The William R. Watson Education Internship

Established in honor of William R. Watson and funded by The Russell P. & Elizabeth C. Heuer Foundation, this summer internship is an investment in the next generation of conservation education leaders. The program is targeted toward students who are committed to careers in natural resource conservation or conservation education. Students participating in this internship have the opportunities to:

  • Receive on-the-job training and develop job skills at a world-class raptor conservation and education facility.
  • Interact with research scientists and graduate students in the field, as well as visiting professionals.
  • Meet and form partnerships with other trainees and interns from across the nation and around the world.
  • Network with other conservation organizations.
  • Develop technological and social media skills.
  • Develop and implement a diverse summer learning program that will grow in future years.
  • Educate visitors about raptor conservation and Appalachian forest ecology.
  • Learn to care for captive raptors and receive training in raptor handling.
  • Become a mentor for future interns and volunteers.
  • Opportunities for special student-led projects.
  • Obtain college credit as approved by student’s accredited university.
  • Earn a stipend of $600/month and on-site housing.

Overview

The objective of the William R. Watson Education Internshipis to train individuals who are passionate about pursuing a career in conservation education. A secondary goal is to maintain a relationship with the intern in order to build a growing network of conservation educators across the country, and in time, around the world.

Application for Internship

Applications for summerwill be accepted beginning January 1 and will close April 15 each year. The 12-week paid internship will run from mid-May through mid-August and will require orientation at the beginning of the internship.

Please see application and eligibility requirements below.

Application and Eligibility Requirements

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Goals:

  1. Establish a strong summer education internship for individuals committed to careers in natural resource conservation and environmental education.
  2. Develop a high-quality summer program plan that includes diverse programming with current themes that focus on raptor conservation, Appalachian forest ecology, and Hawk Mountain natural history. Lesson plans and materials will be exportable globally through the web.
  3. Showcase the work of Sanctuary scientists and graduate students through video links on our website and on social media platforms. This approach allows the Sanctuary to use new technology and to connect with students, members, researchers, and others worldwide who are interested in raptor research and conservation.

Duties of Interns

Work with education staff to develop and implement on-site education programs weekdays or weekends for summer groups and visitors.

Develop and implement programs that include diverse programming with current themes that focus on raptor conservation, Appalachian forest ecology, and Hawk Mountain natural history. Lesson plans and materials will be exportable globally through the web.

Work with communications staff on press releases, website updates, social media posts, and materials development.

Implement virtual programs with classrooms through Skype.

Use video and iMovie to create videos featuring scientists and graduate students at work in the field. Post on website and social media.

Attend workshops, conferences, lectures, programs, and meetings with staff educators for enrichment opportunities. Visit other raptor education facilities in order to promote networking and partnering.

Benefits

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary provides:

  • Stipend of $600/month
  • Housing in the Acopian Center for Conservation Learning
  • Vehicles for work use
  • Use of Mac laptop Pro, related software, video cameras, and additional equipment
  • On-the-job training and job skill development at a world-class raptor conservation facility with world renowned research scientists, graduate students, and visiting professionals.

Eligibility Requirements

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary seeks applications from highly motivated students who are committed to careers in natural resource conservation or conservation education.

  • All students enrolled in an accredited college with coursework in conservation, education, or biological sciences are eligible to apply;however, preference for internship placement is given to college juniors and seniors and seniors having just graduated.
  • Background clearances- state and federal
  • Valid driver’s license

Course Credit:

Interns should coordinate directly with their school to obtain course credit for their work.

To Apply:

E-mail a cover letter, resume, and *two letters of recommendation to Erin Brown, Director of Education, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary at

*Letters of recommendation must come from the recommenders directly via mail or e-mail.

The mission of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association is to conserve birds of prey worldwide by providing leadership in raptor conservation science and education, and by maintaining Hawk Mountain Sanctuary as a model observation, research, and education facility.