Traineeships & Internships
We work to inspire, train, and empower future leaders in conservation.
There are several diverse and educational opportunities at Hawk Mountain for students and young conservationists around the world. Whether it be in science, education, or communications, there are many valuable hands-on experiences available.
Training Options are available for:
- The up-and-coming conservationist with a specific interest in raptors or bird conservation
- Young professional raptor biologists already established in the field
- North American undergraduates interested in pursuing raptor/wildlife conservation
- Graduate students working on raptor research at a major university
- Undergraduates studying communications, marketing, or graphic design
- Undergraduates interested in non-profit management, development, or event-planning
Conservation Science Traineeships
Conservation Science Traineeships
Spring & Fall
Hawk Mountain has trained over 450 young people from 75 countries, and thanks to the Trainee Endowment, supplemented by general operating funds, every trainee receives a full scholarship. Without this commitment, the large majority of our trainees, particularly those in developing nations, would never receive training of any kind.
Trainees in conservation science participate in ongoing field work, the migration count and nesting raptor studies. A seminar series on raptor biology and migration occurs several times a week along with instruction in statistics and use of GIS. Each trainee is given the opportunity for an individual project working with staff. Some have used the time to write grant proposals, analyze historical datasets, develop educational materials or analyze data they have collected in the past. All trainees participate in visitor programming on weekends, learning how to share concepts in science and conservation with the public.
Trainees are selected from Pennsylvania, the United States, and abroad. Applications for Spring Traineeship opportunities are due November 15 and applications for Autumn Traineeship opportunities are due April 15. Applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance as trainees can be accepted in advance of the deadline.
• Receive a monthly stipend
• Learn basic techniques in conservation science and education
• Experience monitoring and environmental education in a wildlife sanctuary
• Learn how to work with volunteers, visitors and school groups
• Learn how to apply for grants and fund their own research projects
• Work on both an independent and a group project
• Practice nature interpretation at the Sanctuary
• Practice the latest methods in migration monitoring techniques
• Use satellite telemetry, banding, and GIS mapping
• Develop multicultural awareness and international partnerships
Academic Traineeships
Year-round
Academic traineeships are available to local college undergraduates who are participating in internship programs in affiliation with academic institutions. Academic traineeships occur over one or more semesters, and are individually designed based on student interest and need. Traineeships involve three or more study hours per week on library, lab, or field projects conducted under the joint supervision of the trainee’s faculty supervisor and Hawk Mountain Sanctuary staff.
Academic traineeships are available throughout the school year and in summer, and are unpaid.
To apply, contact:
Wendy Nicodemus, Operations/Trainee Coordinator
[email protected] or 570-943-3411 x101
Education Traineeships
Beginning on or before June 1. Duration 3-6 months
Are you passionate about informal education, conservation education, or science education? Established through a major gift to the School in the Clouds Campaign, our Education Traineeship is designed to equip the next generation of conservation education leaders with hands-on experience while living at a world-class raptor conservation and education facility.
Trainees will develop essential job skills through direct involvement with programs like our Summer Nature Camp, field trip experiences, off-site programs, and public programs. You will gain hands-on experience working with non-releasable raptor ambassadors, including their care, training, and enrichment while developing the skills to confidently engage and educate audiences of all ages through live presentations.
Hawk Mountain’s Education Traineeship program is an invaluable opportunity for the select candidate to develop skill proficiency, competencies, and hands-on professional experience in:
- Summer Nature camp organizing, teaching, and operating raptor conservation education
- Appalachian ecology education
- Outdoor and experiential education
- Interpretation
- Captive raptor husbandry, handling, enrichment, and training
- Teaching with live animal ambassadors
- Group and classroom management strategies
- American Red Cross certification in Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
- Lesson planning and curriculum development (as time allows)
• On-site housing provided
• Work vehicle available for job-related tasks
• Earn college credit (subject to university approval)
Primary Duties:
• Teach Summer Nature Camps for students in grades 1-6
• Work with our collection of non-releasable raptor ambassadors, including animal husbandry, feeding procedures, enrichment, training, handling, and more
• Assist and ensure smooth operations of ongoing programming responsibilities both on and off site, including but not limited to group programs, weekend programs, virtual programs, Calendar of Events walks and talks, birthday parties, scout events, and guided hikes.
• Setup, break down, and clean classrooms and other teaching spaces and organize teaching materials physically and virtually.
• Assist with preparing curricula and lesson plans as assigned.
• Engage audiences of all ages in Hawk Mountain’s mission.
• Demonstrate excellent customer service skills with Sanctuary visitors, supporters, program participants, and customers.
• Adhere to all standard operating procedures.
Eligibility Requirements:
• Students enrolled in an accredited college with coursework in education, conservation, biological sciences, or related fields are eligible to apply.
• Individuals with experience working with children are eligible to apply, even if they are not currently enrolled in an accredited college program.
• Background clearances- state and federal
• Valid driver’s license
Applications Due: March 1 (however, applications are considered rolling and may be accepted pass the due date on a case-by-case basis)
To apply, email a resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 references with the subject line "Education Traineeship" to:
Megan Roselli, Director of Education
[email protected].
Senior Education Internship
9-month position, with flexible start dates between February 1 and June 1. Priority given to candidates who can start before May.
