Environmental Education Internship

The Maria Mitchell Association offers Environmental Education Internships working with the Summer Discovery Camp Program. 


All positions include opportunities for immersive learning and teaching in diverse habitats around Nantucket Island.


These positions provide space to share passion and knowledge in marine science, environmental studies, experiential education, and more to youth on Nantucket. 


Apply Here!


Education Internship applications are due March 1, 2024. Completed applications consist of a resume, cover letter, and the Education Internship application.


Contact Info: jgurley@mariamitchell.org.

Assistant Discovery Camp Director

The Maria Mitchell Association is seeking a candidate to assist the Camp Director in planning, coordinating, and facilitating the camp programs. The MMA Discovery Camp program hosts 10 weeks of environmental education-based programming, plus 2 weeks of staff training.


The Assistant Camp Director will assist in the daily operations, supervision, camper success, and instructor support. They will also provide waterfront supervision and serve as the primary lifeguard during waterfront activities. 


  • Responsibilities and Tasks

    • Serve as a part of the leadership team with the Director of Education


    • Collaborate with the Director of Education to coordinate and facilitate training for the Education Interns   


    • Serve as the primary lifeguard during snorkeling, kayaking and swimming programs 


    • Supervise Education Interns and provide site visits, support, program evaluations and feedback  

    • Motivate staff around the Education Department’s objectives  


    • Assist Education Interns as needed 

    and ensure they are following rules and regulations on the waterfront and in the field 


    • Assist the Director of Education with camp administration including creating sign-in sheets, reviewing medical forms, preparing instructor clip boards, and more 


    • Inventory equipment needed for programs and ensure proper equipment use by instructors 


    • Fill in as a an emergency instructor and lead other educational programs as needed 


    • Have the opportunity to attend all MMA educational opportunities free-of-charge including open nights at the observatory, science lecture series, historical walks, and night hikes. 


    • Attend all required meetings including end of the summer cleaning.


    • Identify emerging needs and assist the Director of Education in developing plans to respond as needed 

  • Key Requirements and Qualifications

    • Preference given to candidates that have: 


    • Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university and at least 2 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience 


    • Age 22 or older with a valid driver’s license of at least 4 years, and ability to drive organizational vehicles around Nantucket Island 


    • Lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid certified for at least 2 years 


    • Has prior supervisory experience 


    • Experience in youth programming and lesson plan development in a camp or other outdoor educational environment 


    • Can multi-task and efficiently perform required duties 


    • Strong written and verbal communication skills 


    • Strong organizational skills and experience with detail-oriented tasks required 


    • Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and have the ability to move, stand, and walk frequently, with or without accommodation 


    • Has a fun, outgoing personality and is willing to work outside in inclement weather and occasionally at night and on weekends 


    • Desire to jump into new opportunities with a can-do attitude.  


    • Preferred background in environmental education or natural sciences 


    • The MMA will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance and continue to require all employees to receive a primary COVID-19 vaccination series and one booster in 2024. It is highly recommended that all community members stay up-to-date with their vaccinations and receive further boosters when and if eligible.

  • Compensation and Duration

    • This is a paid internship.


    • The MMA has dormitory-style housing available for interns to rent. Housing is located within walking distance to the town center and is a short bike ride to beautiful beaches, hiking trials, museums, and other great locations. If you live on campus, you will be expected to attend and participate all dorm cleaning days as part of your housing agreement. Please note that the dorm rooms are shared. Interns are not required to live in MMA provided housing, however, as Nantucket’s housing availability is notoriously limited and often expensive, we require our interns to provide proof of alternative housing before their internship begins.


    • This internship runs approximately from early May to early September with flexible start date. 

  • Application Process

    Questions? 

    Contact: Jónelle Gurley, Director of Science and Programs,

    jgurley@mariamitchell.org

    Phone: 508.228.9198 ext.103


    The Maria Mitchell Association is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. 

Environmental Education Intern

The Maria Mitchell Association is seeking high-energy, motivated individuals to design and lead lessons for the Discovery Camp programs for children ages 5–16 years old. 


Join this team of leaders that inspire a love of science through hands on exploration of the land, sea, and sky! To learn more about the sessions we offer, please visit the Discovery Camp Programs page.

  • Experience Interns Will Gain

    • Receive two weeks of training 


    • Become skilled in writing and implementing science, environmental education, and outdoor focused lesson plans


    • Develop and improve collaboration skills through group management and co-instructing


    • Learn about Nantucket’s diverse ecosystems including globally rare sandplain grasslands and coastal heathlands


    • Have the opportunity to attend all MMA educational opportunities free-of-charge including open nights at the observatory, science lecture series, historical walks, and night hikes. 


    • Build competencies and transferrable skills to take with you beyond Nantucket.


    • Experience summer life on one of the most beautiful islands in the US including kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, and biking


    • Develop friendships that will last a lifetime


  • Responsibilities and Tasks

    • Work with a co-instructor and Education Director team to plan and write unique lessons for campers ages 5 – 16 years each week


    • Design and make any needed educational props to go along with your lessons


    • Lead campers in nature hikes, wetland observations, bird watching, orienteering, community service projects, art projects, insect collecting, kayaking excursions, snorkeling exploration, and much more


    • Maintain all educational supplies and equipment by washing and putting away after use


    • Attend all required meetings including end of the summer cleaning. 


