Interns

At Shaver's Creek, we offer several different internship experiences. People from around the world travel to Shaver's Creek to be a part of the unique internship programs. Our internships include:

• Environmental Education Intern — 6 to 8 per season (spring, summer, and fall seasons)
• Adventure Programs Intern — 1 per season (summer season)
• Raptor Center Intern — 1 per season (spring, summer, and fall seasons)  

Prospective Environmental Education and Raptor Center interns may want to watch the Raptor Center video that describes some of the work that interns can do. Those interested in the raptor center should contact Doug Steigerwalt by e-mail. For other internships, see the descriptions and contact information below. Inquiries for all internships may also be made by calling us at 814-863-2000.

Environmental Education Internships
An internship at Shaver's Creek is an excellent springboard to a career in cultural/natural history and environmental education professions. Some interns use the experience for college credit or as their field practicum. To apply for an environmental education internship complete the online internship application form, which includes a place to upload your résumé, as well as space to list three references. Please note: you must include your résumé and references before clicking the "Submit" button. For questions about environmental education internships, we recommend that you call 814-863-2000 and ask for Doug Wentzel at extension 7515 or e-mail him at djw105@outreach.psu.edu.

Staff Share the Experience
Interns become an integral part of the staff and are encouraged to participate in all facets of the center. As part of their mutually beneficial and cooperative efforts, staff members provide the interns with evaluation and feedback. Observation and videotaping are used in evaluations. Interns are encouraged to keep a journal. Interns share in planning, delivering, and evaluating the center's educational and recreational programming.

An intern's responsibilities may include:

• school programs
• visitor center operations
• live-animal care and handling
• natural and cultural history walks for the public
• summer camps
• volunteer training and supervision
• adventure and recreational programs
• weekend festivals and events
• teacher workshops
• teambuilding programs
• curriculum and program development
• writing articles for members' newsletter

Duration and Work Schedule
The time an intern spends at Shaver's Creek is demanding and intensely rewarding. They must have a sense of purpose, love children, enjoy people, and possess a willingness to communicate a joy in and respect for our natural and cultural heritage.

Internships are available in winter/spring (January–May), summer (June–August), and fall (September–December). Multiple seasons are permitted. The average work week is forty-five hours.

Compensation and Benefits
Shaver's Creek provides an on-site intern house with private rooms and a weekly stipend of $175. Interns are encouraged to participate in professional development workshops and regional conferences. Full-time staff members serve as intern advisors and may help with career planning and résumé writing among other things. Interns share office space with the full-time staff. Two interns will share a desk, computer and shelf space.

Apply and Interview
Interviews with top candidates are conducted in person or by phone.
The application deadlines for each season are:
   winter/spring — November 1
   summer — March 1
   fall — July 1 

Adventure Programs Internship

Time Frame: 

• Application deadline will be January 31 each year with interviews commencing in the first weeks of February.
• Start and end date: mid-May to the end of August (These dates may be negotiable.)

Position Description:

• This position would involve working closely with a Shaver's Creek program director and with one or two other staff to develop, market, and implement adventure programs, including rock climbing, teambuilding, mountain biking, caving, canoeing, and administrative duties as assigned.
• Will co-lead multiple week-long sessions of  the Rock and River Adventures program during the summer months.
• Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: training and skill development in the following areas (not limited to these areas): teambuilding programs, caving, rock climbing, mountain biking, and canoeing; scouting the various sites that the adventure-based activities will occur; following the risk management plan for the adventure program and updating this plan if needed.  

Requirements:

• Prior leadership experience with adventure/teambuilding programming.
• Must be certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR at a minimum.
• Must be 21 years old by employment start date.

Applicant:

• A willingness to learn and take on leadership roles and responsibilities.
• Experience in leading any of the following adventure activities: canoeing, rock climbing, mountain biking, caving, or other related outdoor adventure activities.
• The ability to work closely with others. 
• Detail oriented.
• Group leadership experience.

Benefits:

• Great hands-on experience with high-quality supervision/feedback.
• Stipend of $225 per week.
• Position fulfills RPTM internship requirement for Penn State students.

Please submit résumés to:
Rod Lee, Program Director
Shaver's Creek Environmental Center
3400 Discovery Road
Petersburg PA 16669

For any questions, please call at 814-863-2000 or send e-mail to rml10@psu.edu.