Position:   Year-Long Education Internship (Seasonal, full-time, non-exempt)

Site: Ashland Nature Center, DuPont Environmental Education Center 

Schedule: Varied Schedule, based on program needs including weekday, weeknights and weekends

Date: September 1^st, 2026 – May 31^st, 2027 

Mission

Founded in 1964, the Delaware Nature Society (DelNature) is a state-wide, non-profit organization that aspires to be inclusive and multicultural, celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity in nature and people. Our mission is to connect people and nature to create a healthy environment for all, through education, conservation, and advocacy. DelNature delivers hands-on environmental education and conservation programs at four sites: Ashland Nature Center (HQ), in Hockessin, DE; DuPont Environmental Education Center, in Wilmington, DE; Coverdale Farm Preserve, in Greenville, DE; and Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, in Milford, DE. At these and other sites, we also manage over 2,000 acres of land, including four nature preserves. DelNature is a state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. We envision Delaware as a place where people view themselves as part of nature and understand that nature is essential for life; recognize the immediacy of addressing environmental issues; and take pride and joy in caring for the natural world.

Position Summary

Full time, 9 month seasonal, position based out of Delaware Nature Society Headquarters at the Ashland Nature Center in Hockessin, Delaware. Interns primarily teach at Ashland Nature Center and occasionally at Coverdale Farm Preserve and DuPont Environmental Center. Interns assist with scheduling, planning, preparation, coordination, and delivery of education programs for school and group audiences, public education programs, events, and summer camps. Provides general care for live animal collection and helps maintain education materials and equipment. Assists with promotion of organization mission and goals through publicity and event support. This position works a varied schedule of days, evenings and weekends.

This position reports to:  Program Manager, Ashland Nature Center

Responsibilities

         • Develop, support, and teach education programs for the general public and school and group audiences including field study,  overnight, outreach, after school, and public programs at Ashland Nature Center, DuPont Environmental Education Center,  DelNature Preserves and other sites. 

        •  Help with program preparation and care and maintenance of program materials and equipment. Assist with scheduling and  coordination of programs as needed.   

        •  Assist with summer camp planning and hiring.

        •  Create interactive displays and exhibits to boost visitor experiences.

        •   Assist with day-to-day care of live animal collection at Ashland Nature Center.

        •   Assist in developing content for DelNature communications, publications, and social media.

        •   Provide support for site safety and security at Ashland Nature Center and other functions described in Intern/Staff House       Ensure all DelNature policies and procedures, including health and safety protocols, are implemented, and always enforced.

• Promote & support DelNature’s mission, values, goals, activities, and membership to a wide array of audiences. 

• Perform other duties as requested by supervisor or leadership staff.

• Complete a capstone project and participate in professional development opportunities throughout the year

Qualifications and Experience

• Commitment to and passion for the mission of Delaware Nature Society.
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental, wildlife, recreation or education related field or equivalent experience preferred.
• Outdoor recreation skills and experience preferred (canoeing/kayaking, hiking, camping).
• Ability to work effectively and productively as part of a team, indoors and outside under variable weather conditions.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work a schedule that meets the needs of the organization.
• Teaching experience or experience working with children preferred.
• Excellent communication skills with an ease and enthusiasm for talking to individuals of all ages.
• Ability to always interact in a positive and professional manner.
• Must possess the following traits and skills: Flexibility, dependability, critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making skills, work as part of a team.
• Willingness to learn new skills and share knowledge with others.
• Valid Driver’s License and a means of transportation.
• Proficient computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Suite. 

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee frequently is required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment. 
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and be able to carry, move and setup necessary supplies and equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 
• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in program activities in a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings, weather, and terrains.

Salary and Compensation

Starting hourly rate - $16.00/hour

This a seasonal position that ends May 31st, 2027.  Housing provided if needed and available.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY – Delaware Nature Society considers candidates for all positions on the basis of qualifications and without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, genetic information, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or other protected classification and in accordance with applicable federal, state & local laws.

Delaware Nature Society reserves the right to change this job description as conditions change.

Salary : $16