Summer Learning & Impact Intern: Research and Evaluation

The Learning & Impact department is enthusiastically seeking an intern to assist with our summer learning programming!

Under the supervision of the Sustainability and Behavior Change manager and in conjunction with the Learning and Community Engagement team, the Learning & Impact Intern will support evaluation of the full range of activities required to facilitate revenue-based zoo education programs. During the summer season, our primary program is ZooCamp. ZooCamp is the place for budding naturalists to have some wild fun while exploring the natural world. ZooCampers will be enthralled by special activities, arts and crafts, behind-the-scenes experiences, and animal encounters that can only be found at The Living Desert. Summer ZooCamp runs from June through mid-August. Start date is somewhat flexible but preferably by mid-May.

In addition, all staff are responsible for maintaining a safe, healthy, clean, and attractive zoo environment and providing courteous assistance to participants and guests.

The ideal candidates will possess excellent writing, communication, research, organization, and time management skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Under the direction of the Sustainability and Behavior Change manager, develops, designs, and delivers creative, engaging, and age-appropriate evaluation activities for diverse audiences, including ZooCampers between the ages of 5-12.
• Conducts research, evaluation activities, and/or surveys in order to evaluate learning programming and materials in accordance with regional trends in informal environmental education.
• Assists in the organization and visualization of evaluation data.
• Assists in updating mission-based curriculum and interpretive materials that are inclusive of all learners based on data-supported evaluation results.
• Assists in the set-up, clean-up, supervision, and instruction of learning programming and activities.
• Ensures a fun, educational, and safe environment for participants and guests.
• Demonstrates and articulates learning and conservation program content and philosophy that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Supports The Living Desert's volunteers.
• Attends and participates in regularly scheduled department and all-staff meetings.
• Able to always deal courteously and effectively with the public and to represent the organization at the highest standard of professionalism.
• Maintains brand standards in all official appearances and learning presentations.
• Able to collaborate, establish, and maintain effective and professional working relations with local partners including school districts, co-workers and other department personnel, and to do so in accordance with The Living Desert Team Member Handbook.
• Contributes to desert conservation through reduction of waste, water and energy use, and inspiring guests and team members to take conservation actions.
• Performs general office duties as necessary.
• Maintains classrooms, work areas, and all resources in a safe, clean, and organized manner.
• Assists with the production of learning special events and awareness days.

Objectives:

• Gain professional hands-on experience in conservation education at a world-class nonprofit/zoological facility.
• Gain professional experience in helping The Living Desert create programming and messaging that is supported by science and inspires our guests to take conservation action.
• Join The Living Desert in its mission of desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation.
• Help develop children’s appreciation of conservation through a hands-on, inquiry-based learning approach.
• Develop skills applicable to zoological, aquarium, museum, library, or educational settings.
• Enhance the productivity and efficiency of the Learning & Impact department.
• Gain a chance to network professionally within one of the country’s most respected zoological and conservation organizations.

Specific Skills:

• Must be able to multi-task and adapt to changes in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to record observations intelligibly and maintain accurate documentation.
• Ability to give and comprehend written and oral instructions, and to accurately carry out instructions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Comfortable with public speaking and leading activities in an informal education setting.
• Must be a motivated self-starter who needs minimal supervision.
• Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must have knowledge of the scientific method.
• Ability to collaborate and work well in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work well with a diverse group of staff and volunteers.
• Candidates should possess an appreciation of wildlife and be in agreement with the philosophy and mission of The Living Desert.
• Broad knowledge of desert natural history and science is desirable.
• Experience in formal and/or informal education including interpretation preferred but not required.
• Experience working with youth/students preferred but not required.
• Experience with Office 365, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Zoom, and/or Canva preferred but not required.

Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must have a high school diploma.
• Must have an interest in the fields of education, interpretation, environmental science, conservation, biology, zoology, or zoo management.
• Must be willing to submit to a background check, fingerprinting, and take a state Mandated Reporter Training for working with children.
• Available to commit a minimum of 30 hours per week for 11 weeks.
• Demonstrate conservation and environmental knowledge in order to communicate appropriate conservation and wildlife messages to all guests.
• Demonstrate ability to communicate information in an informal setting, in a way that is personal, engaging, and relevant to guests.
• Willingness to intern outdoors in all weather conditions including 100+ degrees.

Equipment Used: PC computer, general office equipment, 2-way radio, electric and gas cart, golf vehicles

Conditions of Work:
PHYSICAL EFFORT: Sitting, standing, walking, bending, outdoor hiking, some lifting to 40 lbs.
DISCOMFORT/RISKS: Occasional exposure to the extremes of the desert environment, i.e. heat and aridity.
HOLIDAY/EVENING WORK: Holiday, evening and weekend work may be required.