Marine Science Summer Camp Intern (Summer 2018)

Time commitment: June 13 through August 26; Monday-Friday (8am to 6pm) with Thursday overnights. One weekend overnight commitment is required on June 25 to 26 for staff training. *Note: Commitment may be expanded to include weeklong trips out at sea onboard a schooner or traveling for a week at a marine science facility in Connecticut.

Summary:  

Gain valuable marine science experience and acquire outdoor teaching and leadership skills while you support the Harbor Discoveries Camp program (www.neaq.org/camps). Outdoor education interns alongside instructional and administrative staff will help manage this well-regarded environmental education program from beginning to end. The Camp program bridges the gap for children between the Aquarium and our nearby aquatic habitats. Through whale watching, tidepooling, and other field trips, packaged in the fun and engaging world of camp, we foster an excitement and appreciation of the ocean to inspire respect, understanding and action.

This position will report to the Youth Development Programs Supervisor. The ideal candidate will have an eagerness to work as part of a team - exciting and guiding youth with a can-do attitude that displays excitement at the prospect of a challenge as they explore our nearby habitats and resources, and while on tent-camping overnights.

For more information regarding Camp Programs, please see their website.

Duties/Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop a skill set that includes organizing science-based activities, games, arts and craft projects, and program development that allows interns to gain experience in working with school-aged children
• Supervise small groups on hikes and tidepool exploration
• Develop and initiate games and activities
• Assist in ensuring the safety of all camp participants
• Lead groups through galleries and exhibits in the main building at the Aquarium
• Assist with the preparation, and clean up of field gear and equipment
• Manage with the inventory of equipment, supplies and food for day and overnight camping trips
• Document activities through the use of videos and photography for further use in New England Aquarium publications, marketing tools and web site.
• Mentor teenaged Counselors-in-Training working with the Camp team

Skills/Qualifications:

• Strong desire to work with children between the ages of 8 and 15 preferred.
• Desire to mentor teenage Counselors in Training.
• Possess a high degree of self-motivation and initiative.
• Background in marine biology, ecology, environmental studies, education or related field preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age and have completed freshman year in college required.
• Ability to work with others and take direction.
• Reliability, flexibility, positive attitude and sense of humor strongly recommended.
• Willingness to actively encourage camper's learning.
• Proficiency in foreign language desirable.
• Must pass mandatory state and national level CORI and SORI background checks.
• Must be comfortable working outside for long periods of time in various weather.
• Hiking, camping and outdoor living experience very helpful.

Required Events:

• Orientation (takes place prior to first training or shift with department)
• Meet and Greet
• Two Professional Development Lunches
• Intern Celebration
• Exit Interview

Organizational Description: 

The New England Aquarium's mission is to protect the blue planet through hands-on programs, live animal and interactive exhibits, public lectures and forums, and research and conservation projects.

This mission is fulfilled through exhibits, and through education, conservation and research programs. Exhibits showcase the diversity, importance and beauty of aquatic life and habitats, and highlight critical aquatic conservation issues. Programs emphasize species, habitats and issues critical to New England. The Aquarium is also a pioneer in marine animal rescue, and a leading ocean conservation organization with research scientists working around the globe.

The New England Aquarium serves as a responsive community resource that attracts and involves the broadest possible audience; seeks a culturally diverse staff and governing board that reflect our community; adheres to the highest standards of animal stewardship; and is committed to delivering the highest quality visitor experience in a welcoming and enjoyable manner that evokes wonder, curiosity, understanding, caring and action.

Department Description:

The Education Department facilitates programs and activities to help participants progress towards seeing themselves as ocean stewards who are inspired, informed and empowered to take action and to mobilize others.

Find program info and details at our camp page found under the Education and Activities tab.