The goal of the Informal Education Internship is to provide a pre-professional, experiential learning opportunity for students interested in environmental conservation, informal education, and communication. Interns will receive on-grounds training in interpretive techniques and relevant animal information. Upon completion of training, interns will be responsible for providing presentations focusing on conservation action and awareness to Zoo guests at a variety of locations and activities around Zoo grounds. Beyond gaining valuable work experience as an informal educator, interns will also have the opportunity to network within one of the world’s most respected zoological and conservation organizations.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in training to learn accurate exhibit information, including species and individual animal information
• Participate in training/mentoring process to learn effective public presentation and interpretation techniques
• Provide interpretive guest experiences at Exploration Station activity carts and exhibits throughout Zoo
• Safely handle interpretive tools, including animal artifacts/biofacts and activity sets
• Provide excellent guest service to all Zoo guests
• Develop and complete one individual project (to be developed in conjunction with the Exhibit Interpreter Supervisor based on the academic focus of the student and the current needs of Zoo Atlanta’s Education Department)
• Special projects as assigned

Benefits:
While the Informal Education Internship is an unpaid internship experience, the following benefits are extended to participants:

• Gain professional experience as a frontline informal educator at a leading tourist destination and conservation organization
• The chance to further develop professional skills and explore potential careers available within zoos
• The chance to network professionally within one of the world’s most respected zoological and conservation organizations
• Certificate of achievement based on successful completion of internship
• Experience in a variety of public education programs for a diverse range of audiences
• Free admission to Zoo Atlanta throughout the duration of the internship
• Discounts at food service locations and gift stores throughout the zoo
• And most important – a chance to join Zoo Atlanta in its mission of wildlife conservation, education, and industry leading research

Required Qualifications:

• College Sophomore or above
• Education, Environmental Studies, Biology, Zoology, Animal Behavior, Conservation, Psychology, Performance Arts, or related major
• Availability to intern at least 20 hours per week (approximately 3 days) for a minimum internship period of 10 weeks (scheduling is flexible according to academic schedule and individual needs)
• Demonstrated strong conservation and environmental knowledge in order to communicate appropriate conservation and wildlife messages to all guests
• Demonstrated ability to communicate information in an informal setting, such that it is personal and relevant to guests
• Proven oral communication skills, including both one-on-one delivery and formal microphone presentations
• Willingness to intern outdoors in all weather conditions
• Ability to work well in a team environment and independently

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior work or volunteer experience at a zoo, aquarium, wildlife park, or science center
• Prior experience working with children
• Bilingual language skills

Supervisory Relationship:
The Exhibit Interpreter Supervisor serves as the internship coordinator and is responsible for communication with the participating academic supervisor, if necessary, and contract agreements with the students. The Exhibit Interpreter Supervisor will also make student schedules and daily assignments. Any necessary deviation from this schedule during the internship period should be discussed prior to the start of the internship period. Interns will meet regularly with the Exhibit Interpreter Supervisor to discuss progress and provide feedback. At the completion of the internship students will receive an official performance appraisal and a certificate of achievement. Failure to fulfill listed responsibilities and expectations may result in dismissal from the program.

Number of interns:
To be decided based on number and quality of applications with a maximum of 3 participants per season.

How to apply:

Rolling applications for academic year interns will be accepted at any time at least 3 weeks prior to desired internship start date.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least two references (one of which must be an academic advisor or professor) to:

Exhibit Interpreter Supervisor
Zoo Atlanta Education Department
800 Cherokee Avenue SE
Atlanta GA 30315
E-mail: edinterps@zooatlanta.org
Fax: 404-624-5806

If emailing your information please i nclude “Internship – Informal Education” in the subject line and have documents in PDF or MS Word format.