The Edge of Appalachia Preserve System
4274 Waggoner Riffle Road
West Union, Ohio 45693
Tel (937) 544-2880
Fax (937) 544-7030
Intern Position Job Description- Department: Edge of Appalachia Preserve System – Young Ecologists Camp
Job Title: Naturalist Intern
Purpose: Young Ecologists Camp is a day-camp program with five children per camp open to youth in grades four through eight and is focused on natural history explorations and the execution of basic science on the Edge of Appalachia Preserve System in Adams County, Ohio. With a small instructor to student ratio these camps allow for individual learning and unique outdoor learning experiences for youth. The 19,000 acre nature preserve is owned and managed by Cincinnati Museum Center and The Nature Conservancy in Ohio. The Edge of Appalachia (EOA) is one of the largest privately owned preserves in the eastern U.S. and is also one of the most botanically and geologically diverse areas in the state.
Dates:Tuesdays through Thursdays during the months of June and July. Generally 8-6PM daily.
Location: Edge of Appalachia Preserve System in Adams County, Ohio. Nearest town is West Union, Ohio. Camps are operated out of the preserve’s Eulett Center facility. cincymuseum.org/nature/eulett
Key Responsibilities:
-Foster an appreciation for the nature world through hands-on, outdoor activities and leading by example
-Assist the Chief Naturalist in leading interpretive hikes, programs and games.
-Share in the execution of daily camp functions including, but not limited to, preparing food, minor cleaning, and attending the general needs of children in a day camp situation.
-Help with the daily drop-off and pick-up procedures but no driving of students is required or allowed
-Guarantee camp attendees’ safety by adhering to Cincinnati Museum Center’s policies.
-Other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
-Have an Associate or B.S. degree in,or be currently enrolled in, a degree program for Natural Sciences, Nature Interpretation, Environmental Education, or related fieldOR equivalent experience.
-Possess a basic understanding of natural history concepts and have a desire to share this knowledge with children.
-Current certification in First Aid/CPR. Life guard certification a plus.
-Candidate must be outgoing, mature, responsible and enjoy working with children.
-Basic identification skills in dendrology, stream ecology, herpetology, and native plants a plus and a strong desire to learn more about the natural world is highly desired.
-Previous experience working with grade school aged children preferred.
-Ability to work in all kinds of weather conditions with a positive attitude.
-Reliable means of transportation to and from the preserve.
Other Considerations: Candidate will be working in a remote and beautiful rural area of southern Ohio with the highest biodiversity in the state. Work is conducted within the rugged, un-glaciated, forested landscapes of southeastern Adams County and is frequently ‘off-trail’. The nature of the work will subject candidate to insects, ticks, heat and rough terrain. In addition, the Edge of Appalachia Preserve System is conducting an All Taxa Biotic Index (ATBI). To this end, the candidate will be exposed to various methods of collecting and preserving specimens for the Museum’s collection but it is not mandatory to participate directly in these activities.
Reports To: Robyn Wright-Strauss, Chief Naturalist
Benefits: On-site housingis included but not mandatory. Lunch and snacks provided during camps.
Dress Code: Weather appropriate clothing, long pants preferred. Closed-toed shoes/boots and waterproof raincoat required.
Age Requirement: 18 years and older.
Preserve Information: cincymuseum.org/nature and eoapreserve.blogspot.com