We have a structured internship that allows for our interns to slowly take on more and more responsibility in teaching students. During the fall, interns receive intensive training to prepare them for teaching environmental education classes on a variety of subjects in numerous settings, including redwood, chaparral, and the beach. Interns will learn to lead evening activities which include campfires, night hikes, and dancing. As the school year progresses, interns will take on more of a naturalist role, including teaching major concepts to fifth and sixth graders, enforcing safety and discipline standards, counseling students, and acting as liaison with teachers. Interns will rotate through office and support roles, getting to lead student presentations at elementary schools and support cabin leaders.
Work is spread out during the week, starting no earlier than 9:30am on Monday mornings and ending with professional development on Friday afternoons, after the students leave, which concludes no later than 5pm. This internship is 29.5 hours of work a week. No weekend work is required, and interns are not asked to sleep in cabins or provide overnight care.
Interns are paid as temporary employees and do not accrue sick hours, overtime, or get benefits. Interns are covered by workers' compensation and the Employee Assistance Program, and receive ongoing support and training, as well as registration to the spring AEOE professional development conference.
