Crane and Conservation Naturalist Internship

~ International Crane Foundation (ICF) is a leader in the conservation of the world's 15 crane species and is dedicated to providing experience, knowledge, and inspiration to involve people in resolving threats to cranes and the ecosystems vital to their long-term survival. ~

Although ICF has projects all around the world, the headquarters is located in Baraboo, WI one hour north of Madison, WI. ICF is open to the public every day from April 15th to October 31st each year and all of the world’s 15 crane species are on live-display at our facility. For more information, please visit our website.

Position Overview

ICF’s Crane and Conservation Naturalist Internship begins March 1st, 2017 and runs through November 17th, 2017. A taxable $565/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 everyday in all weather conditions found in Wisconsin. Naturalist Interns will work weekends and will have two consecutive days off during the work week.

The ICF campus is set in a rural Wisconsin setting at the edge of Wisconsin’s beautiful Driftless area. 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.

Responsibilities

ICF Crane and Conservation Naturalist Interns will gain valuable hands-on experience working with the Conservation Education Department and will:

• Develop and lead daily interpretive tours at ICF for visiting schools, community organizations, private groups, and the general public.
• Interact and assist with the sale of admission tickets, gift shop merchandise, annual memberships, and overall ICF site orientation on a daily basis.
• Assist in the completion of one or several projects related to the goals, work plan, and objectives of the ICF Conservation Education Department (e.g. help design and develop self-guided written or audio media; write, film and edit short films about ICF’s work; create, test, and evaluate interpretive programs; design interpretive wayside panels; organize and implement on-site events; or research policy related projects and initiatives, etc.)
• Conduct duties associated with opening/closing the visitor center, exhibits, and gift shop on a daily basis.
• Achieve experience planning, designing, and evaluating interpretive programs and written materials.
• Learn about ICF project initiatives related to crane ecology, behavior, and husbandry; field conservation and ecology; and ecosystem restoration techniques and processes.
• Have the opportunity to volunteer with other departments and participate in job shadow experiences at ICF.
• Gain exposure to wildlife conservation methods and endangered species management.
• Meet and work with a variety of international colleagues and professional staff at ICF.
• Educate and inspire people of all ages and walks of life about the world’s 15 crane species and the ecosystems on which they depend.

Qualifications

• B.A. or B.S. preferred. Students from all disciplines are welcome to apply, however studies relating to wildlife conservation, education, or biology are preferred.
• The applicant should have exceptional customer service, proficient public speaking skills and 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, and other related fields.

To Apply

Please send a one page cover letter, resume (no more than two pages), and contact information for three references to Andy Bingle, Interpretive Programs Manager.

Note: Positions are open until filled.

~ ICF is an Equal Opportunity Employer ~