Interns will be involved in a variety of duties such as:

Environmental Education: IFS interns supplements the group leader's knowledge with local site information and topical lectures. The level of assistance with educational programming will vary according to the group leader’s expertise and experience. Interns should be prepared to act as a  naturalist with a general knowledge of all of the terrestrial and marine ecosystems of Andros. 

Trip Facilitation: IFS interns members are expected to stay in close contact with the group leader, transport the group to their desired sites, and monitor the group's safety while doing so.  

Field Station Operations: There are daily, weekly, and monthly tasks to be completed to maintain full operation of the field station. Each intern will be involved to varying degrees with the daily tasks, such as interacting with the guests, manning the lodge, running errands, unloading shipments, communicating with the office in Columbus, Ohio, and other duties as necessary.  

Maintenance: All interns participate in maintenance and repair of the vehicles, boats, buildings, other equipment, landscaping and other facilities tasks as needed.

Desired Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education, Marine Biology, Ecology, Fisheries, Botany, Geology, Environmental Biology, or similar science or education major 

• Experience with diving, spearfishing, snorkeling, kayaking, lifeguarding, and/or driving boats • Experience with facilitation and leading trips 

• Experience creating and presenting educational programming (middle school to adult audiences a plus) 

• Key personality traits include: ability to live and work in a small group environment with limited personal space in rustic and rural conditions, flexible and adaptable, responsible and safety conscious, relatable and personable with students/group leaders/visitors/locals, a team player with a good work ethic 

• Must have a valid Driver’s License and be comfortable driving large vans on unpaved, rural roads

• Must consent to and pass a Background Check 

• Physical requirements: Must be able to and desire to spend time diving, snorkeling, or drive boats for up to 8 hours a day, must be able to climb up and down ladders, must be able to lift 50 lbs, and must be able to drive a van for up to 1.5 hours at a time 

Internship Program: 

The internship runs from September 2024 until August 2025 with some flexibility on end dates. The first month is dedicated to training of all the new interns. Interns will not be paid for the first month of training. At any time during the training period, interns can be asked to leave the program if they are deemed by the Station Director to not be a good fit for our program. Training will include but not limited to: trip leading and planning, basic education on local flora and fauna, and station management. Days are long with 1-2 days off per week. In November and February, SCUBA certifications will be offered to all interns. Other training opportunities may include: Wilderness First Aid, Leave No Trace, and ACA Sea Kayaking certifications. Interns are expected to stay until the end of the summer season (typically mid to late August). Interns may stay on for more than one year if it is mutually agreed upon by the intern and the Station Director as a Senior Intern with a pay increase.