Field Science Education Intern (College Corps Only)At — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History (PGMNH)

Position Summary: 

The Field Science Fellows/Interns will provide instructional and administrative program support for the Museum’s field trip programs. Through this internship, the interns will have the opportunity to work and collaborate with Monterey County scientists, teachers, and community members, gain competitive skills in the marine and environmental science field, and receive career mentoring and networking from the Field Science Coordinator. 

Students in this fellowship will assist the Field Science Manager and other Museum Educators during field trips with middle and high school students. Interns will help 6-12th grade students learn how to collect data at the river, beach, or tide pools. Interns will be exposed to informal teaching practices and will help convey the importance of data collection and community science. 

This position requires a commitment of 8-12 hours per week, Monday-Friday with occasional weekend work. Working hours will be arranged with the candidate’s schedule in consideration, but 80% of the work is during the school day.  

This position also requires access to reliable transportation. Should a qualified candidate not have a vehicle, there may be an option to coordinate travel to sites with another intern or with Museum staff. 

Job Responsibilities: 

● Assist with the delivery of field trip programs.  

● Assist Field Science Manager and Fellow in administration of field trip programs, including how to use the equipment and collect data, and educating and inspiring curiosity about these ecosystems.  

● Ensure consistency and accuracy of student-generated ecological monitoring data collection both in the field and during data entry.  

● Input data collected into databases. 

● Assist in cleaning and taking care of program equipment and supplies.  

● Maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all students during field science activities. 

● Occasionally support science and education events at the Pacific Grove Museum, including teacher workshops and onsite outreach programs. 

● Other duties as assigned.

Candidates who will thrive in this role first and foremost enjoy being around young people (the majority of the work is in the field with middle and high schoolers). Candidates must have a passion for nature and being outside, and for environmental and conservation topics. This is a great opportunity for students with an interest in education, field science, marine science, or science communication. 

Required Skills and Qualifications: 

● Willingness to learn teaching skills to effectively instruct K-12 students from diverse backgrounds.  

● Passionate about ecology and biology, with general knowledge or willingness to learn about concepts including local riparian and coastal ecosystems, key ocean organisms, and watershed and coastal stewardship.  

● Ability to work as a team member; must be reliable, timely, patient, and enthusiastic; must have good communication and interpersonal skills.  

● Must be able to lift and carry 40lbs as this position requires transporting education materials.  

 ● Comfort working in various weather conditions and outdoor environments at rivers, beaches, and rocky tide pools, including ability to climb boulders in the rocky intertidal and be knee-deep in the ocean. 

● Flexible schedule: willingness to work occasional early mornings and weekends. Because we work with middle and high schools, candidates must be available at least two days a week during the hours of 9am-2pm. 

● Strong computer skills and experience with data entry and virtual databases, or willingness to learn.  

● Must have access to reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and a clean driving record. Should a qualified candidate not have a vehicle, there may be an option to coordinate travel to sites with another intern or with Museum staff. 

● Fluency in Spanish is preferred though not required.