The Story County Conservation Education and Interpretation Internship Program involves practical experience in the field of conservation education for current college students majoring in: Animal Ecology, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Botany, Biology, Zoology, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and related fields of study.

The program is intended for students interested in careers as interpretive naturalists, outdoor educators, outdoor recreation leaders, environmental education instructors, and other related careers.

Details:

• Participants will be expected to work at least one full day per week (approximately eight hours per work day). 
• The internship program (offered spring and fall) is one semester in length.  It may be taken for credit if your institution allows.  For course number, instructor, number of credits, etc., which vary with each department, see your advisor. 
• This is an unpaid internship experience. Participants receive no financial payment.
• Participants may be required to provide their own transportation to their work sites.
• Application deadlines:
  • Spring semester deadline- first Friday in December
  • Fall semester deadline - first Friday in May
• This internship with SCC primarily involves working with grades K‑6 within the county's school system.  It may include weekend and evening public programs in the following areas:
  • observing and presenting in‑class programs
  • observing and leading outdoor conservation education outdoor experiences
  • providing assistance to naturalists for public programs and activities
  • developing displays and writing articles for the conservation newsletter
  • performing any other activities suggested 
• Review process may include:
  • Weekly journals/logs kept by student
  • Midterm and final evaluations on progress of student by SCC
  • Final summary and evaluation of the internship experience by the student to SCC/advisor
• Location:

                 Story County Conservation Center at McFarland Park - 56461 180th Street, Ames, IA 50010

Please Note: All applicants will be required to undergo background checks in reference to their driving records, criminal history, and child abuse registry prior to acceptance as an intern working with young people.

To apply:

Please download linked application form. Complete form and submit to Environmental Education Coordinator Jerry Keys via email to jkeys@storycountyiowa.gov.

Questions? 

Contact Environmental Education Coordinator Jerry Keys via phone at 515.232.2516 or via email at jkeys@storycountyiowa.gov.