plan and write unique lessons for children ages 3.5 – 16 years each week
  • Design and make any needed educational props to go along with your lessons
  • Lead campers in nature hikes, wetland studies, survival skill instruction, bird watching, orienteering, community service projects, art projects, insect collecting, kayaking excursions, snorkeling exploration, and much more
  • Maintain all educational supplies and equipment by washing and putting away after use
  • Attend all required meetings including end of the summer cleaning (last Saturday). To facilitate this we ask interns to keep their weekday schedule open from 8am-6pm
  • Help in the office to prepare for the next week
  • Additional responsibilities may include helping in the main office, leading public or private programs such as birthday parties or snorkeling excursions, and assisting with other facets of the Association’s day-to-day operations.




Key Requirements and Qualifications

Applicants must be at least 19 years old to be considered for the position. Ideal candidates must be confident in leading groups (especially of children), initiating activities, working independently, and team-teaching. You should be enthusiastic, flexible, willing to work long hours (possible nights and/or weekends) with a positive attitude, and be able to live and work well with others. You must, also, feel comfortable in and around ocean and water environments. We welcome applicants that are comfortable with all ages as well as applicants that excel in certain age groups. All applicants must be lifeguard, cpr, and first aid certified or willing to get their certifications prior to camp beginning.  CPR and first aid is included in the lifeguard course and we are willing to reimburse you a portion of your expenses.

Preference will be given to applicants that:
  • Are at least 21 years of age
  • Have completed or are currently enrolled in environmental education, natural sciences, or education courses and who are seeking a degree in any of those fields
  • Have naturalist skills and/or experience as an environmental educator
  • Have worked with children of all ages
  • Are able to commit for the entire summer: May 31 – August 28
  • Possess a current CPR, first aid, and lifeguard certification or are willing to become certified prior to camp
  • Are fun, flexible, positive and have a great sense of humor
  • Have a current driver’s license


Compensation

Timeframe 1: May 31 – August 21 – $4200/summer
Timeframe 2: May 31 – August 28 – $4200/summer plus $600 for the additional week
Both timeframes include the option for dorm style housing for $100/wk. Housing is located within walking distance to the town center and is a short bike ride to beautiful beaches, bike and hiking trails, museums, and other great locations. If you live on campus, you will be expected to attend all dorm cleaning days as part of your housing agreement.



Apply

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2021 SEASON
DEADLINE: February 15 – open until filled

Other education internships include an Assistant Education Coordinator Internship and an Animal and Naturalist Leadership Programs Internship. All details can be found at: https://www.mariamitchell.org/get-involved/internships/education-internship

Apply for all HERE