Seasonal Internships
Internships are a great way to get real world experience, grow your skills, improve your resume and make connections in your field of interest.
- All internships (generally 100-120 hours) include a $600 stipend
- We accept seasonal interns throughout the year on a rolling basis
- We also offer a special scholarship and internship award for students at Ramapo College (the "May H. Weis Environmental Award")
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation (NWC) is set on a beautiful 152 acre property in the Ramapo Mountains of northern New Jersey. The Center serves as a living classroom, with mature hardwood forest, hiking trails, rocky outcrops, a glacial boulder field, a stream and seasonal wetlands. Our facilities are the perfect setting for outdoor education, and include a large recreation field, picnic grove, pavilion, and group campsites - as well as a rain garden, pollinator gardens, and raised beds to enhance the curriculum options. Our history as a center focused on nature and conservation dates back to the 1920’s, and we feature that unique legacy in our place-based programs and events. In addition to the c.1931 main building which houses our offices, we are fortunate to have a c.1800’s farmhouse and many cabins and outbuildings, which expand the options we can provide.
In addition to receiving wonderful feedback from the communities we serve, we are the recipients of the Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education (ANJEE) “Excellence in Environmental Education” Pat Skelly Community Award, and received Hulafrog’s “Most Loved Camp” award.
CURRENT OPENINGS
Environmental Educators - hired on a rolling basis
Hours: Part-time as-needed; we will work with your existing schedule. Hours are flexible and vary by season, but must have availability on some weekday mornings-early afternoon. Potential for growth for the right person!
Compensation: $18-$19/hour, commensurate with experience.
Our part-time educators lead natural science, environmental education programs for school field trips, homeschool, scout badges, birthday parties, special needs and the general public (all ages). The New Weis Center’s curriculum is hands-on and geared toward developing awareness, appreciation and stewardship for the natural world. The part-time educator will deliver existing programs and may assist with development of new programs. Educators should project an enthusiastic and positive attitude, be comfortable working in a team and individual setting, and love being outdoors and helping people learn about and connect with nature. Training and mentoring is provided!
Responsibilities:
- Teach nature-based education programs, including hands-on lessons, nature observation and exploration, STEM-based activities and experiments, guided hikes, arts & crafts, and team building games
- Deliver all aspects of programming, including preparation, set up and clean up
- Assist with curriculum and program development
- Create a safe, fun, learning environment while projecting a knowledgeable and confident image
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of materials and supplies
- Assist with gardens and grounds, including invasive species management and maintaining our gardens (rain, pollinator, sensory)
- May assist with outreach and special events, including Earth Day, farmers markets, festivals and conferences
Qualifications:
- Experience leading programs in an education setting; preference for outdoor nature-based education and children’s programs
- Bachelor’s degree (completed or in progress) in education, natural/environmental studies or science, or related field is preferred but not required
- Knowledge of and passion for the local ecology, including basic plant/animal identification and general ecological understanding
Essential Qualities:
- Enthusiastic, motivated, outgoing, flexible and adaptable!
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with people of different ages and abilities
- Confident with public speaking, leading a group and initiating activities
- Ability to communicate promptly and effectively with senior staff
Requirements:
- Preference for valid First Aid and CPR/AED certificate, or willingness to obtain certification
- Must pass a criminal background and sex offender check prior to start date
- Currently eligible to work in the USA
- Must have own transportation and a valid driver's license
- Capable of hiking 3+ miles over uneven terrain in all weather conditions, and lift up to 25 lbs.
To Apply: Email a cover letter and resume (1 pg max!) to the Director, Anne Siebecker at: staff@highlandsnaturefriends.org. No phone inquiries please.
The New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation | 150 Snake Den Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456 | 973-835-2160
Owned and operated by the Highlands Nature Friends, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization