This summer internship provides numerous opportunities for college age students to gain knowledge, skills and practical experience working at the highest elevation botanic gardens in North America. Throughout the season, the intern will be supported in gaining valuable experience in environmental education, enhancing their communication skills, contributing to the botanic garden’s mission, and developing a clearer understanding of their career goals.
Applicant Requirements:
- Current enrollment or degree in Education, Environmental Sciences, Botany, Sustainability Studies, or related field
- Completion of at least one Education course
- Experience or interest in conducting programs with families, children and adults
- A “people person” with an ability to interact with visitors of all ages
- Creative, positive and organized
Internship Details:
- Full time, approximately 40 hours per week, may require one weekend day
- $500/ week stipend (pre-tax), plus shared housing provided in Vail
- Flexible start date: May 20-27
- Flexible end date: August 20-September 1
Goals and Outcomes:
1. Develop Educational Programs:
- Goals
- Create and implement interactive and engaging environmental education programs for visitors of various ages.
- Design activities and materials that align with the garden’s educational objectives.
- Assist in organizing and implementing community outreach events and educational programs.
- Outcomes:
- Intern designs and implements at least two new educational programs or activities.
- Intern assists in planning and executing at least two community events or outreach programs.
- Positive feedback from participants and staff on the intern’s programs.
2. Enhance Communication Skills:
- Goals
- Improve public speaking and presentation skills through leading programming, discovery cart/educational table and educational workshops.
- Foster the ability to convey complex environmental concepts in an accessible manner.
- Gain an understanding of various methods of marketing including social media.
- Outcomes
- Staff weekly education table/discovery cart.
- Deliver a minimum of four guided tours or educational presentations.
- Demonstrate improvement in public speaking and ability to engage an audience.
- Complete weekly social media posts for the gardens.
3. Collaborate with Staff and Gain Practical Experience:
- Goals
- Work closely with educators, horticulturists, and other staff to support educational initiatives.
- Participate in daily operations of the botanic garden, including plant care, conservation efforts, and maintenance tasks.
- Understand the role of botanic gardens in environmental conservation and education.
- Gain insight into potential career paths in environmental education and botany and build a network of professional contacts in the field.
- Outcomes
- Intern participates in plant care, maintenance, and conservation activities.
- Demonstrated knowledge and practical skills in horticulture and environmental stewardship.
- Establishment of professional connections and mentors in the field.
4. Research and Documentation:
- Goals
- Conduct research on specific plants and environmental topics relevant to the Garden and the current exhibit theme.
- Contribute to the garden’s educational resources.
- Outcomes
- Ability to identify a minimum of 30 plants in the garden by mid summer.
- Contribution of research to the garden’s educational resources or programs.
To Apply: Email a resume, cover letter, and contact for two references to our Education Director, Gabrielle Starr, at gabe@bettyfordalpinegardens.org