I. JOB SUMMARY
The Education Program Specialist Intern position at Wonder Garden is compensated for up to 20 hours per week for the duration of the program. Education Program Specialist Interns will work alongside staff members and independently to provide environmental education programming to students, families, and to the public, both onsite and offsite, that reflects the mission of the Wonder Gardens. The internship includes on-the-job training, mentorship, and project work that prepare students for careers in informal environmental education at botanical centers, zoos, aquariums, and nature centers.
To apply, send a resume and cover letter to education@wondergardens.org and complete our online application: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/1549226348.
The Spring 2026 internship has a duration of 13 weeks.
Work hours are generally 8:30 am – 1:30 pm, 4 days per week, though some flexibility is required for programming. Periodic evening work hours may also be required for events or outreach.
II. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ensures that guest interactions in the gardens and with animals are positive and represent our mission.
- Interacts with visitors and guests to provide educational awareness of Wonder Gardens attributes.
- Provides wildlife information and conservation messages daily through guest interactions.
- Assists in teaching programs to students in early childhood centers, public and private schools, and community organizations.
- Assists with and leads tours for field trips and school programs for elementary and middle school children.
- Assists with Wonder Gardens special events.
- Assists with and may lead partnership projects with schools and youth groups in the community.
- Serve as counselor for Wonder Gardens Camp Programs.
- Assists with and may lead offsite, scheduled outreach events for public educational talks as needed.
- Assists in the development and delivery of fun and experiential educational programs and programs for school children and visitors of all ages and abilities.
- Attends on-property special events, some after regular hours.
- Interacts with, maintains positive relationships between staff and volunteers.
- Works to prepare the gardens and wildlife in case of impending inclement weather. Will also assist with post-event clean up and related needed repairs.
- Assists with the care and maintenance of animals, equipment and materials used in programming.
- Works effectively as a member of a team and provides support to other team members.
III. QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED:
- Minimum 3rd year (Junior) college student at FGCU, pursuing a degree in education, communication, environmental studies, biology, zoology, or related area.
- Exceptional customer service and verbal communication skills and capable of interacting with guests in a professional manner.
- Must be able to follow written and oral directions.
- Enthusiastic desire to work with children and adults of all cultures and abilities.
- Knowledge of or willingness to learn about local ecosystems and natural history of southwest Florida
- Must be able to easily navigate the grounds of Wonder Gardens and work outdoors in hot or inclement weather under safe conditions
- Computer skills (Microsoft Office suite, Google Suite, and Canva working knowledge a plus)
- Requires lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds.
PREFERRED:
- Prior work experience in educational programming, such as with early childhood or school age children
- Experience in a zoo, botanical garden, or environmental organization preferred.
- Pursuing a master’s degree in education, environmental studies, biology, zoology, or related area.
