Environmental Education- Paid Internship

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges; Newton (NJ); On-site; USD 18,195 - 25,915; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Disability insurance

Life insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Employee assistance program

Professional development opportunities

Metro Y program discounts

Complimentary YMCA facilities

Job summary

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges is seeking a motivated intern to assist and lead environmental education activities aligned with YMCA guidelines. The role involves planning and delivering age-appropriate programs, building strong relationships with youth and families, and ensuring sessions run smoothly within a mission-driven, supportive environment.

The internship is paid, flexible with school schedules, and may include on-site housing.

Qualifications

• Intern candidate enrolled in a relevant undergraduate/graduate degree program.
• Flexibility to work weekdays, some evenings and weekends; on-premise housing may be provided.
• Paid internship; federal work-study students welcome.

Responsibilities

• Assist/lead environmental education instruction per YMCA curriculum; prepare lesson plans.
• Plan and deliver activities within age-specific interest areas to maintain engagement.
• Build authentic relationships with students and parents; encourage volunteer involvement.
• Provide clear instruction suitable for the age group; confirm understanding.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Teaching/instruction

Child engagement

Education

Undergraduate or graduate degree program

Job description

Description

We are an all - inclusive organization joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. As a growing, mission focused, and future-oriented association of YMCAs, the Metro YMCA of the Oranges has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, mission-driven, candidate to join our team.

Description

We are an all - inclusive organization joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. As a growing, mission focused, and future-oriented association of YMCAs, the Metro YMCA of the Oranges has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, mission-driven, candidate to join our team.

Sign on bonus may apply

Requirements

Essential Functions:

• Assist/Lead environmental education instruction of a group in accordance with YMCA curriculum guidelines, having prepared lesson plans accordingly.
• Plan, setup and deliver a variety of activities within interest area that are age specific and that keep engagement and interest high. Activities such as archery, boating, climbing wall, lead hikes, teambuilding, campfire programs, science and seasonally appropriate activities.
• Builds effective, authentic relationships with students and parents; helps them connect with each other and the YMCA. Encourages parent involvement and identifies potential volunteers.
• Conveys clear instruction in alignment with appropriate age group. Ensures participants understanding of instruction.
• Uses teachable moments to discuss character development and provides constructive feedback during practice session using positive motivation techniques.
• Ensures lessons begin and end as scheduled. Maintains records as required (i.e. attendance, progress reports, etc.).
• Follows all YMCA policies, rules, regulations and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Escalates incident and accident reports immediately as necessary.
• Utilize equipment appropriately with activities and incorporate skill development. Organizes and puts away needed class equipment. Clean up area after each session. Reports damaged equipment.
• Uphold, model, teach and put the four (4) core values of the YMCA into action in all activities - everyday: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility
• Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill and encourage youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Intern candidate enrolled in a relevant undergraduate/graduate degree program and/or previous similar internship experience.
• Internship will run concurrent to semester, schedule is flexible based on school schedule, with the ability to work week day hours as well as some nights and weekends. On-premise Housing may be supplied.
• This is a paid internship. Federal work-study student welcome.
• Certifications: CPR, AED, Basic First Aid certification or willing to complete.
• Previous experience working with children and adults preferred in various sports, art, science, S.T.E.A.M., archery, boating, climbing wall, leading educational hikes, campfire programs and seasonally appropriate activities.
• Must be able to demonstrate instructor skills in accordance with YMCA standards.
• Previous experience working with diverse populations preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficient Microsoft Suite skills.

Part Time Benefits

• paid sick leave
• a legal plan
• disability insurance
• life insurance
• 12% retirement benefits upon eligibility
• a 403 (b) plan
• an employee assistance program
• professional development opportunities
• Metro Y program discounts
• complimentary use of YMCA facilities
• Full job description provided upon interview process.*

Salary Description

$16.01 per hour