Internship Opportunities

Development/Fundraising Intern

Job Description
Assist with the day-to-day fundraising activities of a major museum, planning and development of the Fernbank's annual fundraising gala, and administrative support for mailings. This internship is structured to provide the intern with valuable, real-world experience in a non-profit environment.

Duties

Work closely with staff to execute A Timeless Affair, Fernbank Museum's annual black-tie fundraiser.
Provide administrative support for event mailings, record keeping and logistics.
Assist with A Timeless Affair pre-party and other donor recognition events.
Help with other development activities as needed.

Qualifications
Majors: Museum Studies, Business, Marketing, Communications, Event Planning
Career Areas: Fund Raising, Non-Profit Management, Marketing, Communications, Event Planning
Skills: Organized with attention to detail; Ability to work independently; Computer proficiency in Word and Excel programs.

Availability: Throughout the year.

Time Commitment: 10-15 hours per week

Education Intern: Animal Programs

Primary Objectives:
This unpaid internship provides an opportunity to learn about the life science programs at Fernbank and help educate visiting guests and school groups during public programs and field trips. With this position, interns will have the opportunity to lead interpretive forest hikes and public animal presentations. A background in ecology, biology, zoology and/or education is ideal. Applicants must be interested in both outdoor ecological programming and public live animal presentations.

Responsibilities:

Assist Education staff with forest programming and animal presentations
Assist animal care staff with regular animal care tasks, including but not exclusively: enclosure maintenance, feedings, records and insect maintenance.
Become familiar with and handle members of Fernbank Museum’s live animal collection. Live animals include reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and mammals.
Assist education staff with various program preparations and planning
Assist small school groups in interpretive hike and restoration activities including removing invasive species (by hand and with tools) and planting native species; assist with orientation and supervision.
Assist Education staff with other programs and tasks as needed.
Time will not be divided equally between animal and environmental programs.

Qualifications/Expectations:

Background and/or strong interest in education, biological sciences, exhibit interpretation or related fields.
Comfortable working a combination of indoor and outdoor for multiple hours, with some varied terrain
Comfortable working hands-on with live reptiles and invertebrates.
Strong interest in working directly with student groups and Fernbank Museum visitors.
Good interpersonal skills and experience working with the public.
Willingness to learn about the programs and study/work independently if necessary.
Compliance with museum policies and procedures.
Must be able to work outdoors and walk/hike up to 2 miles and have physical skills necessary to perform basic restoration activities (bending, digging, some lifting, working with tools, etc).

Time commitment
This internship will average 15-20 hrs/wk; A total of 150-200 hours is expected throughout the semester. Weekly hour totals will vary according to program offerings. There is some flexibility in scheduling if necessary.

Dates of internship: Fall (Sep-Dec), Spring (Jan-May), Summer (Jun-Aug)

Education Intern: Outdoor Programs

Summary:
This unpaid internship provides an opportunity to learn about the life science programs at Fernbank Museum and help educate visiting guests and school groups during public programs and field trips. With this position, interns will have the opportunity to lead interpretive forest hikes and public ranger presentations. A background in ecology, biology, zoology and/or education is ideal. Applicants must be interested in outdoor ecological programming.
Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

Assist Education staff with forest programming
Assist Fernbank Forest staff with regular tasks, including but not exclusively: trail maintenance, data collection, and records
Assist education staff with various program preparations and planning
Assist small school groups in interpretive hike and restoration activities including removing invasive species (by hand and with tools) and planting native species; assist with orientation and supervision
Assist Education staff with other programs and tasks as needed
Time will not be divided equally between interpretive hikes and other tasks

Qualifications/Expectations:

Background and/or strong interest in education, biological sciences, exhibit interpretation or related fields
Comfortable working a combination of indoors and outdoors for multiple hours, with some varied terrain
Strong interest in working directly with student groups and Fernbank Museum visitors
Good interpersonal skills and experience working with the public
Willingness to learn about the programs and study/work independently if necessary
Compliance with museum policies and procedures
Must be able to work outdoors and walk/hike up to 2 miles and have physical skills necessary to perform basic restoration activities (bending, digging, some lifting, working with tools, etc)

Time commitment
This internship will average 15-20 hours per week A total of 150-200 hours is expected throughout the season. Weekly hour totals will vary according to program offerings. There is some flexibility in scheduling if necessary.
Dates of internship: Fall (Sep-Dec), Spring (Jan-May), Summer (Jun-Aug)

Education Intern: Summer Camp Programs (Part-Time, Seasonal)

Job Summary
This unpaid internship provides an opportunity to learn about the summer camp programs at Fernbank and help educate children and youth in various subjects, including life science, physical science, geology, and more. With this position, interns will have the opportunity to assist with camp programming. A background in ecology, biology, zoology and/or education is ideal. Applicants must be interested in both science education for children and general museum programming.

