Education and Interpretation Intern

Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve (OWC) and the Friends of Old Woman Creek are offering one undergraduate internship in education and interpretation during the summer of 2025. The internship is expected to last approximately 10 weeks, from late May – early August (start and end dates are somewhat flexible). Located in Huron, Ohio, on the south-central shore of Lake Erie, Old Woman Creek is one of the state's few remaining examples of a natural estuary. OWC is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Estuarine Research Reserve System, a network of 30 coastal reserves whose mission is to address state and regional coastal management needs through research, education, and stewardship.

This Intern will work within the Education Program to provide visitor and customer service support and assist staff with the implementation of educational programs.  Job duties include answering phones, responding to public inquiries, orienting visitors to the Reserve, and issuing access permits. The intern will also assist with implementing educational and recreational programming, examples include public programs, guided hikes, guided canoe trips, and stewardship initiatives. The intern will have the opportunity to develop outreach materials, pursue an independent project for the reserve’s phenological wildlife monitoring program, and be a member of a cohort of summer interns involved in education, research, and stewardship. Experience with communications, graphic design, and research protocols is preferred.

Desired qualifications include progress toward a bachelor’s degree in environmental education, biology, environmental science, or a related subject, valid driver’s license.

All applicants must be able to swim; have some experience using self-powered boats or motorboats; be able to lift at least 35 pounds; be tolerant of working in poor conditions (e.g., weather, biting insects, poison ivy). The intern must be enrolled in a college or university (i.e., students graduating before September 2025 are ineligible).

Interns will earn a $6,000 stipend paid in installments throughout the summer. Free shared on-site housing may be available.

To apply, email a cover letter and resume to  Jennifer.bucheit@dnr.ohio.gov  before February 7, 2025.