Intern Information
Summer 2010 Internships at the Randall
Davey Audubon Center (RDAC)
Our education staff relies heavily on Interns and Volunteers to conduct
our programs. Interns are college students or recent graduates
who are interested in pursuing a career in education or science. RDAC
offers approximately 10 week internships to individuals seeking professional
experience in environmental education. Each intern receives
training in a wide variety of education programs, the operations
and activities of a nature center and non-profit organization, principles
of environmental interpretation, art and historic interpretation
and natural history of New Mexico. Interns will work directly
with the education staff carrying out responsibilities necessary
to meet RDAC’s objectives.
Intern Duties
During the summer, interns primarily assist with the teaching of our
popular 9 week summer day camp programs at RDAC. Interns assist
in curriculum development of camp programs, preparation for activities,
and overall implementation of the camp programs. Day camp programs
are conducted at RDAC, adjoining properties and students range in age
from Post Kindergarten to 11 years of age. Leadership camps are
for ages 12 to 17 years.
All of Audubon’s Summer Day Camps are filled with science investigation,
nature exploration, creative arts, stories, hiking and hands-on learning. A
variety of themes are offered throughout the summer and activities are
adapted for each age group. Duties may include family nights and
an overnight camp experience.
In addition to teaching responsibilities, intern duties range on a daily
basis from curriculum development, creating interpretive displays, facility
up-keep, orientation for visitors, clerical duties, and assistance to
our RDAC staff. All intern responsibilities will emphasize RDAC’s
mission while participating in a team atmosphere. Constituents
of RDAC may include, but are not limited to, students, educators, RDAC
visitors, renters of the facility, special events participants, and RDAC
staff.
Summer Intern Qualifications
Anyone with a minimum of two years of college-level study may apply.
Academic training in natural resources, natural sciences (geology, biology),
environmental science, education, recreation, or related field, is strongly
desired. Preference will be given to candidates with some natural history
background and a demonstrated interest in environmental education. Must
be able flexible and able to lead groups in an outdoor setting including
hiking at a high elevation, and have willingness to do a wide variety
of administrative duties. Spanish language skills are highly desired.
Summer
Intern Compensation
Internships are approximately 10 weeks in duration and for summer 2010
are tentatively scheduled to begin early June and in end early August,
2010. Interns receive an hourly living wage that typically ranges
between $9.50 and $10.00 per hour (exact salary will be determined
at time of hire), and work 30 hours per week for this 10 week period
with the potential for shared housing, on site. If housing
is available on site, interns live in a quaint historic casita that
is fully furnished and accommodates tow people in a dorm like setting. Living
on site also includes morning and evening responsibilities such as
opening and closing the facility gate based on RDAC’s daily schedule
of operations. Authorization for a background check and satisfactory
results are necessary if hired.
To Apply
Please fill out the Intern
Questionnaire Form .
Include your application questionnaire with a cover letter, resume and
three references, and send by mail to the RDAC Education Department,
P.O. Box 9314 Santa Fe, N.M. 87504 or email to Jeremy
Philipp. Positions are open until filled,
so apply early!
Audubon promotes a diverse workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.
It is the policy of the National Audubon Society to employ the person
best qualified for the job regardless of race, color, religion, age,
sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability (handicap) or marital
status.
Background of the RDAC
Founded in 1983, the RDAC is a non-profit education center and
wildlife sanctuary and the New Mexico State Office of the National Audubon
Society. Audubon New Mexico’s mission mirrors that of the National
Audubon Society on a statewide basis: to conserve and restore natural ecosystems,
focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of
humanity and the earth’s biological diversity. At the RDAC, we connect
and engage children and adults with nature so that they will better understand
and enjoy the world around them, while developing skills to become active
stewards of the planet. Audubon staff members and volunteers offer educational
enrichment opportunities to a diverse range of New Mexican communities
and neighborhoods.
Intern Information Letter 
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