September -December 2025

Description: 

• Assist with hands-on, outdoor environmental education programs for school-aged children at local elementary schools. All programs take place within 25 miles of Irvine Nature Center. Schedule: At least two days a week, Monday through Thursday, 2:00-6:00PM.

Responsibilities:

• Help plan and implement enrichment activities and recreational activities
• Assist with classroom management and lesson implementation
• Help prepare materials for each lesson

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong interest in natural sciences, environmental and scientific education, outdoor recreation, or related fields
• Work experience with children
• Enthusiasm for and curiosity about the natural world
• Experience or strong interest in working with school-aged children
• Excellent communication skills
• Positive attitude and professional demeanor
• Reliable transportation
• Ability to pass a background check (if over 18)

September -December 2025

Description: 

• Assist with hands-on, outdoor environmental education programs for school-aged children. Under the direction of program instructors, the intern will fulfill a variety of duties. Schedule: At least two days a week, Monday through Friday, 9:30am-2:00pm.

Responsibilities:

• Set up materials for programs
• Assist with the care and coordination of school groups
• Clean up after programs
• Organize educational materials

Desired Qualifications:

• At least 16 years old
• Strong interest in the environment and Natural History, Environmental/ Science Education, Outdoor Recreation, or related fields
• Strong organizational skills and punctuality
• Work experience with children preferred
• Excellent communication skills
• Familiarity with or enthusiasm to learn a variety of environmental education activities
• Reliable transportation

September 2025 – May 2026

Description:

• Assist the two class teachers in leading classes of 14 students, ages 3-5 years old. Set up and clean up class materials, participate in and supervise nature play and investigations, provide group management with the assistance of teachers, and assist individuals or small groups of children with self-help skills, activities, and social interaction. Gain leadership experience in a teaching environment that values hands-on learning, risky play, and getting muddy. School year runs 9/2/25 – 5/29/25 (Full year preferred but semester available). Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 8:30am-12:30pm or 8:30am-2:30pm and/or Tuesday & Thursday 8:30am-12:30pm or 8:30am-2:30pm.

Responsibilities:

• Help facilitate & prepare nature-based play and learning
• Model appropriate enthusiasm for the outdoors, conflict resolution, and desired pro-social skills
• Engage with small groups of children in activities
• Provide additional hands-on support during eating and cleaning up times
• Assist with set up and clean up

Desired Qualifications:

• At least 16 years old
• Experience and/or strong desire to work with children ages 3-5
• Trust in children’s abilities and willingness to step back and let them take the lead
• Enthusiasm and curiosity about the natural world
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Strong communication skills
• Positive attitude and professional demeanor
• Physically capable of hiking up to 2 miles a day in all forms of weather
• Your own transportation
• Complete and pass fingerprinting, background check, and physical per MSDE requirements
• Current First Aid and CPR helpful but not required

September 2025 -May 2026

Description: 

• Assist the two class teachers in leading classes of 8-18 students, ages 4.5-7 or 8-12 years old (depending on the class). Interns serve as teaching aides to help facilitate nature-based play and investigation in an environment the values hands-on learning, risky play, and getting muddy. Schedule: Wednesday 9:30am-12:30pm and/or 1:30-4:00pm.

Responsibilities:

• Help facilitate & prepare nature-based play and learning
• Participate in and supervise nature play and investigations (read, play, or create alongside, etc.)
• Provide group management with the assistance of teachers, facilitating social interaction
• Provide 1:1 or small group assistance to students needing help with an activity or in need of a break
• Assist with set up and clean up

Desired Qualifications:

• At least 16 years old
• Experience and/or strong desire to work with children ages 4.5-12
• Trust in children’s abilities and willingness to step back and let them take the lead
• Enthusiasm and curiosity about the natural world
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Strong communication skills
• Positive attitude and professional demeanor
• Physically capable of hiking up to 2 miles a day in all forms of weather
• Your own transportation
• Complete and pass fingerprinting, background check, and physical per MSDE requirements
• Current First Aid and CPR helpful but not required.

