09-Dec-16 01:57 AM
URL: http://www.sms.si.edu/
Affiliation: non-MATE
Company / Organization: Smithsonian
City: Fort Pierce, FL
Application Deadline: 09-Dec-16
Duration: late February - mid August 2017
Description:

The Smithsonian Exhibit at the St. Lucie County Aquarium in Fort Pierce, FL is located on

the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), one of the most diverse estuaries in the U.S., and less

than one mile from the Atlantic Ocean. This unique educational facility provides a window

into these underwater worlds, offering a variety of hands-on experiences to daily visitors,

as well as on-site education programs. Our focus is on displaying ecosystems as complex

communities of organisms interacting in their environments. The six main exhibits are

models of local Florida ecosystems (seagrass bed, mangrove forest, coral reef, etc) and

vary in size from 500 to 3000 gallons. The Aquarium also features a touch tank and a

variety of interactive exhibits.

With the help of our dynamic model ecosystem displays we strive to provide the public

with a better understanding of the fragile marine ecosystems of the IRL and surrounding

area and the impact humans are having on these fragile ecosystems. The responsibilities

of the Education Intern are to interpret to visitors in the gallery and at the touch tank,

facilitate educational programs for school and community groups, assist with special

events, and create educational displays. The Education Intern may also assist with

summer camp and perform routine animal husbandry duties, such as tank monitoring,

feedings and specimen collection. Additional objectives can be developed with education

staff based on intern’s personal interests and/or experience. Learning outcomes include

an understanding of various Florida marine and estuarine ecosystems, best practices in

informal education settings, and training in animal husbandry.

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience working in an informal education setting (preferred) and/or coursework in

science education, a demonstrated ability in effectively communicating with others, a

strong interest in marine science, and a willingness/ability to maintain a flexible schedule,

including weekends.

TIMETABLE

24 week appointment, late February - mid August 2017. Forty hours per week.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit a cover letter and current resume (package limited to 3 pages) to Cristin

Krasco at KrascoC@si.edu no later than Friday, December 9, 2016.

INTERNSHIP STIPEND

$8,400

Point of Contact: Cristin Krasco