Environmental Education-Paid Internship

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Provides assistance in teaching and leading different classes and activities that may include, leading outdoor academic classes using a science based curriculum, teambuilding, and recreational activities such as boating, archery, orienteering and campfires.

Interns will assist in preparing program areas and instruct participants in all classes assigned. Most importantly, provide an enjoyable experience to participants while learning professional skills.  Environmental Education Interns are creative educations, who are enthusiastic leaders with a desire to teach children and increase their interest and knowledge about the environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist/Lead environmental education instruction of a group in accordance with YMCA curriculum guidelines, having prepared lesson plans accordingly.
• Plan, setup and deliver a variety of activities within interest area that are age specific and that keep engagement and interest high. Activities such as archery, boating, climbing wall, lead hikes, teambuilding, campfire programs, science and seasonally appropriate activities.
• Builds effective, authentic relationships with students and parents; helps them connect with each other and the YMCA. Encourages parent involvement and identifies potential volunteers.
• Conveys clear instruction in alignment with appropriate age group. Ensures participants understanding of instruction.
• Uses teachable moments to discuss character development and provides constructive feedback during practice session using positive motivation techniques.
• Ensures lessons begin and end as scheduled. Maintains records as required (i.e. attendance, progress reports, etc.).
• Follows all YMCA policies, rules, regulations and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Escalates incident and accident reports immediately as necessary.
• Utilize equipment appropriately with activities and incorporate skill development. Organizes and puts away needed class equipment. Clean up area after each session. Reports damaged equipment.
• Uphold, model, teach and put the four (4) core values of the YMCA into action in all activities - everyday: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility
• Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill and encourage youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Intern candidate enrolled in a relevant undergraduate/graduate degree program and/or previous similar internship experience.
• Internship will run concurrent to semester, schedule is flexible based on school schedule, with the ability to work week day hours as well as some nights and weekends. On-premise Housing may be supplied.
• This is a paid internship. Federal work-study student welcome.
• Certifications: CPR, AED, Basic First Aid certification or willing to complete.
• Previous experience working with children and adults preferred in various sports, art, science, S.T.E.A.M., archery, boating, climbing wall, leading educational hikes, campfire programs and seasonally appropriate activities.
• Must be able to demonstrate instructor skills in accordance with YMCA standards.
• Previous experience working with diverse populations preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficient Microsoft Suite skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions. Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in accordance to instruction. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must have the ability to instruct and actively observe participants. Ability to stand for long periods of time, walk, use hands, stoop, and crouch. Regularly lifts up to 10 – 50 pounds.

ABOUT THE INTERSHIP PROGRAM:

• The Internship program runs during the course of a student's college semester. However, this schedule is flexible based on college schedules.
• Students can be undergraduate or graduate level, with a PASSION for the YMCA mission.
• Must be flexible and able to work week day hours as well as some nights and weekends.
• This is a paid internship, however credit can be given when necessary.
• Federal work study students are welcome to apply.
• Interns will be given the opportunity to use the skills learned during internship to put together an individual presentation and also work on collaborative group projects. The presentation and group project topics will focus on ways to improve processes, products, designs and programs at the YMCA.
• Housing may be provided.

Professional development opportunities and complimentary use of YMCA facilities.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA/employer M/F/D/V. Employment is subject to extensive background check.