Bear Educator Intern - Summer 2020
The goal of the Bear Educator Internship program is to give interns a strong background in black bear information and experience in conveying accurate information to the public. This program is intended to directly support the mission statement of the North American Bear Center. "The mission of the non-profit North American Bear Center is to advance the long-term survival of bears worldwide by replacing the misconceptions with scientific facts about bears , their role in the ecosystem, and their relations with humans." (www.bear.org)
This internship program is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students exploring careers in wildlife biology, zoology, environmental sciences, ecology, wildlife management, and animal behavior. These fields will be given preference in the selection process.
Bear Educator Interns will educate NABC visitors about the four ambassador bears (via on-site programs, and Q&A) and wild black bear behavior (via videos, exhibits, and Q&A). Interns will be required to give Behind the Scenes tours to visitors. This position will be responsible for all aspects of bear care including maintaining a clean bear enclosure, bear foraging feedings, bear enrichment activities, and food preparation. Worldwide broadcasts of our daily bear enrichments will require speaking to our on-site and global followers. This position will require giving visitors information on local frogs, turtles, fish, and non-poisonous snakes utilizing our touch screens in our Northwood’s Ecology Hall for accurate information. Some additional research on these animals may be required to effectively lead a program.
To learn more you can view last year’s internship video here:
Personal Traits:
- At least 20 years of age.
- Fluent in English language.
- Desire to educate the public about black bears.
- Calm and positive demeanor.
- Good observation, judgment, and problem-solving skills.
- Reliable and highly motivated.
- Comfortable interacting with diverse groups of people.
- Willing to work in a team environment.
Knowledge:
- Successful completion of a one on one training session.
- Familiarity with the information on bear.org and bearstudy.org.
- Teaching or public speaking background is helpful.
Abilities:
- Work under supervision.
- Stand for 6 hours, lift 30 pounds, and walk quickly over uneven ground.
- Operate small powered equipment safely.
- Respond quickly and accurately to any unforeseen action of the bears, without impairment from a medical condition; physical limitation; or over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications.
- Valid drivers license.
- Current passport and visa from home country if not a US resident.
$1,500 stipend