Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Announces New Senior Education Internship

On October 27, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County announced it is accepting applicants for a new, fully immersive, residential and nine-month-long Senior Education Internship. 

This experience, which includes a monthly stipend, will provide a broad range of competency and skill development in the field of raptor conservation and environmental education. 

This longer-term experience will offer unparalleled learning and skill acquisition opportunities in every season, along with shoulder-to-shoulder training with the award-winning staff and exceptional partners associated with the Sanctuary.

“Any graduate of this program will instantly be set apart as a leader in the field of environmental education,” says Sanctuary President Sean Grace.

“Senior Education Interns will not only have a wide range of opportunities to participate in on-site field courses, professional development, networking opportunities, and weekly college-level seminars in spring and autumn, but they will also have a variety of fun outings and adventures,” he adds.

The ideal candidate will hold a degree in environmental science, education, biology, or related field; possess teaching skills; and have experience working with live ambassador animals, preferably raptors. 

The position requires an understanding of Hawk Mountain’s raptor conservation science and education activities, as well as enthusiasm for connecting diverse audiences of all ages with Hawk Mountain’s mission. 

Excellent communication skills and a passion for nature and environmental education is a must. All candidates must have the ability to hike at least two miles over steep, rocky terrain, to lift 50 pounds, and have a valid driver’s license. 

While Hawk Mountain’s acclaimed international Conservation Science Training Program has successfully produced the next and the best generation of raptor scientists, the education team believed the program lacked a hands-on and rigorous focus on environmental education and public outreach. 

The Senior Education Internship is designed to meet this need.

“The Leadership Team developed this pilot position based on direct experience and careful review. We recognized that education interns require more time to master their training,” explains Director of Education Jamie Dawson.

“For instance, education interns often require continuous staff mentoring. It’s only as they near the end of their internship that they are fully orientated and able to work independently and with confidence,” she says.

The solution is to provide a nine-month-long residential experience for fully vetted individuals with an environmental education background and raptor handling experience. 

Joining the staff in March allows for a longer orientation during a slow time of the year, followed by the chance to work with professional educators throughout the spring season. 

Summer brings the opportunity to teach daily with two different age groups over the course of eight weeks during the Summer Nature Day Camp, and by this point, interns are more than comfortable working independently and making a major difference with school groups, off-site programs, and wildlife interpretation for the general public during the busy autumn season.

This approach allows the Senior Education Intern to serve as a mentor to the incoming fall class of science trainees before departure, and to assist in all aspects of Sanctuary operations for several months. 

The residential experience further allows them to participate in endless learning opportunities afforded by visiting professionals, ongoing field work, and special programs, such as the Raptor Field Techniques course and a wide variety of professional workshops. 

Most importantly, the internship will allow the proper amount of time to first learn and implement educational skills, and then to master them with confidence.

To apply or learn more about the internship opportunity, visit the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Internship webpage or email Jamie Dawson at dawson@hawkmountain.org. 

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary website or call 610-756-6961.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Sanctuary, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, visit them on Flickr and visit their YouTube Channel.  Click Here to support Hawk Mountain.

[Posted: October 27, 2022]  PA Environment Digest