Education Intern

Desert Research Institute, Inc.; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Desert Research Institute (DRI) is hiring four part-time Education Interns to support Nevada Robotics outreach in Northern Nevada. Duties include working with drones and classroom robotics, assisting teacher workshops, and participating in competitions.

The program emphasizes hands-on STEM activities, community events, and maintenance of lending libraries. Flexible scheduling supports student commitments, with compensation $18–$20 per hour and up to 12 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Full‑time college student status.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (including Teams and Outlook) and Google Suite.
• Availability to work Tuesday - Thursday in the late afternoons/evenings and on Saturdays.
• Preferred: studying or majoring in education or human development.
• Prior experience working in an educational setting as a student worker.

Responsibilities

• Earn certifications and become proficient using educational drones and robots for the classroom and competitions.
• Support robotics and drone teacher training workshops.
• Work at robotics and drone competitions.
• Provide STEM activities at community outreach events.
• Assist with the maintenance of the Robot and Drone Lending Library.

Skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Workspace

Schedule flexibility

Team collaboration

Education

College student (undergraduate)

Education or human development focus (preferred)

Job description

Thank you for your interest in employment with the Desert Research Institute. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application: Once you start the application process you cannot save your work. Please ensure you have all required attachment(s) available to complete your application before you begin the process. Required attachments are listed below on the posting. Your application will not be considered without the required attachments. Please see the application instructions under each posting for information on submittal deadlines. If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, contact Human Resources Hotline at [phone] or [e-mail]. Job Description Nevada Robotics at DRI is hiring four part-time Education Interns to work in Northern Nevada up to 12 hours a week during the 2026-2027 school year. The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is Nevada’s nonprofit environmental research institution and a member of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Founded in 1959, DRI conducts world-class scientific research focused on some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing communities in Nevada and around the globe. Its scientists study topics such as water resources, climate change, air quality, renewable energy, ecosystem health, drought, wildfire, and environmental resilience. With campuses in Reno and Las Vegas, DRI brings together scientists, engineers, educators, and students to develop science-based solutions that improve human and environmental health. The institute is known for its innovative research, including studies of atmospheric processes, hydrology, earth and ecosystem sciences, groundwater management, climate history, and water sustainability. Nevada Robotics is a statewide education outreach and workforce development program that empowers students, educators, and communities through hands-on robotics, drone, engineering, and technology learning experiences. Its vision is a Nevada education system where all students have early and equal access to engaging and quality computer science instruction to build a foundation for their success in STEM classes, majors, and jobs. The program provides access to high-quality educator professional development, and career-connected learning opportunities that prepare learners for success in Nevada's growing STEM industries. By partnering with schools, districts, industry leaders, higher education institutions, and community organizations, Nevada Robotics creates pathways for students to develop critical skills in problem-solving, teamwork, coding, engineering design, and innovation. What You'll Do Earn certifications and become proficient using educational drones and robots for the classroom and competitions. Support robotics and drone teacher training workshops. Work at robotics and drone competitions. Provide STEM activities at community outreach events. Assist with the maintenance of the Robot and Drone Lending Library. Have the opportunity to work on special projects and tasks as assigned. What You'll Bring A strong interest in science and innovation education. A desire to provide learning opportunities for teachers, students, and community members. Creativity, curiosity, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Why You'll Love DRI A chance to combine creativity with purpose—your work will directly inspire teachers, students, and communities. Access to innovative education environments. Mentorship from and collaboration with experienced innovation and outreach educators. Flexible scheduling to accommodate academic commitments. Opportunities to connect with local educators. Required Qualifications Full-time college student status. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (including Teams and Outlook) and Google Suite programs. Availability to work Tuesday - Thursday in the late afternoons/evenings and on Saturdays. Preferred Qualifications Studying or majoring in education or human development. Prior experience working in an educational setting as a student worker. Physical Requirements: This position may need to occasionally perform physical tasks such as lifting objects of 20-60 lbs., stooping, bending, and kneeling and standing for long periods of time. This position may require desk work and sitting at a computer for several hours at a time. Conditions of Employment: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Reliable transportation is required. Compensation Grade/Benefits: $18 - $20 / hour DOE, up to 12 hours per week; no benefits ExemptNo Full-Time Equivalent 30.0% Required Attachment(s) Qualified individuals interested in this position must attach the following documents to the required sections of your application. The system will accept multiple attachments to this section of the application up to 5MB. Please contact [e-mail], the day you apply, if assistance is needed with attachments. 1. Cover letter 2. Current resume 3. Contact information for three professional references. DRI employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) MUST use the “Browse Jobs” report within Workday to find and apply for jobs at DRI and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type "Browse Jobs" in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. Locate this specific job posting by typing the job requisition number, “R0153461” in the search box. For questions regarding this position, please call the recruiting office at 775-673-7431. Posting Close Date Note to Applicant Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials. References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant notification and permission. Newly hired faculty and postdoctoral fellows must assure that their official transcript is submitted to the Human Resources Office within 30 calendar days from the effective date of employment. Academic degrees must have been awarded by regionally accredited institutions. This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire. As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks. DRI employs only U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the U.S. DRI only sponsors aliens applying for research faculty or postdoctoral fellow positions (J-1 or H-1B Visas). All applicants hired by the Desert Research Institute are subject to E-Verify. Welcome to the Desert Research Institute (DRI), we are excited to see your interest in our research, administrative, and staff positions. This unique entrepreneurial setting enables innovative, and results driven individuals to accomplish world renowned achievements. Since 1959, DRI has stood at the forefront of understanding Earth's complex environmental systems, promoting preservation of diverse ecosystems, advancing responsible natural resource management, and improving human health and welfare throughout Nevada and around the world. Research at DRI calls on the expertise and methods of multiple scientific disciplines. More than 400 highly-skilled scientists, engineers, technicians, students and staff on two main campuses in Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada, are collaboratively focused on understanding and answering critical questions about water quality and availability, air quality, sustainability of desert lands, life in extreme environments, and more. DRI ranks high in research and development expenditures in environmental sciences. DRI is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment free of discrimination without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. DRI employs only U.S. citizens and persons lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Additionally, we comply with all applicable state laws and DRI takes measures consistent with Title IX to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its students, faculty and staff. EEO/Title IX website Jennifer Schultz Title IX Coordinator/Director of Human Resources 2215 Raggio Parkway Reno, NV 89512 [phone] [e-mail] The Desert Research Institute does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that it operates. Non-discrimination on the basis of sex is mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq.) and the corresponding implementation regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106). The Institute’s commitment to nondiscrimination in its education programs and activities extends to applicants for employment. Inquiries concerning the application of these provisions may be referred to: Jennifer Schultz, Title IX Coordinator, Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Northern Nevada Science Building, Room 112, Reno, NV 89512, Telephone: [phone]; Email: [e-mail]; to The Assistant Secretary of the United States Department of Education, U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-1100; Telephone: [phone] FAX: [phone]; TDD: 1-800-877-8339; Email: [e-mail]; or to both. Information pertaining to the Institute's grievance procedures and grievance process, including how to report or file a complaint of sex discrimination, how to report or file a formal complaint of sexual harassment, and how the Institute will respond can be found here. If you need any accommodations to complete an application, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] or [phone]. Information regarding security, personal safety, fire safety, and crime statistics can be found at DRI's Public and Personal Safety page. NSHE Employees are required to participate in a mandatory retirement plan in lieu of Social Security. As a result, employment at NSHE may impact your Social Security benefits. Additional information is available at SSA 1945. Job postings are specific to the Nevada System of Higher Education.