The Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit at the St. Lucie County Aquarium in Fort Pierce, FL is located on the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), one of the most biodiverse estuaries in the U.S., and less than one mile from the Atlantic Ocean. This unique educational facility provides a window into these underwater worlds, offering a variety of hands-on experiences to daily visitors, as well as on-site education programs. Our focus is on displaying ecosystems as complex communities of organisms interacting in their environments. The six main exhibits are models of local Florida ecosystems (seagrass bed, mangrove forest, coral reef, etc) and vary in size from 500 to 2500 gallons. The Aquarium also features a touch tank and a  variety of interactive exhibits.

With the help of our dynamic model ecosystem displays we strive to provide the public with a better understanding of the fragile marine ecosystems of the IRL and surrounding area and the impact humans are having on these fragile ecosystems. The responsibilities of the Education Intern are to interpret to visitors in the gallery and at the touch tank, facilitate educational programs for school and community groups both at the aquarium and off-site, assist with special events and outreach, and create educational displays. The Education Intern may also assist with summer camp and may perform routine animal husbandry duties, such as tank monitoring, feedings and specimen collection. Additional objectives can be developed with education staff based on intern’s personal interests and/or experience. Learning outcomes include an understanding of various Florida marine and estuarine ecosystems, best practices in informal education settings, and training in animal husbandry.

Lodging is not included in this position.

QUALIFICATIONS
Experience working in an informal education setting (preferred) and/or coursework in science education, a demonstrated ability in effectively communicating with others, a strong interest in marine science, and a willingness/ability to maintain a flexible schedule, including weekends.

TIMETABLE
Early January through late May/early June.

40 hours per week.

Application Process

Please submit a cover letter and current resume (package limited to 3 pages) to Erin Lomax at the email: lomaxe@si.edu(link sends e-mail) no later than Friday, October 19th, 2018.

INTERNSHIP STIPEND
$8,000-$8,800

CONTACT
Erin Lomax

Smithsonian Marine Station
701 Seaway Drive
Fort Pierce, FL  34949
772.465.3271
email: lomaxe@si.edu(link sends e-mail)
website: www.sms.si.edu/smee