Education Internship
Zoos and aquariums provide a wide variety of experiential learning opportunities to audiences of all ages and Oceans of Fun is no exception. Through educational programs and animal interaction, our guests learn about marine life, the environment and conservation. These unique experiences help to develop personal connections and a sense of environmental stewardship in the participants that have the opportunity to meet and work up close and personal with our seals and sea lions. Our facility offers an education internship developed to provide individuals with a glimpse into the benefits and rewards of informal education.
Why Apply
Do you love the earth and want to help make a difference? Are you passionate about education and want to assist with our mission for conservation? Then our education internship program is a great fit for you! We offer education internships to individuals who are interested in exploring the field of informal education. Learn how to communicate valuable messages to audiences utilizing some of the most engaging teaching tools you have ever experienced, the seals and sea lions at Oceans of Fun!
About the Program
Oceans of Fun is a globally recognized leader in the field of marine mammal care and training. The education internship has been designed to provide participants with valuable experience in the field of informal education. Learn what it takes to develop engaging, hands on activities, plan a field trip experience for your future students and get familiar with the informal education institutions in your area.
Education interns will assist in the day-to-day educational programming delivered at Oceans of Fun. The primary focus of this experience will be with our summer camp program serving youth ages 7-12 with the opportunity to work with ages 5 through adults in our other program offerings. All interactive programs connect participants with marine mammals, the environment and the seals and sea lions at Oceans of Fun.
Interns will assist the education staff in the following areas:
- Assist with teaching summer camp and interactive programs for ages 5 and older. Team-teaching and lead teaching opportunities in all interactive programs.
- Help prepare classroom materials.
- Analyze and develop your skills through reflective journaling and mentor relationships with education staff.
- Assist in the development of outreach classes, curriculum, and supplementary materials that are student-centered, inquiry-based, and developmentally appropriate.
- Assist in updating current educational materials to align with the Wisconsin Model Academic Standards.
- Develop a general understanding of the care and husbandry needs of marine mammals.
All interns will be required to complete a project assigned by Oceans of Fun related to educational programming during their internship term.
Requirements
- Interns must be at least 18 years of age.
- Individuals receiving college credit must be eligible for credits though a college or university.
- Students and sponsoring universities (Mentoring Professor) must agree to Oceans of Fun policies and release forms.
- Interns must supply Oceans of Fun with a completed application, resume, and two letters of recommendation. Students pursuing college credit must also submit a written confirmation from their sponsoring professor.
- College credit or non-credit interns must be willing to commit to the required hours.
Qualifications
- Must have completed one year of a college degree program in education, biology, animal behavior, zoology, or other related field.
- Must have previous experience working with children in a formal and/or informal setting.
- Must also have excellent communication skills, enjoy working with all ages of people, and the ability to work in a team environment.
- Must demonstrate public speaking skills such as enthusiasm, voice inflection and confidence.
- Must exhibit consistent professional characteristics such as a positive attitude, ability to show initiative, emotional maturity, self-responsibility and reliability.
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds and able to work in all weather conditions.
- Must be able to commit to 8-12 weeks; approximately 40 hours/week
The education internship requires approximately 40 hours per week for a minimum of 8 weeks during the summer season (June – August). All interns will be assigned independent readings and projects to be completed during their internship term. Internships are on a voluntary basis, therefore will have no financial compensation.
Get Involved
We are actively looking for individuals that are 18 years of age or older and that are highly motivated. If you are interested in applying, please apply below or contact our Education Specialist, Lisa Krueger at lisa@oceansoffun.org for more details. Due to the large number of resumes received and the limited number of positions available, we recommend getting your applications in as soon as possible for consideration.
Deadline for Application
Applications must be received by April 30, 2012 for Summer 2012 consideration.
If interested please complete this online application.
(You will be required to submit a resume; so, please have it ready.)
