Vermont Institute of Natural Science Job Description

TITLE:   Field Research/Environmental Education Internship –
VINS Nature Center, Quechee, Vermont
                                                                                                                                             

SUMMARY: The Intern assists in ongoing research initiatives, specifically our Broad-winged Hawk Monitoring Project and education projects including assisting with public programs, particularly Special Events and guided tours.
                                                                                                                                                                                                   

REPORTS TO: Director, Wildlife Ambassador Programs
Lead Biologist, Center for Field Research
                                                                                                                                                                                                   

UPDATED:   February 2024
                                                                                                                                                                                   

Job location is headquartered in Quechee, Vermont at the VINS Nature Center with some travel throughout Vermont and New Hampshire required.

INTERN RESPONSIBILITIES:

Field Research Responsibilities

  • Conduct surveys for nesting Broad-winged Hawks throughout Vermont
  • Assist in water quality sampling throughout the Ottauquechee Watershed
  • Assist in American Kestrel monitoring
  • Assist in Monarch monitoring and tagging
  • Assist in Community Science projects

Environmental Education Responsibilities

  • Deliver informal educational presentations particularly Raptor Enclosure Tours, Songbird Aviary Tours, Turtle Time reptile encounters, and Forest Canopy Walk tours.
  • Assist with Special Event planning including craft and other activity stations.
  • Assist with staffing Special Event stations.
  • Assist with outreach programs as needed (StarLab, tabling events, etc).
  • Opportunities to design new program materials.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Attend VINS staff meetings and participate in organization functions as required
  • Work with other departments at VINS to both bring added content to public programs and facilitate opportunities for cross-promotion of programs

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Capable of working in remote areas of Vermont individually or as part of a small team
  • Able to conduct avian surveys over varying terrain
  • Experience in natural resources, wildlife biology, or environmental sciences a plus
  • Have or working towards a college degree
  • General knowledge of Vermont flora and fauna (or willingness and initiative to learn)
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license
  • Ability to effectively communicate with staff, volunteers, and landowners
  • Strong organizational skills and work ethic
  • Comfort with public speaking.
  • Responsive to feedback and enthusiastic about VINS’s mission.

WORK SCHEDULE:

  • Regular 40-hour work week. Term dates from June 10th 2024 – August 2nd 2024