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 history and cultural exhibits, live amphibians and reptiles, hiking trails, herb 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 Internships

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.

Internship Program Areas: • School programs for grades K-12 • 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 • Writing articles for member's newsletter

Interning at Shaver's Creek literally changed my life. The community there was the most heartfelt, loving community I have ever had the pleasure of being apart of. The support was huge, and the outdoor director gave us room to try, learn and experiment on our own. I did not feel like an intern, but rather, I felt like an important part of the family. Like I mattered. Now I realize that I have great potential for impact. –Cat Cici

Raptor Center Internships

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.

Internship Video: Shavers Creek Birds of Prey The Shaver's Creek Raptor Center provides a home for a variety of birds of prey who have suffered an injury and cannot continue to survive in the wild. Interns and staff provide support for the animals, and in return the birds of prey provide a rare learning experience.

Adventure Program Internships

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. You will also co-lead weeklong trip for teens to the New River Gorge in West Virginia as well as rock and river adventures programming. 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

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 have workspace with a Macintosh computer and Internet access. Career counseling, job-listing resources and assistance with resume writing are also provided.

The Essentials

People from around the world 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 (June–August): January 31st
•	EE or Raptor Summer (May/June–August): March 1st
•	Raptor Fall (August–December): June 1st
•	EE Fall (September–December): July 1st
•	EE or Raptor Winter/Spring (January–May): November 1st

Applications are accepted until all positions are filled.

Insider Tips for Environmental Education Interns:
The most successful candidates have some experience working with children. A site visit and meeting with the Intern Coordinator is beneficial, but not necessary. Many first-time undergraduate candidates who are not initially accepted into the internship program mistakenly fail to reapply for an upcoming season (persistence pays off so keep trying!). –Doug Wentzel

Connections

Shaver's Creek Environmental Center Penn State Outreach 3400 Discovery Rd. Petersburg, PA 16669 814.863.2000 814.865.2706 fax www.shaverscreek.org Internship Program Overview »

Environmental Education Internships Doug Wentzel, Internship Coordinator shaverscreek@outreach.psu.edu Raptor Center Internships Doug Steigerwalt, Program Director dxs135@psu.edu Adventure Program Internships Rod Lee, Program Director rml10@psu.edu

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