Natual Science Educator Internship
Supervisors: Education Director/Preserve Coordinator
Classification: Part-time, non-exempt
Hours: Part-time (10 to 20 hours per week)
Saturday and Sunday 8:30am-5:30pm and some weekday 9am-4pm
Pay: $15/hour
To Apply: Please submit cover letter and resume to meagan@westcave.org
About Westcave
The mission of Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is to inspire people to develop a lifelong practice of protecting and enjoying nature. We connect children and their families to nature by providing experiences and programs that foster the discovery, exploration, and conservation of the natural world.
Our 76-acre preserve is one of the most diverse properties in the Texas Hill Country. Located in Southwest Travis County, we are at the center of one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. Protecting this beautiful land, which is home hundreds of plant species, dozens of mammals and to the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler and Bee Creek Cave Harvestman, attracting birders and nature lovers from all over the world, has become more important than ever.
While many places offer opportunities for self-led nature activities, Westcave has dedicated staff who provides weekday environmental education programs and tours to more than 3,500 children annually. Students learn complex and essential scientific concepts in the best classroom of all: our 76-acre preserve and our nationally renowned Warren Skaaren Environmental Learning Center. An additional 6,000 visitors participate in weekend guided hikes down to the canyon or other specialty programs.
Our mission is a complete approach to advocacy and demonstrates our commitment to natural science education and conservation for today and the future. Additional information on Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is available at www.westcave.org.
Internship Summary
Education Interns perform a wide variety of duties at Westcave that support our education work. This includes guided public hikes, specialty programs, field trips for students, and other experiences during the weekends and some weekdays. This internship is perfect for a curious and active person looking to further their experience in interpretation and informal education of the natural world.
Education will serve as trail guides for Preserve visitors. On the 1 ½ hour tours, interns will lead groups from an arid grassland, through a limestone crevice, into a cool, sheltered canyon to view the Preserve’s magnificent waterfall, grotto and cave. During the tour, interns will provide information on the Preserve’s natural history, geology and biology. Interns will also assist with special family programs on some weekends, work the Environmental Learning Center desk between tours and other assigned tasks to support the Preserve. Education interns may assist with school programs by leading guided tours for visiting schools. Training will be provided for all internship positions. When not leading tours, interns will also support the welcome desk, sell Westcave merchandise, interact with a diverse group of volunteers, clean and maintain Westcave’s public restrooms and Environmental Learning Center, as well as other assigned tasks to support the operations of the Preserve.
Westcave Preserve is located approximately 45 minutes from downtown Austin in southwest Travis County.
Desired Qualities:
A creative team-player with a curiosity and interest in the natural world with a willingness to work with the public and youth from all backgrounds. Demonstrates a commitment to the outdoors and equity. Excellent work ethic. Reliable transportation. Ability to work outside and hike 1 mile.