Definition
of an Interpretive Naturalist Intern
The person in
this position assists the naturalist or supervising staff to plan, develop, and
present environmental education and/or interpretive programs for schools, youth
and adult groups, or the general public and performs related duties as required.
Education
and Experience Requirements
A person in
this position should be pursuing a degree from an accredited college or
university, or seeking experience in environmental education or interpretation.
Supervisor
Responsibilities to Intern
-
Assist the intern in acquiring the basic knowledge and skills in
the below document
-
Provide adequate performance evaluations
-
Provide adequate office supplies and program equipment
-
Promote opportunities for experience in other natural resource
fields
-
Provide adequate training and/or certification (hazardous
materials, blood born pathogens, sexual harassment)
-
Provide opportunities for growth in personal attributes
Intern
Responsibilities to the Agency
-
Represent agency in a positive manner
-
Learn, understand, and follow agency procedures and polices
-
Present oneself in a professional manner
-
Acquire basic knowledge
-
Explore opportunities for experience in other natural resource
fields
Knowledge
and Skills
The following
is a list of skills and traits that naturalist interns should possess. These are
arranged with those skills and traits a naturalist intern should possess listed
first and marked with an asterisk, and those skills and traits acquired through
experience and professional development listed second.
Following each section are traits that are considered
advanced. These skills are not required for all internship positions but should
be encouraged by supervisors whenever possible to ensure the professional
development of the intern.
I. Knowledge
of Natural and Cultural History and Recreation
*Knowledge
of basic ecological principles;
*General
outdoor recreation skills in one or more areas including canoeing, backpacking,
biking, hiking, spelunking, orienteering, archery, firearm safety, hunting,
trapping, boating, etc;
Basic field identification and natural history of
native plants and animals;
Knowledge of and ability to, provide proper care of
live animals for educational purpose;
Knowledge of cultural history including archeology,
art, music, anthropology, history, folklore, etc;
Ability to comprehend, analyzes, interpret, and explain
conservation laws, principles, and practices;
Knowledge of organizations and agencies concerned with
conservation, education, and natural resources;
Knowledge of environmental hazards and associated
issues concerning safety of program participants, including Lyme disease, poison
ivy, illegal drug residue and waste, etc;
Advanced
-
Knowledge of management
of one or more natural resources including fisheries, wildlife, forestry,
agronomy, grasslands, and aquatic ecosystems;
-
Knowledge in a least one
other area including astronomy, geology, insects, nonflowering plants, etc;
-
Knowledge of current,
historical, environmental issues, and the ability to distinguish between an
opinion and a fact.
II. Program
Development and Educational Skills
*Ability
to write program goals and objectives;
*Knowledge
of where to find resources to expand knowledge and program delivery skills;
Ability to plan and evaluate programs appropriate for
the developmental abilities and needs of the audience and how to integrate
awareness, knowledge, attitudes, skills, and participation into programs;
Knowledge of educational principles, teaching methods,
learning styles, and trends;
Knowledge of Tilden's six Principles and ability to
integrate them into interpretive programs;
Advanced
-
Knowledge of school
curricula and how to integrate interpretive and environmental education programs
with them;
-
Familiarity with and
ability to use appropriately environmental education curriculum such as Project
Wild, Project Learning Tree, etc.
III. Communication
Skills
*Ability
to communicate orally and effectively with groups and individuals in both formal
and non-formal situations in one or more of the following areas: indoor and
outdoor presentations, campfires, trailside talks, classroom presentations,
public meetings, storytelling, etc;
*Ability
to handle visitor complaints or emergency situations courteously and
responsively and to be tolerant and respectful of differing opinions;
* Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers
and other agencies and organization.
Ability to prepare news releases, fliers, bulletin
boards, and other basic publicity;
Ability to communicate effectively in writing to people
of various ages and educational abilities including writing for display text,
signage, brochures, newsletters, letters, and reports;
Ability to design and maintain temporary educational
displays and exhibits;
Ability to operate computers, audiovisual, photographic
and other equipment necessary for program delivery;
Advanced
-
Ability to make radio and
television presentations;
-
Ability to maintain or
create web sites;
-
Ability to design and
maintain permanent displays and exhibits.
IV. Administrative
Skills
Ability to work within a budget;
Ability to manage time effectively;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working
relationships with groups, organizations, the general public, school community
and colleagues;
Advanced
-
Ability to establish and
evaluate goals and objectives for the education/interpretation program and to
communicate needed changes to others;
-
Ability to develop and
implement a budget;
-
Ability to organize and
conduct fundraising activities;
-
Ability to create and
coordinate the efforts of citizen support groups;
-
Ability to oversee the
recruitment, training, and supervision and to coordinate the scheduling of
volunteers;
-
Ability to maintain daily
operation of a facility including maintenance of buildings and grounds, and
coordination of program, public relations, and other activities;
V. Personal Attributes
-
Creativity;
-
Enthusiasm;
-
Initiative;
-
Flexibility;
-
Poise and Confidence;
-
Willingness to grow and advance themselves in the field;
-
Sense of humor;
-
Sincere love of the out-of-doors and the desire to communicate
about it to the public;
-
Organization;
-
Personable;
-
Patience and Tolerance.
VI. Other certification and training that might
be considered useful
-
Red Cross certifications – First Aid and CPR;
-
Department of Natural Resources safety instructor’s
certification;
-
Outdoor recreation skills training;
-
EE Curriculum training (Project WILD, Project Learning Tree,
Project WET)
-
Program that will enhance the ecological knowledge (IOWATER,
Naturemapping, Master Conservationist);
-
Membership in a professional organization such as the Iowa
Association of Naturalists, the National Association for Interpretation,
Audubon, Iowa Conservation Education Council, etc.
Compensation
Guidelines
Compensation should be determined by the governing
agency.
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Iowa Association of
Naturalists