This opportunity is curated through the UF TESI Environmental Leaders Network. Opportunities posted through the Network may not be affiliated with the Florida Museum or TESI, but are shared with UF undergraduate students who want to learn more about environmental research, education and outreach, and civic engagement. 

Host Organization

Florida Oceanographic Society

Type of position

Paid internship

$12/hour

Position description

The Education Department at Florida Oceanographic Society (FOS) is currently accepting applications for a college-level internship program during the winter, spring, and summer of 2024. The Education Intern will work as part of FOS’s Education team to carry out daily educational programming for visitors to the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. This position involves considerable public speaking. The Education Intern will conduct informal educational lessons at our invertebrate touch tank, ray touch tank, and Ocean EcoCenter galleries on a daily basis. Applicants will also conduct formal educational presentations in front of large audiences. The Education Intern may occasionally assist with field trips, summer camps, sea turtle walks, and other educational activities at the Coastal Center. Work is conducted outdoors in Florida’s heat, humidity, and unpredictable weather. This paid internship requires a minimum commitment of at least ten weeks and three 6-hour shifts (18 hrs.) per week, including weekend shifts. We are happy to work with the successful applicant to structure an internship program that will satisfy specific academic requirements, if necessary. Housing is not provided.

Eligibility

  1. College degree in progress (at least one year of college completed) in biology, marine biology, ecology, conservation, environmental science, or science education (applicants who have completed a degree within the last 12 months will also be considered)
  2. Minimum of 2 months of previous science teaching experience in a formal (classroom) or informal (zoo, aquarium, nature center) setting preferred
  3. Exceptionally strong and dynamic public speaker
  4. Comfortable teaching adults and children of all ages
  5. Comfortable interacting with the public on a daily basis
  6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  7. Previous experience working with children
  8. Able to work outdoors, exposed to Florida’s heat, biting insects, and unpredictable weather, stand for up to 3 hours, and lift 50 pounds with assistance
  9. Strong customer service skills and a professional attitude
  10. Ability to work weekends and occasional evenings
  11. Self-motivated, able to work independently or as part of a team
  12. Charismatic, enthusiastic, energetic, upbeat, and pleasant personality
  13. Hard-working, dedicated, prompt, and timely
  14. Interest in building a career in the natural sciences or science education
  15. Ability to carefully follow instructions, make decisions, and react effectively under pressure
  16. Strong desire for personal growth and increased knowledge
  17. Fluency in a second language is desirable.

To apply:

Please submit a complete application package to Dr. Zack Jud, Director of Education and Exhibits, at
zjud@floridaocean.org. The application package should include a detailed letter of interest (thoroughly explaining how your interests and career goals mesh with the mission of Florida Oceanographic Society, and how an internship here would benefit you from an academic or career development perspective), a resume/CV, contact information for three professional or academic references, and a completed Florida Oceanographic Society employment application (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Sez2rAaZnU5DkllcsXqNffsTmBl9yts8/view?usp=share_link).

Incomplete application packages will not be considered.

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