The International Crane Foundation is seeking to fill four to five Crane Conservation Naturalist Intern positions in 2020.

Background
 
The International Crane Foundation is a leader in the conservation of the world’s 15 crane species and is dedicated to providing experience, knowledge and inspiration to involve people in resolving threats to cranes and the ecosystems vital to their long-term survival. Although the foundation has projects all around the world the headquarters is located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, one hour north of Madison. The International Crane Foundation is open to the public every day from May 2 to October 31 in 2020, and all of the world’s 15 crane species are on live-display at our facility. In 2019, the foundation embarked on a 10 million dollar site expansion and renovation. Improvements include a new visitor center and ten updated crane exhibits.

Description

The Crane Conservation Naturalist Interns will gain valuable hands-on experience working with the Conservation Education Department and will:

• Develop and lead daily interpretive tours at the International Crane Foundation for visiting schools, community organizations, private groups and the general public.
• Interact and assist with the sale of admission tickets, gift shop merchandise, annual memberships and overall site orientation on a daily basis.
• Assist in the completion of one or several projects related to the goals, work plan and objectives of the Conservation Education Department (e.g. help design and develop self-guided written or audio media; write, film and edit short films about the foundation’s work; create, test and evaluate interpretive programs; design interpretive wayside panels; assist in managing volunteer program; organize and implement on-site events; or research policy-related projects and initiatives, etc.)
• Plan, organize, market and execute one or more onsite events (Mother’s Day, Whooping Crane Day, Cranes of the World Festival, Good Neighbor Day).
• Provide outreach programs for local schools, civic groups, housing facilities, parks and festivals.
• Conduct duties associated with opening/closing the visitor center, exhibits and gift shop on a daily basis.
• Achieve experience in planning, designing and evaluating interpretive programs and written materials.
• Learn about project initiatives related to crane ecology, behavior and husbandry; field conservation and ecology; and ecosystem restoration techniques and processes.
• Have the opportunity to volunteer with other departments and participate in job shadow experiences at the foundation.
• Meet and work with a variety of international colleagues and professional staff.

The Crane Conservation Naturalist Internship begins February 24, 2020, and runs through November 20, 2020. A taxable $700/monthly stipend and comfortable on-site housing accommodations are provided at no charge. Applicants should be prepared to live in a co-ed communal living situation and be able to work outdoors every day in all weather conditions found in Wisconsin. Naturalist interns will work weekends and will have two consecutive days off during the workweek. The International Crane Foundation campus is set in a rural setting at the edge of Wisconsin’s beautiful Driftless area and is adjacent to state parks and many nature-oriented activity areas. All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the time they apply. Candidates without a work visa must obtain one before they will be considered for an internship.

The International Crane Foundation achieves our mission by working with individuals, teams and communities in more than 50 countries. The ability to form cooperative relationships with people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds requires us to seek and engage with staff, volunteers and associates who value and honor these relationships. We recruit individuals who have a true passion for our mission, regardless of race, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical and mental abilities and religious choice. Each person’s life experiences, backgrounds, thoughts and ideas make us stronger. The International Crane Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualifications

B.A. or B.S. preferred. Students from all disciplines are welcome to apply, however, studies relating to wildlife conservation, education or biology are preferred. The applicant should have exceptional customer service, proficient public speaking skills and a strong desire to teach diverse audiences in a non-formal setting. Candidates should demonstrate an interest/background in the fields of interpretation, environmental education, conservation biology, ornithology, education, digital marketing, graphic design, film/documentary production and other related fields.

Application Procedure

Applicants should send a one-page cover letter, resume (no more than two pages) and contact information for three references to ICFinternships@savingcranes.org with the subject line “Crane Conservation Naturalist Intern.”

Job opening closes on January 15, 2020.