Internship with Public and Private Programs
May through September 2012
Our mission: Venture Outdoors is a fast growing non-profit organization that promotes outdoor recreation and Western PA as a great place to live, work and play. Venture Outdoors North (VO North) is an expansion of VO, focusing on the counties of Butler, Beaver and Lawrence (BBL). The VO North intern will support the VO North manager and kayak supervisor in the team effort to increase participation in outdoor recreational activity. By representing VO North in this position during our activities, the intern will play a pivotal role in helping to create a sense of community and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Working at Venture Outdoors and VO North is fast-paced, dynamic and ever evolving.
Internship summary:
This internship is based from the VO North office in Zelienople. Time
will be spent working in the office, remotely and in the field. This
internship requires a flexible work schedule, mainly weekends, with
working hours varying depending on trip schedules and private
programming. The intern will support VO North by assisting hands-on with
any and all activities required to produce successful outings for VO
North. The intern will possess enthusiasm
for the outdoors; knowledge of outdoor activities, including flat water
kayaking, hiking, biking and geocacheing and function as an
enthusiastic, outgoing representative for VO North to the public.
Primary responsibilities:- Acquire a complete understanding of the VO mission and effectively articulate this mission as well as vital information pertaining to VO (i.e., membership levels) to the public
- Perform work as assigned by the Venture Outdoors North Manager and Kayak Supervisor. This may include but is not limited to assisting with activities, pre-program scouting for activities, assisting with equipment maintenance, delivery and storage and potentially representing/staffing informational tables at various outreaches
- Assist with evaluating program execution and participant satisfaction in order to determine ways to improve programs
- Maintain a flexible schedule that includes weekends, allowing you to assist and/or ultimately lead trips when there are no suitable volunteers and interact with participants to provide a positive outdoor experience
- Know and uphold ALL Venture Outdoors policies
- Maintain a professional appearance and a friendly demeanor. Your interactions with our members as well as the general public, staff, volunteers and partners will help to not only create a positive outdoor experience, but also assist in upholding the high standards for which VO is well known.
Requirements:
- It is a mandatory requirement that the intern attend Trip Leader Training Weekend on June 1 – 3 and Kayak Trip Leader Training in May (date TBA). The fee for both trainings will be waived to accommodate the intern.
- Reliable transportation
- Flexible schedule, including many weekends
- Excellent communication skills
- Experience with outdoor recreational equipment including kayaks, paddles, GPS units, etc.
- Ability to lift repeatedly lift 50 pounds (required for loading and unloading kayaks)
- Ability to travel to parks or other locations in Beaver, Butler and Lawrence Counties
Compensation:
- Interns who are full-time students during a given tax year can often take better advantage of reimbursement for books, etc., as opposed to wages/stipend, and we are willing to help the incumbent of this position determine their status and maintain our flexibility in how we deliver the compensation inherent to the position. (e.g., If we can save you money on your taxes, we will do so.)
- Mileage Reimbursement Available
To Apply: Send cover letter and resume to: (Email submissions preferred)
Julie@ventureoutdoors.org
310 East Grandview Avenue
Zelienople, PA 16063
Venture Outdoors is an equal opportunity employer.
