Education and Outreach Intern

Position Dates: May 28, 2025 – August 15, 2025 (12-week internship)

Supervisor: Denise Silfee, Director of Education and Communications, ACLC

Number of positions: 1

Website: adkloon.org

Position Description:  The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation is a scientific and educational nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring passion for the conservation of Common Loons. We conduct research on the status and health of the Adirondack loon population, its nesting success, and threats to loon populations and their habitats.

The Education and Outreach internship is made up of a variety of activities that connect the general public to the work of ACLC and to a scientific understanding of the common loon and its role in the Adirondack ecosystem. This position is open to either an undergraduate or graduate intern and tailored to meet the academic needs of the individual, as well as to best accommodate the intern’s personal interests and professional growth.  

There is opportunity to tailor the internship activities to the individual, but some combination of the following educational and outreach activities will be expected:

• Present for up to 40 minutes about loons at public venues throughout the Adirondack Park
• Guide small groups (2-5) of paddlers in canoes or kayaks on local lakes to responsibly observe and learn about Adirondack loons
• Give short presentations at local summer camps for youth of varying ages
• Help organize and facilitate presentations at the Loon Center in Saranac Lake, including helping to promote organized events and introducing featured speakers
• Create and update children’s activities in the Kids’ Corner at the Loon Center
• Table at community events and festivals to hand out educational materials and engage with the public about the Adirondack Loon Center’s work
• Create or update education materials for print and generate content for social media and publication on the Loon Center blog
• Partner with local organizations to create unique educational programs; develop, promote and lead outreach programs with freedom to create new programs with ACLC approval

The above activities are examples of potential Education and Outreach Intern tasks. Final tasks and projects will be tailored to the individual intern, but will include some combination of the above activities and potential for new, creative activities.

If chosen for an interview, please be prepared to discuss the activities you are most interested in and the skills and experiences that qualify you for those activities, including goals for what you want to learn.

In addition to education and outreach activities, there is opportunity to participate in lake monitoring and loon research one day each week. Lake monitoring requires the ability to transport, unload/load and paddle a kayak or single-person canoe for several hours while making observations and taking detailed notes. The intern can also choose to participate in loon rescue training and assist in loon rescues.

ACLC supervisor and staff will provide robust training at the beginning of the internship and will support the intern along the way to ensure success. This position will work closely with the Director of Education and Communications.

Candidate Requirements:

• Previous experience in environmental education/interpretation, outdoor recreation, education/teaching, summer camp programming, public speaking, guiding or combination of experiences with a strong willingness to learn
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to present oneself in a professional manner, with strong interpersonal skills to interact with members of the public
• High level of organizational skills to effectively plan for and administer outreach tasks to diverse audiences
• Ability to work both independently and with a team, and the ability to accept constructive feedback
• Motivated, enthusiastic, creative, and willing to work with people of all ages
• Able to paddle a kayak or canoe safely in varying weather conditions and sit for ~4 hours to observe loons
• Valid driver’s license and personal transportation

Preferred Qualifications:

• A personal canoe or kayak, paddle, lifejacket, and paddling experience – if you do not have your own boat, paddle or PFD, the Loon Center will help you borrow one
• Binoculars for loon monitoring with an appropriate magnification are a plus
  

Employment is contingent on passing a background check

Work Schedule: No more than 40 hours/week. We assume a regular work schedule of Monday – Friday, but there will often be weekend and some evening work as well. The work schedule will fluctuate to ensure intern has two days in a row off each week.

Compensation: $15.00/hour and academic credit as required by academic institution

To Apply: Send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to

[email protected]. Note that a cover letter IS REQUIRED.

Application Deadline: Friday, February, 28, 2025 or until position has been filled.