Start Date: June 5, 2023
End Date: August 28, 2023
A mandatory Professional Development Workshop will be held in Washington, D.C. from July 31 – August 4, 2023.
Compensation: $640/week + housing. Travel costs to the site and back home are covered by the program*.
Car is recommended
Application Due: January 22, 2023
The Mosaics in Science Program seeks to engage ethnically and racially diverse young professionals in natural resource careers.
Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
All interns must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 prior to the start of their internship.
Please Apply HERE
Position Description:
The intern will research the environmental history of the Blackstone River and Blackstone River Valley, urban river ecology, and the intersection between natural sciences and environmental/ climate justice. The intern will draw on the “Environmental Resource Toolkit for BLRV Watershed” created by an intern project during summer 2022. They will connect with Blackstone’s many environmental nonprofits, including the Blackstone River Collaborative and the Blackstone River Watershed Council, to collaborate on field trip offerings. For example, a program that brings students to the Blackstone River Watershed Council’s Sycamore Landing for a guided hike or river paddle can be developed. We have strong working relationships with these organizations already and rangers will set the groundwork for this project in winter/ spring 2023 before the intern is on staff.
With mentor support and feedback, the intern will draft new curricula for Slater Mill environmental education programming, including two hands-on programs focused on 4th grade students for “Every Kid Outdoors” programming that meets Rhode Island science learning standards. Each curriculum will include pre-site activities for the classroom, on site activities, and post visit activities. The target audience will be all local students within driving distance, but especially students in the Blackstone River Valley’s urban communities of Pawtucket, Central Falls, and Providence. School groups from out of the area can be served, as well.
The intern will also work with the Interpretation Park Ranger team to test at least one new program with a student group. They will help gather teacher and student feedback and will assist with communicating with schools and gathering feedback as needed. The intern will also assist with preparing a grant application for bus funding for Every Kid Outdoors transportation funding for fiscal year 2024.
Work Products: During the 12 week internship, the participant will create science-based curriculum for K – 12 students at Slater Mill National Historical Site.
The intern will have the opportunity to:
- Create new curricula for at least two hands-on programs focused on 4th grade students for “Every Kid Outdoors” programming that meet Rhode Island science learning standards. Each curriculum will include pre-site activities for the classroom, on site activities, and post visit activities. These curricula will be used internally in the park and also posted online for teachers throughout the state and beyond to utilize.
- Test out at least one new program with summer school or camp groups visiting the park. The intern will then work with their mentor to make revisions to the final curriculum.
- Research the Blackstone River Valley, immigration, industrialization, and labor rights, and how these topics relate to environmentalism and social justice. Research and develop best methods to present this information to K – 12 audiences. Where appropriate the research done by the intern will be used to improve curricula delivered to all grade levels studying similar topics and will be adjusted as necessary to the appropriate rigor of the various grade levels.
Intern Qualifications:
- Have a degree or working towards a degree in: environmental science, environmental humanities, or education
- Experience developing school curriculum and/ or experience working with students in a classroom or outdoor education setting
- Demonstrated interest in the natural history of park resources and/ or natural or cultural history of New England
- Ability to take directions and work independently
Ability to work well with coworkers and function effectively as a member of a team
Ability to sit and stand for moderate amounts of time
Natural & Physical Environment
The majority of the work will be done either in an office setting or presenting programs either in park buildings or on park grounds. Our park sites are located in a mix of urban and suburban settings in Northern RI and Central Massachusetts. Our two main sites are in Pawtucket and Lincoln, RI.
Summer high temperatures in Pawtucket average between 77 and 83. The area ranges from sea level to about 500 feet above sea level.
Preferred Skills (not required):
- Proficient in Spanish language
- Basic knowledge of history of immigration, industrialization, and labor rights, and how these topics relate to environmentalism and social justice
Other Requirements:
Applicants must have a valid driver’s license to drive a government vehicle. A personal vehicle is recommended for this position.
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