Time Commitment
Dates: May 25 through August 6, 2020. This internship will average 15-20 hours per week; a total of 150-200 hours is expected throughout the season. Weekly hour totals will vary according to program offerings. There is some flexibility in scheduling if necessary.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

Assist Education staff with Fernbank Summer Camp activities
Assist staff with PreCare and AfterCare monitoring of children, including leading games and activities
Become familiar with Fernbank Summer Camp science-related activities until comfortable leading at least one group activity per camper age group
Assist education staff with various program preparations and planning
Assist Education staff with other programs and tasks as needed
Time will not be divided equally between summer camp and other programs

Preferred Experience

Background and/or strong interest in education, biological sciences, exhibit interpretation or related fields
Comfortable working with children ages 5-13
Comfortable working a combination of indoor and outdoor for multiple hours, with some varied terrain
Strong interest in working directly with student groups and Fernbank Museum visitors
Good interpersonal skills and experience working with the public
Willingness to learn about the programs and study/work independently if necessary
Compliance with museum policies and procedures
Must be able to work outdoors and walk/hike up to 2 miles and have physical skills necessary to assist with campers (bend over, kneel down, etc.)

Skills and Attributes

Must be available all dates between May 25 and August 6
Must be at least 18 years old
Must pass a background check before hire
Enthusiasm for natural history; comfortable around reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates
Excellent customer service skills

F.U.N. Program Intern

Job Description
The role of the F.U.N. Program Intern is to supervise, mentor and evaluate Fernbank Ultimate Naturalist (FUN) youth volunteers and organize their daily routine.

Duties

Assist Fernbank Education staff with developing and executing museum orientation for new FUN volunteers.
Reinforce science/natural history content within all FUN volunteer roles.
Provide appropriate ongoing guidance and mentoring to both new and continuing FUN volunteers. Topics continually reinforced include presentation skills, strategies to improve competence, helping to build confidence, the importance of good manners, a neat appearance, providing good customer service, and important museum information (giant screen movie showtimes, hours, admission prices). Also help to reinforce the Code of Conduct.
Arrange FUN volunteer break times & oversee lunch times.
Conduct brief performance evaluations with FUN volunteers during or at the end of shifts.
Assist with FUN program assessment. Recommend program changes and suggestions to continually improve the program.
Assist with coordination of special FUN program activities and field trips.
Provide other administrative support and other duties as assigned.

Experience Requirements

Prior experience supervising or instructing youth aged 13 to 17.
Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills.
Previous background in science or education is helpful.

Skills and Attributes

Mature mentor who enjoys working with youth, and leading by example.
Demonstrated interest in science and natural history.
Willingness to learn new topics and information quickly.
Self-starter who sees projects to completion.
Dependable and adaptable to the changing needs of the museum.

Qualifications
Majors: All Natural Sciences, Education, Museum Studies, History, Communications, Sociology, Business, Management, Marketing
Career Areas: Education, Marketing, Communications, Museum Studies, Business, Non-profit Management

Dates of Internship: Summer, but consideration is also given for fall and spring upon request.

Time Commitment: Minimum of 20 hours per week, some weekend dates may be necessary.
All interested candidates may e-mail a letter of intent and resume to FUN@fernbankmuseum.org

Fernbank Youth Interpreter (FYI) Volunteer Program Intern (Part-Time, Seasonal)

Summary
Fernbank Youth Interpreter (FYI) interns will work alongside Fernbank public programs staff to facilitate the museum’s teen volunteer program. In this unpaid internship, interns will primarily assist with the orientation and training of new FYI volunteers and the administration and recordkeeping for the FYI program itself.

Dates: May 19 through August 6, 2020; 20 hours per week

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

Assist in new volunteer orientation and regular training dates
Familiarization with all FYI content
Oversee FYI activities on the gallery floor and provide feedback as needed
Maintain records for FYI timecards and daily hours log
Assist with FYI volunteer scheduling
Assist with development of new FYI content and training materials
Maintain FYI physical assets such as carts, biofacts, and office spaces
Identify and catalog needs for the FYI season
Perform other duties as assigned

Preferred Experience:

Previous experience working with pre-teens and teenagers
Previous experience in education, natural history, environmental education, camps, childcare, or related field
Background in science or education is a plus

Skills and Attributes:

Must be available weekly between May 19 and August 6
Must be at least 18 years old
Must pass a background check before hire
Career interest in teen education, management, nonprofits and community service, or natural science
Comfortable working daily in a consistently high-energy environment for the duration of camps
Flexibility and a willingness to help out wherever needed; energetic and creative
A self-starter able to work independently and see projects through to completion
Enthusiasm for natural history; comfortable around reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates

Interpretive Ranger Internship

POSITION TITLE- Interpretive Ranger Intern

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES

This unpaid internship provides an opportunity to learn about current and future ecological restoration efforts on the Fernbank Museum campus and help educate visiting groups during outdoor field trips. With this position interns will have the opportunity to help lead interpretive hikes in Fernbank Forest and assist with restoration activities such as removing invasive plant species and replanting native plant species in forested areas behind the museum. This position includes both science and outdoor education.

