Humane & Wildlife Education Internship

Description

Summary

The Humane & Wildlife Education internship provides an opportunity to work with youth in the unique, hands-on setting of informal education in an animal rescue environment. Interns will have the opportunity to help facilitate summer camp programming at both HARP’s East Side shelter and Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. They will be responsible for implementing lessons, activities, and experiences while creating a safe, welcoming, and fun environment for all.

These experiences focus on our core mission of inspiring communities and educating the public about the wonderful world of animals and how to positively coexist with them, with the goal of fostering a lifelong appreciation of animals and the environment.

Essential Responsibilities and Opportunities

•  Uphold the mission of Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP) throughout all responsibilities of the position
•  Perform professional onsite camp programming with the year-round education staff
•  Facilitate games, activities, crafts, and other educational experiences during camp programming, with the opportunity to design your own lesson, game, or craft
•  Manage children’s behavior and be an excellent role model to campers
•  Assist in the preparation of activities for before and after camp
•  Communicate professionally with parents and other members of the public before, during, and after camp programming
•  Assisting in the care and cleanup of wild and domestic education ambassadors and follow Fear Free protocols when around animals
•  Attend occasional events for public education, including off-site programs at schools, libraries or other venues when applicable
•  Maintain an open line of communication between all staff members to discuss issues, problems, and ideas
•  Perform other duties as assigned by the Sr. Education Specialists or Director of Community Programs

Timeframe

•  The Education internship position runs from early June to mid-late August (start and end dates can be flexible). 
•  This position is roughly 20 hours per week. 
•  The camp day is between 9am-3pm, so interns must have availability at some point during that timeframe. 
•  Shifts are ideally either 8:30-12:30 or 12:00-4:00, from Monday through Friday. 

Requirements

•  Education or experience in camp, youth programs, recreation, working with children or animals, or in a related field is preferred
•  Ability or willingness to lead, plan, organize, and implement program activities both indoors and outdoors
•  Ability to work as a member of a team, have flexibility in a fast-paced environment, and proactively accomplish tasks with little direct supervision
•  Strong organizational and communication skills
•  Must provide PA Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 33) and PA Criminal Record Check Clearance 
• (Act 34) plus an FBI Fingerprint Clearance (Act 114) or acquire these clearances before June 1, 2026.