Internship Opportunities

Animal Programs Intern

Job Summary:
Animal Programs Interns will work alongside Fernbank Education staff to provide care for the live animal collection. Interns will also develop and deliver educational programming related to the live animal collection.

Internship Objectives:

Become comfortable handling museum ambassador animals, including reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates
Develop an understanding of animal needs and how they differ between phylogenetic groups
Monitor animal behavior, health, and understand signs of animal stress
Develop familiarity with basic life support systems
Practice regular record-keeping
Become comfortable presenting animal ambassadors to an audience
Develop a new, animal-based, educational program and deliver it to an audience

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

Assist animal care staff in the completion of daily care for the live animal collection, including, but not limited to: record keeping, feedings, cleanings, enrichment, and feeder insect maintenance
Become familiar with and handle members of Fernbank Museum’s live animal collection. Live animals include reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates
Lead live animal presentations for museum guests
Review and update files and materials related to the live animal collection
Assist education staff with various program preparations and planning
Perform other duties as assigned

Preferred Experience, Skills, and Attributes:

Previous experience working with and handling ambassador animals is a plus
Previous experience in animal care, education, natural history, or a related field is a plus
Background in biological sciences, exhibit interpretation, or related fields
Must be comfortable working with and handling reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates
Strong interest in education and interpretation as well as animal husbandry
Must be at least 18 years old
Must pass a background check before hire

Time Commitment:
This internship will average 15-20 hours per week. A total of 150-200 hours is expected throughout the season. There is some flexibility in scheduling if necessary.

Camp Administration Intern

Job Summary:

This unpaid internship provides an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of camp programs at Fernbank and give campers a summer to remember. With this position, interns will have the opportunity to assist with the development and implementation of camp programming, creating schedules, games and activities. This internship is ideal for anyone looking to enter a field of informal education.
Internship Objectives:

Develop a schedule, crafts, and activities for one of our themed camp days
Help lead your camp day with support from Fernbank educators
Learn and practice multiple group management techniques
Become familiar with camp policies and procedures and act on these as necessary
Observe techniques for communicating with camper caregivers and handling difficult situations, should they arise

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

Assist Education staff with planning and implementation of science-related Fernbank Camp activities
Assist with daily/weekly program preparations and maintain physical assets such as biofacts, activity supplies, and camp spaces
Facilitate camper group management
Provide support for caregiver concerns
Assist staff with pre-care and/or after-care monitoring of children, including leading games and activities
Assist Education staff with other programs and tasks as needed

Preferred Experience, Skills, and Attributes:

Background and/or strong interest in education, child development, STEM, outdoor recreation, or related fields
Comfortable working with children ages 5-13
Good customer service skills and experience working with the public
Must be able to work outdoors and walk/hike up to 2 miles and have physical skills necessary to assist with campers (bend over, kneel down, etc.)
Comfortable learning to handle reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates
Must be at least 18 years old
Must pass a background check before hire

Time Commitment:
This internship will average 15-20 hrs/wk. A total of 150-200 hours is expected throughout the season. Weekly hour totals will vary according to program offerings. There is some flexibility in scheduling if necessary.

Ecological/Interpretive Ranger Intern

Job Summary :

This unpaid internship provides an opportunity to learn about current and future ecological restoration efforts on the Fernbank Museum campus and help educate visiting groups during outdoor field trips. With this position interns will have the opportunity to help lead interpretive hikes in Fernbank Forest and assist with restoration activities such as removing invasive plant species and replanting native plant species in forested areas behind the museum. This position includes both science and outdoor education.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

Shadow the Forest Manager and Interpretive Rangers during daily activities. This includes opening and closing procedures, daily procedures and ongoing training
Assist in ecological restoration efforts in Fernbank Forest, including removing non-native invasive species
Assist with ongoing trail maintenance
Assist in greeting, welcoming and providing general assistance to visitors
Learn about local ecology of Fernbank Forest and the Piedmont region of Georgia
Support outdoor educators with programs, including guided walks and hands-on educational activities in WildWoods and Fernbank Forest
Assist volunteer groups in restoration activities, including removing invasive species (by hand and with tools) and planting native species
Assist team members with school and volunteer groups
Help develop new Ranger and educational programs, based on the candidate’s interests
Other duties as assigned to help support the mission of Fernbank Museum

Preferred Experience, Skills, and Attributes:

Background and/or strong interest in restoration ecology, botany, education (formal or informal), gardening, horticulture or interpretation in an outdoor setting
Comfortable being outside for multiple hours in varied terrain. Must also be able to walk/hike up to 2 miles and have physical skills necessary to perform restoration activities (involves some lifting, bending, digging, working with tools, etc.)
Must be comfortable working with people of all ages and backgrounds
Fall and Spring only: Strong interest in working directly with student groups preferred
Willingness to learn about the program and study/work independently if necessary
Compliance with Museum policies and procedures

Education Programs Intern

Job Summary:
Education Program Interns will work alongside Fernbank Education staff to facilitate, develop, and lead Fernbank’s informal science education programs. Interns will educate guests of all ages in various subjects, including life science, physical science, geology, and more. This position is ideal for those seeking a background in science, education, or science communication.