SUPERVISOR

This position reports to Fernbank’s Forest Manager

RESPONSIBILITIES

Shadow the Forest Manager and Interpretive Rangers during daily activities. This includes opening and closing procedures, daily procedures and ongoing training.
Assist in ecological restoration efforts in Fernbank Forest, including removing non-native invasive species.
Assist with ongoing trail maintenance.
Assist in greeting, welcoming and providing general assistance to visitors.
Learn about local ecology of Fernbank Forest and the Piedmont region of Georgia.
Support outdoor educators with programs, including guided walks and hands-on educational activities in WildWoods and Fernbank Forest.
Assist volunteer groups in restoration activities, including removing invasive species (by hand and with tools) and planting native species.
Assist team members with school and volunteer groups.
Help develop new Ranger and educational programs, based on the candidate’s interests.
Other duties as assigned to help support the mission of Fernbank Museum.

INTERESTS/EXPECTATIONS

Background and/or strong interest in restoration ecology, botany, education (formal or informal), gardening, horticulture or interpretation in an outdoor setting.
Comfortable being outside for multiple hours in varied terrain. Must also be able to walk/hike up to 2 miles and have physical skills necessary to perform restoration activities (involves some lifting, bending, digging, working with tools, etc.).
Must be comfortable working with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Fall and Spring only: Strong interest in working directly with student groups preferred
Willingness to learn about the program and study/work independently if necessary.
Compliance with Museum policies and procedures.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Interested candidates may submit a cover letter and resume, including availability for the term to which they are applying, to the following email address: Forest@fernbankmuseum.org

Dates of internship: Fall (Sept.-Dec.), Spring (Jan.-May) and Summer (Jun.-Aug.)

TIME COMMITMENT

This internship will follow the school program requirements. The Forest Manager will work with the candidate to create a work schedule. The museum is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., seven days a week, so there is some flexibility in scheduling.

Opportunities are also available without school credit. Please contact the Forest Manager at Forest@fernbankmuseum.org for more information.

Marketing and Communications Internship

Fernbank Museum’s Marketing and Communications department is seeking an intern to support storytelling, audience engagement and other marketing/PR opportunities through writing, social media, events and more. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an internal marketing and communications team to learn about integrated strategies, tactics, and measurement within a B2C, nonprofit organization.

Responsibilities:
Work with the Marketing and Communications department to assist with the following types of projects in alignment with Fernbank’s brand and communications guidelines:

Develop content to promote Fernbank’s mission, exhibits, giant screen movies, events, and other programs across a variety of mediums, including social media, Fernbank’s website, on-site displays, publicity, special events and more.
Develop storylines, write copy, shoot video, and take photos to promote Fernbank programming, which may include attending weekend events, special projects and other programs as needed.
Monitor trends, metrics and new opportunities in social media and other content marketing.
Research and identify content marketing opportunities and support content development as needed.
May work inter-departmentally with internal museum “clients,” which may include Museum Store promotions, fundraising, membership, educational experiences and more.
Assist with the planning and on-site event support of Discovery Days and/or other off-site activations as needed.
Learn and support the process of writing for a variety of mediums, including email, social media, website, and press communications.
Complete other tasks/duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Skills:

Some professional or collegiate-level experience with video writing, shooting and/or production for social media is a plus, particularly relating to reel and TikTok footage creation and editing.
Course experience in marketing, journalism, communications, or a related field.
Experience with writing, photography, shooting video, various social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok), Canva, Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.
Knowledge of corporate social media strategy, content, scheduling, message response and measurement.

Time Commitment:
8-15 hours per week, unpaid
Spring, Summer or Fall semester opportunities.

To Apply:
Send resume, cover letter and video samples along with schedule availability to:
Humanresources@fernbankmuseum.org.

Membership and Volunteer Intern

Job Description
This internship will provide a unique opportunity to participate in the day-to-day member services and volunteer activities of a major museum. The position is structured to provide the intern with valuable, real-world experience in a non-profit environment.

Duties
1. Learn and use CRM system, Altru to support the Membership and Volunteer departments.
2. Provide administrative support for membership campaigns, programs and events.
3. Make volunteer assignments or changes in the volunteer management database.
4. Other projects as assigned.

Qualifications
Majors: Museum Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, Sociology, History, Public History, Business, Fundraising, Hospitality and related majors

Career Areas: Museum Studies, Anthropology, Non-Profit Administration, Business, Fundraising, Hospitality, and related fields

Skills

Works well with public
Typing and data entry skills
Independent worker
Ability to complete daily tasks in addition to long term projects

Date of Internship: Available throughout the year.

Time Commitment: 15-20 hrs/week, including some weekends

Museum Administration

This intern will assist the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Office.

Duties

Assist in research projects
Assist with historical document maintenance
Assist with day-to-day Museum administration
Assist with other projects as needed

Qualifications
Majors: Education, Museum Studies, Marketing, Business, Communications, Finance, Management
Career Areas: Museum Studies, Communications, Finance, Business, Non-Profit Management

Date of Internship: Available throughout the year.

Time Commitment: 15-20 hours per week.