January 2020
Environmental Education and Avian husbandry internship
This Summer (2020), Ripley has the unique opportunity for two Environmental Education and Avian Care Internship Positions (July-December).
The first five weeks of the internship will focus primarily on Environmental Education, including program development, public speaking, and learning how to engage with audiences of all ages and educational backgrounds. Interns will also be heavily involved with our Duck Camp, which runs weekly from July 8th-August 12th, and involves students in grades 3-6.
The remainder of the internship, mid-August through December, will focus more heavily on avian husbandry and care, including the following responsibilities:
- Feeding, maintenance, and care of the captive waterfowl collection
- Cleaning enclosures and ponds
- Aviary maintenance including grounds and structures
- Assistance with bird capture/restraint/transport
- Exposure to raptor husbandry and training
- Record keeping
- Interacting with visitors and donors during public visitation hours and special events
- Training and working with imprinted education birds
- Assisting the Director of Education at schools, community events, and onsite programs
- Support fundraising initiatives including mailings and general event preparations
- Manage social media accounts (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
The first five weeks of the internship will focus primarily on Environmental Education, including program development, public speaking, and learning how to engage with audiences of all ages and educational backgrounds. Interns will also be heavily involved with our Duck Camp, which runs weekly from July 8th-August 12th, and involves students in grades 3-6.
The remainder of the internship, mid-August through December, will focus more heavily on avian husbandry and care, including the following responsibilities:
- Feeding, maintenance, and care of the captive waterfowl collection
- Cleaning enclosures and ponds
- Aviary maintenance including grounds and structures
- Assistance with bird capture/restraint/transport
- Exposure to raptor husbandry and training
- Record keeping
- Interacting with visitors and donors during public visitation hours and special events
- Training and working with imprinted education birds
- Assisting the Director of Education at schools, community events, and onsite programs
- Support fundraising initiatives including mailings and general event preparations
- Manage social media accounts (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
Ripley Internships are demanding positions that require long hours and extended periods outside in adverse weather conditions. Applicants must be willing to put in the time and effort to complete projects as needed.
The Conservancy is located in a small town with 8,000 residents in northwestern Connecticut. Interns should be aware of the opportunities and limitations of living in a quaint New England community prior to their arrival. Litchfield is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise and the Conservancy itself is located in close proximity to many outdoor recreation opportunities.
Qualifications:
- Undergraduate, recent graduate, or graduate students in the fields of environmental science,
biology, or related fields
- Experience in environmental education is highly desirable
- Experience in animal care and/or experience with avian husbandry is highly desirable
- Must be comfortable working with children
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Capable of performing diverse tasks simultaneously
- Ability to problem solve in the field
- Excellent writing ability
- High level of professionalism
- Effective interpersonal skills and a cordial attitude
- Able to lift at least 50 pounds, climb a ladder 20 feet or higher, and perform overhead work
- Able to operate maintenance equipment such riding mowers, weed whackers, and basic power tools
Internship Length: 3-6 months
Housing: Provided at the Conservancy
Compensation: A stipend of $400 per month. Taxes and other required withholdings are deducted from this stipend. Utilities, including internet and phone service, are included with housing.
To apply: Qualified applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and three references to both our Director of Aviculture, Andrew Ocampo, and our Head of Education, Colleen Peters. No phone calls please.
Application Process: We are currently accepting applications for the Summer 2020 Internship Positions. The application period closes March 31st and interviews will take place in April.
The Conservancy is located in a small town with 8,000 residents in northwestern Connecticut. Interns should be aware of the opportunities and limitations of living in a quaint New England community prior to their arrival. Litchfield is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise and the Conservancy itself is located in close proximity to many outdoor recreation opportunities.
Qualifications:
- Undergraduate, recent graduate, or graduate students in the fields of environmental science,
biology, or related fields
- Experience in environmental education is highly desirable
- Experience in animal care and/or experience with avian husbandry is highly desirable
- Must be comfortable working with children
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Capable of performing diverse tasks simultaneously
- Ability to problem solve in the field
- Excellent writing ability
- High level of professionalism
- Effective interpersonal skills and a cordial attitude
- Able to lift at least 50 pounds, climb a ladder 20 feet or higher, and perform overhead work
- Able to operate maintenance equipment such riding mowers, weed whackers, and basic power tools
Internship Length: 3-6 months
Housing: Provided at the Conservancy
Compensation: A stipend of $400 per month. Taxes and other required withholdings are deducted from this stipend. Utilities, including internet and phone service, are included with housing.
To apply: Qualified applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and three references to both our Director of Aviculture, Andrew Ocampo, and our Head of Education, Colleen Peters. No phone calls please.
Application Process: We are currently accepting applications for the Summer 2020 Internship Positions. The application period closes March 31st and interviews will take place in April.