    • Help in the office to prepare for the next week


    • Additional responsibilities may include helping in the main office, leading public or private programs such as birthday parties or snorkeling excursions, and assisting with other facets of the Association’s day-to-day operations


  • Key Requirements and Qualifications

    Successful Candidates are:


    • At least 19 years old


    • Excited to share their passion for science and nature with children through creative lesson plans


    • Confident in leading groups of children in the outdoors, including beach and water environments, in a fun and safe way


    • Comfortable working independently, initiating activities, coordinating with co-teachers, and maintaining a positive attitude in challenging situations


    • Certified in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguarding or are willing to become certified prior to camp (we are able to reimburse a portion of the certification cost)


    • We find that interns who get the most out of this experience are flexible, passionate, willing to work hard, and able to live and work well with others.


    • The MMA will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance and continue to require all employees to receive a primary COVID-19 vaccination series and one booster in 2023. It is highly recommended that all community members stay up-to-date with their vaccinations and receive further boosters when and if eligible.


    Preference will be given to applicants that:


    • Are at least 21 years of age


    • Have completed or are currently enrolled in environmental education, natural sciences, or education courses


    • Have naturalist skills and/or experience as an environmental educator


    • Have experience working with children of multiple ages


    • Are able to commit for the entire summer: June 1 – August 28


    • Have a current driver’s license

  • Compensation and Duration

    • This is a paid internship.


    • The MMA has dormitory-style housing available for interns to rent. Housing is located within walking distance to the town center and is a short bike ride to beautiful beaches, hiking trials, museums, and other great locations. If you live on campus, you will be expected to attend and participate all dorm cleaning days as part of your housing agreement. Please note that the dorm rooms are shared. Interns are not required to live in MMA provided housing, however, as Nantucket’s housing availability is notoriously limited and often expensive, we require our interns to provide proof of alternative housing before their internship begins.


    • This internship runs approximately from early June to late August.

  • Application Process

    Questions? 

    Contact: Jónelle Gurley, Director of Science and Programs,

    jgurley@mariamitchell.org

    Phone: 508.228.9198 ext.103


    The Maria Mitchell Association is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. 

Returning Environmental Education Intern

Interested in joining the Education Team and Discovery Camp for another summer? Apply to return for another season.


Design and lead lessons, step up as mentors & leaders, promote a supportive, communicative, and fun team culture, and inspire a love of science through hands on exploration of the land, sea, and sky! 

  • Experience Interns Will Gain

    • Receive two weeks of training 


    • Become skilled in writing and implementing science, environmental education, and outdoor focused lesson plans


    • Develop and improve collaboration skills through group management and co-instructing


    • Learn about Nantucket’s diverse ecosystems including globally rare sandplain grasslands and coastal heathlands


    • Have the opportunity to attend all MMA educational opportunities free-of-charge including open nights at the observatory, science lecture series, historical walks, and night hikes. 


    • Build competencies and transferrable skills to take with you beyond Nantucket.


    • Experience summer life on one of the most beautiful islands in the US including kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, and biking


    • Develop friendships that will last a lifetime


  • Responsibilities and Tasks

    • Actively participate in Staff Training, and plan/facilitate 1-3 training blocks 


    • Serve as a positive example for new education staff 


    • Work with a co-teacher and Education staff to plan and write unique lessons for children ages 5 – 16 years each week 


    • Design and make any needed educational props to go along with your lessons 


    • Lead campers in nature hikes, wetland studies, survival skill instruction, bird watching, 

    orienteering, community service projects, art projects, insect collecting, kayaking excursions, snorkeling exploration, and much more 


    • Maintain all educational supplies and equipment by washing and putting away after use 


    • Attend all required meetings including end of the summer cleaning. To facilitate this, we ask interns to keep their weekday schedule open from 8am-6pm 


    • Help in the office to prepare for the next week 


    • Additional responsibilities may include helping in the main office, leading public or private programs such as birthday parties or snorkeling excursions, and assisting with other facets of the Association’s day-to-day operations 

  • Key Requirements and Qualifications

    Successful Candidates are:


    • Former MMA Education Interns 


    • Excited to share their passion for science and nature with children through creative lesson plans


    • Confident in leading groups of children in the outdoors, including beach and water environments, in a fun and safe way


    • Comfortable working independently, initiating activities, coordinating with co-teachers, and maintaining a positive attitude in challenging situations


    • Certified in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguarding, or are willing to become certified prior to camp (we are able to reimburse a portion of the certification cost)


    • Flexible, passionate, willing to work hard, and able to live and work well with others.


    • The MMA will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance and continue to require all employees to receive a primary COVID-19 vaccination series and one booster in 2023. It is highly recommended that all community members stay up-to-date with their vaccinations and receive further boosters when and if eligible.


    Preference will be given to applicants that:


    • Are at least 21 years of age


    • Have completed or are currently enrolled in environmental education, natural sciences, or education courses


    • Have naturalist skills and/or experience as an environmental educator


    • Have experience working with children of multiple ages


    • Are able to commit for the entire summer


    • Have a current driver’s license

  • Compensation and Duration

    • This is a paid internship.


    • The MMA has dormitory-style housing available for interns to rent. Housing is located within walking distance to the town center and is a short bike ride to beautiful beaches, hiking trials, museums, and other great locations. If you live on campus, you will be expected to attend and participate all dorm cleaning days as part of your housing agreement. Please note that the dorm rooms are shared. Interns are not required to live in MMA provided housing, however, as Nantucket’s housing availability is notoriously limited and often expensive, we require our interns to provide proof of alternative housing before their internship begins.


    • This internship runs approximately from early June to late August.

  • Application Process

    Questions? 

    Contact: Jónelle Gurley, Director of Science and Programs,

    jgurley@mariamitchell.org

    Phone: 508.228.9198 ext.103


    The Maria Mitchell Association is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. 

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