Smyrna, DE 19977

302-653-2882, fax: 302-653-3431

OPPORTUNITY: The Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife has openings for several student interns to assist with the delivery of Wetland Ecosystems (Eco-Explorers) Field Education programs, as well as assist in facility operations at the Aquatic Resources Education (ARE) Complex for each of the fall and spring semesters, 2000 through 2003 (grant maybe extended past 2003). Spring sessions run from March through May; fall sessions run from mid-September to Thanksgiving break. As part of this internship, students will also have opportunities to assist in a variety of other projects.

REQUIREMENTS: Applicants should have an interest in environmental education, strong communication skills, and the willingness to work outdoors. Priority will be given to students enrolled in a course of study in education, natural resource studies, or other closely related fields. Although preference will be given to students able to commit the entire (fall or spring) period, students unable to commit full-time, but interested in working one or two days a week, should also apply, as a few positions of this type will also be available each season.

BENEFITS: In addition to the obvious benefits of experience gained through hands-on involvement with a nationally-recognized environmental education program, selected interns will be provided with a modest stipend ($8-9 per hour more depending on degree status) for their time. Delaware ARE educators are willing to work with higher education institutions in providing evaluation in support of students earning credits for their experience

BACKGROUND: The Eco-Explorers field program represents a partnership between the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife and Delaware's Department of Education. It's goal is to provide a hands-on, field studies component to fifth grade students statewide who are studying ecosystems in the classroom. More than 3000 students from over 100 fifth grade classrooms take part in the program each year.

NATURE OF PROGRAM: The success of these field trip experiences lies in its well-thought out and thoroughly field-tested and refined, design. Large groups of students (usually two classes per day) are divided into six study groups (each having 10 or less students), which then rotate through a series of six, hands-on "Eco-stations". In the process they collect data and information that help them better understand the wonders and workings of the salt marsh ecosystem. Interns serve as "Eco-Guides" for the respective stations, including ones focusing on: water quality, macroinvertebrates, fishes, wetland plant adaptations, interpreting wildlife signs, and energy flow. Full training is provided by ARE staff prior to Eco-Guides field work with students.

DELAWARE ARE: Since opening its doors in 1993, the Delaware Aquatic Resources Education Center has gained a strong reputation regionally and nationally, particularly for its efforts in the area of wetland education. The Center is located adjacent to the Woodland Beach Wildlife Area and several thousand acres of Delaware Estuary tidal marshlands. It features a conference center, overnight lodge, 940-foot tidal wetlands boardwalk, and assorted interpretive trails. It also provides office and lab space for approximately 20 Division fisheries and wildlife scientists, who work on a variety of projects.

APPLICATION: For an intern application please download from Adobe Acrobat as a pdf file Intern Application from our web page. Or students interested in additional information should contact the ARE Center for Gary Kreamer or Bob Jones.