This internship is part-time, temporary from the end of May through August.

Summary: Assists sustainability education staff with implementation of sustainability education programs. Work projects will primarily focus on topics that include: waste and recycling, clean water, energy efficiency, and climate change. Interns will work with a variety of audiences including K-12 learners, educators, youth ages 16-20, and community partners. The intern will observe and learn about outdoor, experiential, and environmental/sustainability practices through hands-on experiences assisting with material preparation and program delivery for community and sustainability education programs, teacher professional development, youth environmental education workshops, and stewardship action projects. This is a part-time position, averaging up to 28 hours a week that runs from end of May through mid-August.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist sustainability education staff with the implementation of programs including: teacher professional development workshops, youth classes, community outreach events, and other youth opportunities. Programs include direct delivery of educational activities to program participants including youth ages 5-24, teachers, and Garden visitors and staff.

Develop, plan, and implement a final project reflective of internship goals and experience with sustainability education programs.

Assist in the preparation of all program materials, tools, and food.

Actively participates in sustainability education programs, teacher workshops, and Outdoor Youth Corps stewardship projects when needed.

Work with Garden staff to ensure all health and safety protocols for program participants are followed.

Work cohesively as a team with other staff, interns, and program participants.

Demonstrate the highest level of professional and ethical conduct.

Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.

Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others

Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Core Competencies

Communication – Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.

Collaboration – Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.

Accountability – Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues’ concerns.

Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions.

Stewardship – Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.

Qualifications/Experience:

Interest in sustainability, the environment, and education. Some college coursework or experience in sustainability or education preferred.

Basic understanding of sustainability practices and principles preferred.

Group leadership and problem-solving experience.

Strong customer service orientation.

Ability to work with diverse audiences including educators, high-school aged students, and elementary-aged children.

Flexible Hours

The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.

The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:

H.S. diploma or equivalent by start of internship. Some college coursework with an emphasis in Education, Environmental Science, Sustainability or similar field preferred.

An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Language Skills:

Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written).

Mathematical Skills:

H.S. basic math aptitude; requires proficient ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals; etc.

Reasoning Ability:

Requires ability to exercise judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.

Computer Skills:

Proficient Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., Powerpoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook).

Comfortable with virtual meeting platforms including TEAMS and Zoom.

Physical Demands:

May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb ladders, etc.).

Able to lift up to (30) pounds (i.e., load, unload and move supplies and equipment).

Must be able to work in high heat/humidity and other summer weather conditions.

Ability to stand and move about entire facility, and/or project sites, for extended periods of time - 80% or more of the workday is standing on feet (e.g., extensive standing, walking, reaching and stooping).

Work Environment:

Climate controlled buildings.

Shared office space.

Work outdoors in temperatures of (100°F or more), humid conditions, as well as temperatures below 0°F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions and some uncomfortable conditions (i.e. wet, mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, etc.) as needed.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

Garden Employees, Volunteers, Guests

Community Partners

Regional educators

Outdoor Youth Corps Participants and other youth learners

Supervisor (title not person):

Climate Change Education Coordinator

Missouri Botanical Garden

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Intern, Sustainability Education