Internship Objectives:

Distinguish the different program types Fernbank offers (drop-in, presentation, etc.)
Develop presentation skills for different audiences (group size, age, setting)
Become familiar with the process of program development
Create and deliver an educational program on a theme of the intern’s choice

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

Support Fernbank Education staff with program instruction and assist with coverage
Assist Education staff with program preparations and maintain physical assets such as biofacts, experiment supplies, and office spaces
Record program attendance and assist with program evaluation
Assist with development of educational activities and programs for families and groups
Support Education staff with other programs and tasks as needed

Preferred Experience, Skills, and Attributes:

Background and/or strong interest in education, child development, STEM, outdoor recreation, or related fields
Comfort working with children ages 5-13 is a plus
Comfortable working indoors and outdoors for multiple hours, with some varied terrain. Must be able to bend over, kneel, and walk for distances greater than 1 mile
Willingness to learn about the programs and study/work independently if necessary
Comfortable learning to handle reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates
Must be at least 18 years old
Excellent customer service skills
Must pass a background check before hire

Time Commitment:
This internship will average 15-20 hours per week. A total of 150-200 hours is expected throughout the season. Weekly total hours will vary according to program offerings. There is some flexibility in scheduling if necessary.

Exhibitions Intern

Job Summary
The Exhibitions Intern will focus on short-term and long-term projects to enhance current and future exhibits. The ideal candidate will have a background in art or design and an enthusiasm for working in museums. This role may also assist the Exhibitions staff with daily tasks and duties related to the care of Fernbank’s Permanent and Temporary Exhibitions.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:
These will be assigned by the Exhibitions Manager and will be determined by an individual’s experience and comfort level.

Assist in research and planning for current and future exhibitions
Various small projects as assigned, such as exhibit graphics and researching digital exhibit components
Assist with installation and deinstallation of exhibitions and graphics
Any other tasks relevant to the care of the museum’s exhibitions

Preferred Experience, Skills, and Attributes:

Must be able to bring personal computer for research and design purposes
Must be comfortable with small power tools such as drills, electric sanders, etc.
Must be able to stand/walk for up to 2 hours
Flexibility and adaptability
Ability to work in a group or independently
Background or experience in one or more of these areas preferred but not required: art, design, 3D modeling, 3D printing, woodworking
Must be at least 18 years old
Must pass a background check before hire

Time Commitment:
4 hours per week minimum, for at least 2 hours per day. Monday-Wednesday and Friday 9-1pm

Volunteer Management Intern

Job Description
Volunteer Program Interns will work alongside Fernbank Education staff to facilitate Fernbank’s teen volunteer program, Fernbank Youth Interpreters (FYI), and Fernbank's adult volunteer program. Interns will primarily assist with volunteer orientation, training, and recordkeeping.

Internship Objectives:

Assist with volunteer recruitment, orientation, and regular training sessions
Become familiar with existing volunteer positions, identify opportunities for new volunteer roles, and develop content for roles as needed
Perform regular volunteer evaluation and provide feedback
Assist with the planning and coordination of a volunteer engagement event

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

Assist in new volunteer orientation and regular training dates
Support volunteer activities on the museum floor and provide feedback as needed
Assist with volunteer position coverage as needed
Maintain daily hour logs
Assist with volunteer scheduling
Assist with development of new educational cart content and training materials
Maintain physical assets such as interpretive carts, biofacts, and office spaces
Assist with development of volunteer recognition events and rewards
Perform other duties as assigned

Preferred Experience, Skills, and Attributes:

Experience working in customer service
Experience working with volunteers, both adult and teen, is a plus
Background in education, natural history, environmental education, childcare, social sciences, nonprofit management, or related field
Flexibility and a willingness to assist wherever needed
A self-starter able to work independently and see projects through to completion
Must be at least 18 years old
Must pass a background check before hire

Time Commitment:
This internship will average 15-20 hours per week. A total of 150-200 hours is expected throughout the season. There is some flexibility in scheduling if necessary.