Interpretation Intern

The Education department seeks a summer intern. The Interpretation Intern candidate will assist with both natural resource management and conservation education and outreach. The Interpretation Intern will assist with creating an interpretive sign inventory for Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G). This intern will integrate within the Education department working closely with the Director of Education and the graphic designer within the Marketing Department. The Interpretation Intern will develop skills in inventory creation & management as well as signage design and maintenance in a real-world setting.  This internship will have the opportunity to participate in professional development experiences with all Holden Forests & Gardens’ interns. The Interpretation Intern will have the opportunity to develop and present an independent culminating project to be presented at an intern symposium. This position is based at the Holden Arboretum campus in Kirtland, OH with occasional travel to the Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland, OH.

• Position begins in May, flexibility in start date
• 12-week internship
• Approximately 40 hours per week
• Pay $12.50
• Low-cost housing may be available
• Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents
• Open to undergraduate or recent graduates

• Support Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission vision, values, and core commitment
• Assist with the creation of an interpretive signage inventory for HF&G
• Inventory all the interpretive signs noting location, material type, content and condition. Inventory will start at the Holden Arboretum and move to Cleveland Botanical Garden if time allows
• Assist in the development of a data management system for documenting all known files both graphic and otherwise associated with all current signage 
• Create secondary document on manufacturers of signs and any background information on installation, purpose, designers, cleaning regime that may be useful
• Create report on recommendations on what needs to be replaced and a suggested timeframe
• Work with supervisor and marketing department to develop and complete an independent project which will be presented at the SEARCH symposium at the end of the internship
• Other duties as assigned

• Demonstrate a passion for people and nature
• Pursuing or recently completed an undergraduate degree in Environmental Education, Environmental Science, Museum Studies, Marketing or Graphic design or related field, preferred
• Proficient use of Microsoft 365 products, specifically Teams, Outlook (email and calendar), Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience in data entry and cataloging with various types of technology such as GIS, preferred
• Strong communication, organizational skills, adaptability, and critical thinking skills
• Good communication and customer service skills
• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required

• Stand and sit for extended periods of time
• Sitting, standing, kneeling, and bending on uneven surfaces
• Walk and work on wet, uneven, slippery, or rocky terrain
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs                                    
• Performs other duties as assigned