Every year, Audubon works with students looking to further their education and meet specific criteria for academic standards with an Audubon internship. See below for some volunteer opportunities that are especially suited to an internship. For a complete list of volunteer opportunities, many of which can also be incorporated into an internship, see our volunteering web page.

Contact: For information about interning at the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, please email July Lewis or by phone 401-245-7500 x 3044.  To apply for an internship, please send a cover letter, resume and completed volunteer application by email to July Lewis.

Education Grants Research Grants are an essential part of funding some of Audubon’s most valuable projects in education. Audubon needs an experienced volunteer to search grants opportunities and compile lists of possible grants for our Senior Director of Education. The ideal volunteer will be able to work on the project at home with occasional meetings at Audubon, either in Bristol or Smithfield. Grants experienced strongly preferred. Minimum of 3 hours commitment per week; more would be welcome. To apply for this volunteer position, please send a volunteer application, cover letter/email and resume to July Lewis. 

Osprey Mapping: Are you experienced with ArcView GIS software? Then we need your help with the RI Osprey Monitoring Program! Create a map of present and past RI osprey nests in ArcView using data we provide. You need not be highly advanced in ArcView, but it probably requires more experience than a single class would provide. To apply for this volunteer position, please send a volunteer application, cover letter/email and resume to July Lewis. 

Advancement Volunteer/Intern: Are you a skilled, energetic person who would like to support Audubon in advancement and fundraising? Audubon is seeking a volunteer or intern to assist the Director of Advancement in donor relations and other projects. Applicants must have some college or work experience in fundraising, communications or event planning. Excellent communication skills, both in writing and on the phone, are required. Tasks will include the following:

• Research and profile appropriate donor bases, including individuals, trusts and statutory sources.
• Draft grant applications for Trust and Foundations.
• Assist in planning and managing events.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of our website.
• General administrative tasks.

Schedule and hours are flexible and may be arranged during regular business hours Monday through Friday. 

Education Interns: Audubon's Education department is committed to providing quality environmental education programming to school groups as well as the general public.  Join our staff in teaching students and the public about various aspects of the environment while gaining valuable experience and having fun! 

Locations
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
Audubon Society of Rhode Island, Headquarters, Smithfield, RI
 
School Program Internship 
This internship focuses on our education programs for school groups (pre-K to 12th grade) at the Environmental Education Center in Bristol.  Responsibilities include but are not limited to assist in teaching environmental programs to school age children, curriculum development, designing pre and post activity teacher packets, and assisting the education staff in all areas of the department.  Interns must be available between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm at least 2-3 day a week, Monday through Friday.  (Bristol)
 
After School Internship
This position will assist with Audubon's after school initiative with the Providence After School
Alliance (PASA).  The after school program works with Providence middle school youth. Responsibilities include but are not limited to assist in teaching environmental programs, curriculum development, and assisting staff in other areas of the program.  Interns must be available between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm at least 2 day a week, Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday.  Additional planning time will be scheduled as needed. (Providence/Smithfield)
 
Curriculum Resource Internship
This internship focuses on Audubon's Teacher Resource Center in Smithfield, RI.  Responsibilities include but are not limited to researching new resource materials, managing the check-in and out of materials, database-input, upkeep of prop-boxes, and assisting the education staff in other areas of the department.  Interns must be available at least 2-3 day a week, Monday  through Friday.  (Smithfield)
 
General Education Internship 
This position is multifaceted.  Responsibilities may include assist with teaching family programs, exhibit interpretation, research, program development, craft development, assisting with special events and general office assistance.  Interns must commit to 2-3 days a week, Monday through Saturday, for 3-4 hours each day.  The days and times are flexible.  (Bristol and Smithfield) 

Qualifications

• Strong interest in education, environmental science, biology, or marine science.
• Desire to work with children of all ages and backgrounds as well as interacting with the general public.
• Comfortable working outdoors under all weather conditions (rain, heat, snow).
• Enthusiastic, creative, positive attitude, reliable, and energetic.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Willingness to work with education animals such as reptiles, marine life, and injured raptors.
• Interns must be able to lift and carry 35 pounds
• Must hold a valid driver's license and have own reliable transportation.

Internship Schedule 
Fall Internship (September-December) 
Winter/Spring Internship (January-May)
Summer Internship (June-August)
 
Hours
Minimum schedule of 2-3 shifts a week equaling a minimum of 10 hours per week.  Schedule may vary.  

Documentation needed
Resume, cover letter, and three references.  Current U.S. driver's license. 

Animal Care Intern
Powder Mill Ledges in Smithfield

The Animal Care Intern is responsible for assisting with the care of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island's 5 education birds of prey as well as 4 reptiles and some arthropods.  Interns are responsible for the daily care, cleaning, and maintenance of the education raptors and reptiles including food preparation, and feeding, cleaning of mews/tanks, record keeping, and maintenance of equipment.  Interns also assist with training and handling of education animals, environmental enrichment, behavior observations, general physical exam and medical care and public education.  This position works as an integral part of the education team.

Aquarist/Animal Care Interns
Environmental Education Center in Bristol

Responsibilities:  Assist the Senior Aquarist with care of aquariums, terrestrial tanks, and animal pens.  Will be trained to feed and care for reptiles, pheasants, marine and freshwater fish, crabs, lobster, etc, and the Audubon owl. Will be responsible for the maintenance of the freshwater and saltwater exhibit tanks by assisting in water and filter changes. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications: This exciting "hands on" position is appropriate for students as well as retirees. Interns must be available at least one morning (Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday) from 8:00am - 10:30 am.