Shaver's Creek is Penn State University's nature center and environmental education laboratory seeking to enhance the quality of life by providing exemplary outdoor learning opportunities. Located twelve miles south of State College and the main campus of Penn State University, this multifaceted center offers environmental education programs for group visits, natural and cultural history exhibits, live birds of prey, amphibians and reptiles, hiking trails, native plant gardens, and more. The raptor center, providing perpetual care and housing for eagles, falcons, hawks and owls, is one of the few federally and state-licensed raptor facilities in Pennsylvania

What You Can Do

Environmental Education Interns become an integral part of the staff and are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the center's operation. A two-week orientation and training period is followed by seasonal program opportunities in both day and residential settings. Interns work with all ages, preschool to adult, and with a variety of groups, including schools, private organizations, clubs, and the general public. Program areas provide each intern an opportunity to work in planning, delivering and evaluating the center's educational and recreational programming. Observation and videotaping are used in evaluation, and interns are encouraged to keep a journal.

• School day programs for grades K-12
• Residential Outdoor Education program for grades 5-8
• Summer Day Camps for ages 4-15
• Visitor Center operations
• Live animal care and handling
• Public natural and cultural history walks
• Volunteer training and supervision
• Adventure and recreational programs
• Weekend festivals and events
• Team building programs
• Curriculum and program development
• Contributing posts to the Center's blog
• Trail stewardship & invasive plant removal
• Citizen science projects

The Raptor Center Internship at Shaver's Creek is more than birds of prey. It's also working with a group of dedicated people who are passionately following the center's mission of maintaining harmony between human activities and the natural systems that support all living species.

Interns will work closely with the director to manage and care for over forty animals (raptors, reptiles, amphibians) and to provide educational programming with these animals. Responsibilities include facilitation of the daily cleaning and feeding of the menagerie, assisting with routine health checks and maintaining equipment used with the animals. You will also help to train others (students, volunteers, staff) in animal handling and care.

Educational programming includes outreach programs to schools, nature centers and civic organizations around the state of Pennsylvania.

The Adventure Programs Intern will work with a team to develop, market and implement adventure programs, including rock climbing, teambuilding, mountain biking, caving, canoeing and administrative duties as assigned.

The Adventure Intern will also co-lead four weeks of Rock 'n' River adventure camp for teens.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old, certified in WFA and CPR, have prior leadership and outdoor experience, the ability to work closely with others and a willingness to learn and take on leadership roles and responsibilities.

This is a great hands-on experience with quality supervision and feedback.

Time Commitment

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

Environmental Education and Raptor internships are available during the winter/spring, summer and fall seasons, with an average work week of 45 hours (which does include some weekends). Multiple seasons are possible. Adventure Program internships are summer only.

Perks & Rewards

Interns are valued members of the Shaver's Creek staff. Benefits include a weekly stipend (Raptor–$150/week; EE–$175/week; Adventure–$225/week) along with on-site housing nestled in the woods away from park visitors, with a private bedroom. Interns are encouraged to participate in professional development workshops and regional conferences, and each season includes a three-day staff trip to another environmental center or a facility of interest. Interns also have a workspace with computer and Internet access. Career counseling, job-listing resources and assistance with resume writing are also provided.

The Essentials

People from around the country travel to Shaver's Creek to be a part of this unique internship program. Successful candidates have a strong desire to teach and share their knowledge and enthusiasm for the natural world. A background in education or the natural sciences is helpful but not necessary. Applications are encouraged from undergraduates, graduates and those seeking a career change.

Your First Move

To begin the application process, email or fax your resume, cover letter and three professional references to the specific internship contact noted below. Environmental Education applicants must also complete the online intern application form. Phone interviews are conducted with top candidates.

Internship Program Dates & Application Deadlines:
• Adventure Programs Summer (mid-May/June–August): January 31st
• EE or Raptor Summer (May/June–August): March 1st
• EE or Raptor Fall (September–December): July 1st
• EE or Raptor Winter/Spring (January–May): November 1st

Applications are accepted until all positions are filled.

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