The Institute of Ecosystem Studies

Duration: May – Aug Interns will work 25-30 hours a week, Monday- Friday (flexible)

Location: Millbrook, NY

Housing: Housing is available on IES campus, though the intern will have to pay a monthly rent which averages about $300/person and includes linens, kitchen supplies, etc.

For more information: http://www.ecostudies.org/

Description:
Internships are available in the following facets of the Ecosystem Literacy Initiative:

• Summer Ecology Camp The IES Ecology Camp engages youngsters from the local community in science-rich exploration of ecosystem concepts. At the same time, IES education researchers investigate children’s thinking and learning about these concepts. The Ecology Camp Intern will help design and implement a research project about participants’ ecosystem thinking while also helping develop and teach some of the topics during camp.

• Ecosystem Literacy Website IES is developing a comprehensive set of resources on the web for educators, students and the general public, focusing on essential elements of ecosystem literacy. This interactive, dynamic site will help people learn about ecosystems and the connections between themselves and the environment. A Graphic Artist/Flash Design Intern will design and create informative diagrams and interactive graphics for the website. Although a basic understanding of the scientific principles of ecology would be helpful, it is not required.  This position offers a lot of flexibility and creativity; the Intern will be working directly with our web developer as well as education and scientific staff. 

Qualifications:
An intern for Summer Ecology Camp should have some experience in outdoor, environmental, or ecology education.
An intern for the Ecosystem Literacy Website must have some experience in graphic art, and be comfortable in basic web design.

Funding
Available through the Center for the Environment Summer Leadership Fellowship Program; see application instructions.

About the Organization:

The Institute of Ecosystem Studies combines research and education in fulfillment of its mission to create, disseminate and apply knowledge about ecological systems. A society with a basic understanding of ecological systems and an appreciation of their role in the quality of human life is essential if a healthy environment is to be sustained.

The IES education program builds ecosystem literacy: a way of thinking about and understanding the living and non-living systems we are connected to and depend upon.  Our vision is a citizenry capable of engaging in informed dialogue and action regarding ecosystems.  Our Ecosystem Literacy Initiative will build a seamless bridge between current ecosystem thinking and the interested public.