Are you an aspiring leader in informal education, conservation education, or science education? The Senior Education Internship is a fully immersive opportunity designed to equip passionate educators with the skills and experience needed to excel in the field.
As a Senior Education Intern, you’ll gain extensive training in environmental education, raptor conservation, public engagement, and raptor husbandry while working alongside leading professionals at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, a world-class raptor conservation and education center. This 9-month residential internship provides a unique, all-season perspective on conservation education that sets participants apart. Senior Education Interns have a wide range of opportunities to participate in professional development and networking opportunities like college-level seminars, field courses, and fun outings and adventures. Education interns will get to self-identify projects they would like to pursue that both align with Hawk Mountain Sanctuary’s mission and goals and give them the opportunity to develop valuable job skills.
Hawk Mountain’s Senior Education Internship program is an invaluable opportunity for the select candidate to develop skill proficiency, competencies, and hands-on professional experience in:
- Raptor conservation education
- Appalachian ecology education
- Outdoor and experiential education
- Interpretation
- Organizing, teaching, and operating Summer Nature Camp
- Captive raptor husbandry, handling, enrichment, and training
- Teaching with live animal ambassadors
- Lesson plan and curricula development
- Pedagogy
- Group management strategies
- Professional mentorship of education trainees and counselors in training
- Evaluation of informal educational programs
- American Red Cross certification in Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
• On-site housing provided
• Work vehicle available for job-related tasks
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will hold a degree in education, environmental science, biology, or related field; possess teaching skills; and have experience working with live ambassador animals, preferably raptors. The position requires an understanding of Hawk Mountain’s raptor conservation science and education activities, as well as enthusiasm for connecting diverse audiences of all ages with Hawk Mountain’s mission. Excellent communication skills and a passion for nature and environmental education is a must. All candidates must have the ability to hike at least two miles over steep, rocky terrain, to lift 50 pounds, and have a valid driver’s license.
PRIMARY DUTIES
• Assist and ensure smooth operations of ongoing programming responsibilities both on and off site, including but not limited to group programs, weekend programs, virtual programs, Calendar of Events walks and talks, birthday parties, scout events, and guided hikes.
• Teach summer nature camp programs.
• Assist with preparing curricula and lesson plans as assigned.
• Teach and mentor trainees, volunteers, and counselors in training.
• Setup, break down, and clean classrooms and other teaching spaces and organize teaching materials physically and virtually.
• Work with our collection of non-releasable raptor ambassadors, including animal husbandry, feeding procedures, enrichment, training, handing, and more.
• Adhere to all standard operating procedures.
• Engage diverse audiences of all ages in Hawk Mountain’s mission.
• Demonstrate excellent customer service skills with Sanctuary visitors, supporters, program participants, and customers.
• Exhibit excellent communications with the professional education team, all Sanctuary departments, and guests.
• Assist with any other tasks and/or projects as assigned.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, starting on November 1. Priority is given to candidates who can start before May.
To apply, email a resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 references with the subject line "Senior Education Internship" to:
Megan Roselli, Director of Education
[email protected]
Communications & Public Relations Internship
Spring & Summer
Hawk Mountain Communications Interns work under the supervision of our Communications Specialist in support of Hawk Mountain's global mission as a recognized leader in international raptor conservation science and education. Gain valuable experience in public relations supporting our diverse communications platform that includes traditional print publications and digital new media.
Understanding of modern communications is essential with a preference for candidates with skills in writing, marketing, social media, and/or video production preferred. Interest in the outdoors and wildlife is encouraged, as experiences may include working with the education team, documenting field work, interacting with live raptors, and more.
Interns are selected from local colleges and universities. Spring Internship applications are due November 15. Summer Internship applications are due April 15.
• Students entering their junior or senior year are eligible
• Flexible schedule, totaling 10 - 20 hours a week
• Receive a monthly stipend
• Writing responsibilities include articles, press releases, social media posts, advertisement campaigns, publication copywriting and copyediting, flyers, event listings, email blasts, and more.
• Summer interns will collaborate with the summer Communication Design Intern on marketing and outreach materials.
To apply, email a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to:
Gigi Romano, Communications Specialist
[email protected]
Communication Design Internship
Summer
Hawk Mountain Communications Interns work under the supervision of our Communications Specialist in support of Hawk Mountain's global mission as a recognized leader in international raptor conservation science and education. The candidate will gain valuable experience in communications and design supporting our diverse communications platform that includes traditional print publications and digital new media.
Understanding of modern communications is essential with a preference for candidates with skills in marketing, video editing and production, and/or social media preferred.
Interns are selected from local colleges and universities. Internship applications are due March 15.
• Students entering their junior or senior year are eligible
• Flexible schedule, totaling 8 - 16 hours a week
• Receive a monthly stipend
• Assist in creating promotional and publication materials, advertisement campaigns, and online content.
• Design responsibilities include event flyers, posters, brochures, rack cards, online ads, social media banners, shareable content, publication spreads, mailing designs, email banners, and infographics.
• Collaborate with the summer Communications Intern on marketing and outreach materials.
To apply, email a resume, cover letter, and design samples to:
Gigi Romano, Communications Specialist
[email protected]