INTERN – ECO-TOURISM
Six-month position, November to April
Possibility of extending six months
The goal of the eco-tourism internship is to assist in ensuring that members, guests and tourists are aware of vulnerability of our local ecosystems while enjoying outdoor activities in Southwest Florida. The eco-tourism intern will promote responsible activities in natural areas of Southwest Florida that conserve the environment by employing education and interpretation for all guests.
Residing in the Welcome Center, the eco-tourism intern will experience the highest level of guest service and eco tour operations in a non-profit environmental advocacy organization.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Promote eco awareness by:
- Communicate with and educate guests through interpretation on the Conservancy Eco-kayak tours.
- Communicate with and educate guests through interpretation on the Good Fortune Eco-tour.
- Communicate with and educate guests through interpretation on Eco-walking tours at Briggs Boardwalk and Clam Pass.
- Assist with engagement and marking to help improve COSWFL presences and assist with presentations when needed.
- Understand staff and volunteer roles within a conservation-focused Welcome Center.
- Understand and follow opening and closing procedures to maintain proper operations in Admissions.
- May assist with generating sales and reservations for both programs.
- Assist with guest transactions and questions at the front admission desk and retail desk.
- Be knowledgeable about all Conservancy programs
- Assist with coordinating daily reports and feedback about tours with Eco-Tours Coordinator.
- Sell memberships, kayak tours, Good Fortune Eco-Cruises, store products, etc.
- Assist with opening and closing the Welcome Center POS systems and learn how to perform daily reconciliations of the drawers.
QUALIFICATIONS
Recent college graduates, who aspire to gain valuable skills and knowledge in specific areas such as environmental or outdoor education, recreation and leisure studies, hospitality and tourism, or other related eco focused field. Strong communication skills preferred. *Applicants must complete the application process, including submitting the Conservancy intern application, cover letter, resume, two letters of recommendation, and college transcripts
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree (B. A.) or equivalent; or six months to one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. (Recreation and tourism majors, Environmental or Outdoor Education majors, Communication majors, or possible business/marketing related degree).
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
Basic Skills: Ability to understand basic math. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Computer efficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
PHYSICAL, DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The intern position is primarily responsible for eco-tourism program offerings. Requires the ability to lead eco-tours, working outside, up to four hours, in hot, humid, and buggy weather-related conditions.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally required to reach with hands, arms, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift up to 60 pounds. Special vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, and depth perception.
Work Environment: The employee is regularly exposed to wet and humid conditions and outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.