September 2025 -May 2026

Description: 

• Assist Irvine staff in leading our environmental action and advocacy class for 5-14 children ages 11-14. Interns serve as teaching aides to help facilitate nature-based play and investigation in an environment that values hands-on learning, risky play, and getting muddy. Schedule: Tuesday 1:00-4:00pm. 

Responsibilities:

• Gather materials and set up class grove
• Participate in and supervise nature play and investigations
• Safeguard student safety during class by conducting risk assessments for and with students
• Provide class management with the assistance of the Head of Homeschool programs
• Clean up materials after class

Desired Qualifications:

• At least 16 years old
• Experience working with children ages 11-14
• Trust in children’s abilities and willingness to step back and let them take the lead
• Curiosity and passion about the natural world and environmental stewardship
• Strong communication skills
• Positive attitude and professional demeanor
• Physically capable of hiking up to 2 miles a day in all forms of weather
• Your own transportation
• Complete and pass fingerprinting, background check, and physical per MSDE requirements
• Current First Aid and CPR helpful but not required.

September 2025 -December 2025

Description: 

• Assist Irvine marketing team with design and production projects and social media content creation. Play a vital part of the communications team to tell the story of Irvine through visuals. Schedule: Flexible, 10-20 hours a week.

Responsibilities:

• Support Irvine’s fall events by producing promotional materials
• Collaborate with the Irvine team to capture content for social media, including photography, video, and informational content
• Produce signage and collateral for Irvine’s signature event – Pumpkins on the Green

Desired Qualifications:

• Design experience (Adobe, Canva, Photoshop)
• Experience in creating content for social platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, LinkedIn)
• Strong written communication in a variety of formats
• An interest in wildlife, environment, and nature

September -December 2025

Description:

• We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Event Planning Intern to assist with planning for Irvine’s annual fundraiser, Pumpkins on the Green and other 50th Anniversary events. The position will play a key role in securing auction items, coordinating event logistics, and supporting the overall success of our special events. This position is perfect for someone interested in gaining hands-on experience in event planning, nonprofit fundraising, and donor engagement. Schedule: Flexible, 10-20 hours a week.

Responsibilities:
Event Planning Support:

• Assist in planning and organizing event including event décor, vendor management, etc.
• Collaborate with the team to brainstorm creative ideas for enhancing the event experience.
• Communicate with vendors, sponsors, and stakeholders as needed.
• Help manage event timelines and ensure all details are executed smoothly.

Auction Item Procurement:

• Research and identify potential auction item donors, such as businesses and local vendors
• Draft and send solicitation letters or emails to secure donated items.
• Track and document incoming auction items, including descriptions, values, and donor details.
• Coordinate pick-up, drop-off, or shipping of auction items.
• Assist in creating auction packages and writing compelling descriptions for online platform.

  General Support:

• Provide administrative assistance, such as data entry, tracking donations, and updating records.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to event strategy discussions.

Qualifications:

• At least 18 years old / post-high school
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable reaching out to businesses and individuals for donations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel)
• Experience with or interest in event planning, fundraising, or nonprofit work is a plus

September – December 2025

Description:

• Get first- hand experience caring for and improving the lives of Irvine Nature Center’s ambassador animals. This position involves working with reptiles, amphibians, fish, mammals, raptors, and invertebrates. Schedule: Flexible hours

Responsibilities:

• Feed animals, clean enclosures, and assess animal’s wellbeing daily
• Check exhibits and maintain lighting, heat lamps, and aquarium filters
• Assist staff with live animal handling and occasional medical care
• Keep exhibit hall clean and presentable to visitors
• Occasionally interact with visitors to answer questions and /or show an animal up close

Qualifications:

• At least 18 years old
• Strong desire to care for and improve the lives of Irvine’s ambassador animals
• Willing to get dirty and not afraid to handle many species of animals
• Work well with others as well as independently
• Take initiative once trained
• Maintain a friendly, professional manner
• Sustain a reliable schedule and be punctual