Position Title: Interpretive Services, Education Intern(Part-Time)
Location: Audubon Acres – Chattanooga Audubon SocietyHours: 10–25 hours per week; Some Saturdays required
Type: Part-time, Temporary, Grant-Funded (Youth Employment Program)August 2026-June 2027Pay: $15/hourSupervisor: Education Director
Position Summary
The Chattanooga Audubon Society is seeking an enthusiastic, dependable, and detail-oriented intern to support visitor engagement, educational programming, historical interpretation, and organizational communications. This position provides hands-on experience in environmental education, living history, nonprofit operations, visitor services, and technical writing.
The intern will assist with field trips, educational programs, visitor center operations, and the development of written materials to help bring the stories of Audubon Acres, Robert Sparks Walker, David Gray Nature Sanctuary, and the broader Chattanooga region to life. This role is ideal for individuals interested in education, history, environmental studies, museum interpretation, communications, or nonprofit management.
Primary ResponsibilitiesVisitor Services & Public Engagement
- Greet guests and provide information about trails, exhibits, programs, and Chattanooga Audubon Society properties.
- Operate the Visitor Center front desk, process admissions, and respond to phone and email inquiries.
- Assist with gift shop operations and membership registrations.
- Staff Saturday Visitor Center shifts and support weekday operations as scheduled.
- Create a welcoming and informative experience for visitors of all ages.
Education & Historical Interpretation
- Lead and assist with educational field trips, homeschool programs, and family learning experiences.
- Facilitate hands-on learning activities focused on environmental education, local history, and living history.
- Interpret the cultural and natural history of Audubon Acres, David Gray Nature Sanctuary, and the surrounding region.
- Demonstrate traditional historical skills such as rope making, butter churning, Wool cleaning, and other period-appropriate activities.
- Assist with developing and teaching new educational programs, workshops, and special events.
- Prepare materials and educational stations for programs and field trips.
- Help maintain educational spaces, exhibits, and historic areas.
- Ensure safe practices during demonstrations, activities, and visitor interactions.
(Possible opportunity) Communications & Technical Writing
- Assist with drafting educational content, reports, grant narratives, and program summaries.
- Document programs and events through written reports, photographs, and content collection for future communications and marketing efforts.
- Support the organization of educational and operational records.
General Support
- Assist with seasonal events, special programs, and weekend educational offerings.
- Communicate regularly with the Education Director regarding program needs and progress.
- Perform additional duties as assigned that support the mission of Chattanooga Audubon Society.
QualificationsRequired
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Strong communication, writing, and organizational skills.
- Friendly, professional, and welcoming demeanor.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Comfort working with children, families, and diverse audiences.
- Comfortable working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Reliable transportation to Audubon Acres.
- Ability to lift and carry educational materials and program supplies.Most are no more than 30 lbs
- Must pass a background check.
Preferred
- Interest in environmental education, history, museum studies, public interpretation, nonprofit work, or communications.
- Experience in education, summer camps, museums, visitor services, customer service, or public programming.
- Knowledge of local Chattanooga history or living history interpretation is a plus.
- Proficiency with Google Workspace.
- Familiarity with Canva or other design software is a bonus.
Schedule
- Ability to work some Saturdays from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
- Weekday hours are flexible and scheduled around educational programs and organizational needs. Hours can vary, but they are mainly 8:45 AM- 12:30 pm
- Occasional additional hours may be available for special events and seasonal programming: Spring and Fall break programming, Walker Farm Pioneer Days in November, and our Cultural Celebration in May.
Benefits
- Gain experience in environmental education, historical interpretation, visitor services, nonprofit communications, and program development.
- Build a professional portfolio of educational and technical writing projects.
- Develop public speaking, teaching, and interpretive skills.
- Network with educators, environmental professionals, historians, and nonprofit leaders.
- Contribute to meaningful community-based educational programs in a unique, natural, and historic setting.
To Apply
Please email your résumé and a brief statement of interest to [email protected] with the subject line:
Interpretive Services and Education Intern Application
Pay: $15.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
