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. Volunteers aid the education staff with program set-up and implementation.

Internships at the Randall Davey Audubon Center (RDAC):
The RDAC offers 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 in carrying out responsibilities necessary to meet the RDAC ’s objectives.

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. This year, we are delighted to be celebrating the 25th anniversary of operation. Audubon staff members and volunteers offer educational enrichment opportunities to a diverse range of New Mexican communities and neighborhoods.

Roles of RDAC interns:
Fall 2008 Internship
During this seasonal internship, responsibilities include teaching natural history classes on topics such as birds, botany, watershed health, ecology, pollination and more, to elementary school children in the Santa Fe area. These programs are taught in our classroom or at local schools.

Interns may also assist in the planning and implementation of special event programs.  These events and programs may include presentations to after school or scout organizations, interacting with the public during special events held at the center, or helping with an Audubon booth during a community event. In addition to teaching responsibilities, interns duties range on a daily bases from facility up-keep, curriculum development, creating interruptive displays, orientation and interaction with visitors, clerical duties, and assistance to Audubon New Mexico 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 event participants, and RDAC staff.

Seasonal internships are approximately 3 months in duration.

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 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.

Compensation:
Interns receive a weekly stipend of $150.00 with shared housing, on site. Participants live in a quaint historic casita that is fully furnished and accommodates two people. Living on site also includes morning and evening responsibilities such as opening and closing the gate based on RDAC’s daily schedule of operations.

To Apply:
Please fill out the application and send it with a cover letter, resume and three references to the RDAC Education Department P.O. Box 9314 Santa Fe, N.M. 87504 or email dstrang@audubon.org.  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.

7/17/08