Summer 2023 Conservation Stewardship Metcalf Intern

This internship is part of the University’s Jeff Metcalf Internship Program. Click here to learn more about the program, its benefits, and the UChicago community of supporters. 

If you're an international student, please visit the OIA website to familiarize yourself with your work authorization/eligibility and requirements as soon as possible.

Intern Supervisor: Edward Warden

Supervisor’s Manager: Jaclyn Wegner

Department: Learning and Community

Internship Title: Jeff Metcalf Conservation Stewardship Intern

Season: Summer - June 14 – September 13 (flexible start and end date)

Number of Openings: 1

Hybrid position: “onsite” work in outdoor settings, office work remote

The Conservation Stewardship Intern will assist with the facilitation of Shedd’s Conservation Stewardship and Kayak for Conservation programs, which aim to connect the public with Chicagoland’s natural spaces through hands-on volunteer opportunities. Stewardship Program workdays incorporate a variety of activities, including beach cleanups, invasive plant removal, native seed collecting, habitat and wildlife monitoring, and other similar projects. Kayak for Conservation program workdays involve assisting participants in and out of kayaks, paddling the Chicago River while addressing participant needs and questions, and facilitating community science protocols. Shedd’s stewardship programming serves a wide audience ranging from young children to adults and hosts workdays for a variety of groups, such as schools, community members, and corporate teams.

 

 

· Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values.

· Assist staff with facilitation of conservation stewardship and kayak events (e.g. beach clean-ups, invasive species removal, planting, paddling facilitation, etc.) which may include

o  Ecological restoration, including the identification of native and invasive plant species

o  Interacting and working with diverse groups of volunteers in the field

o  Helping execute program operations, such as supply management and logistics, program set-up and breakdown, activity instruction, and participant monitoring and engagement

o  Following and demonstrating best practices and safety protocols during programs to ensure fun and safe workday experience

· Support team in timely entry of participant data and metrics

· Build expertise on conservation, habitat restoration, general sustainable practices, and other related topics

· Occasionally assist staff in composition of external communications with partner organizations and Shedd supporters including social media and e-newsletters

· Represent Shedd’s programs for internal and external audiences

· Deliver Shedd messaging to foster conservation connection and ethic in diverse audiences

· Perform other duties as assigned

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

·        Strong interest in working with people, the outdoors, and the environment

·        Positive attitude, sense of humor, and ability to work effectively in a team-based environment

·        Comfortable interacting with and presenting in front of diverse audiences

·        Ability to multitask

·        Good public speaking and written communication skills

·        Aware of current, local, national and international conservation issues

Other Skills/Characteristics: please include any unusual physical demands or environmental conditions (if applicable)

·        Must be comfortable working outdoors in natural areas with minimal amenities – including shelter and bathrooms – in all weather conditions

·        Able to walk/stand/sit for extended periods of time

·        Ability to lift up to 40 pounds

Technology Requirements (if remote or hybrid):

·        Able to work flexible hours including early mornings and evenings, as needed, and Saturdays