Assistant Naturalist Intern (PIGP, Great Basin Outdoor School, Summer '25)
**This internship is hosted by Great Basin Outdoor School and sponsored by the Nevada Career Studio and ASUN.
To be eligible for this internship, all applicants must have their resume and cover letter reviewed by the Nevada Career Studio (NCS). Please visit during drop-in hours before applying for this position. Students will not be able to submit applications for this position without NCS approval.
About Great Basin Outdoor School:
Great Basin Outdoor School immerses students in multi-day overnight science camps and day field studies in spectacular natural settings on the shore of Lake Tahoe and other local sites. Parents can also register their children for the Adventure Day Camp program during Washoe County School District's school breaks.
Students hike, snowshoe, learn local ecology, and more with hands-on, standards-based activities, and volunteer on conservation projects. Lessons build healthy habits, social and academic skills, and a connection to the community and the natural world.
At Adventure Day Camp, activities include hikes around Mayberry Park, river ecology, hands-on discovery, songs, team-building, games, arts & crafts, and presentations by guest experts.
It is Great Basin Outdoor School's mission to ignite children's passion for learning and foster cooperation, respect, and responsibility through hands-on discovery in the outdoor classroom.
Great Basin Outdoor School believes experiential education in the natural world will nurture children and young adults and empower them to make positive choices in their own lives, productive contributions to their communities, and sustainable decisions for the Earth.
Internship Description:
The Assistant Naturalist intern position helps with leading naturalist groups and teaching children outdoors.
Assistant Naturalists can expect to work 30-40 hours during day camp weeks. During the first two weeks of the internship, Assistant Naturalists may help assist at Overnight Camp if they choose. Assistant Naturalist interns will report to the Day Camp Director.
Work will include assisting the Directors and Board President with all GBOS functions. Assistant Naturalist interns will work as assistant educators at our Day Camp Program.
Adventure Day Camp is held at The River School Farm in Reno. For children ages 6-12, Day Camp is an opportunity for participants to have fun outdoors, interact with science, and learn to appreciate nature. Naturalist hours are from approximately 8:00am-4:00pm.
The Assistant Naturalist Intern is expected to be in attendance or partial attendance for the following dates.
If certain dates do not work for the Assistant Naturalist, it must be notified to the Day Camp Director.
Summer Schedule:
- June 2-6: Day Camp Training
- June 9-13: Week 1 Day Camp
- June 16-20: Week 2 Day Camp
- June 23-27: Week 3 Day Camp
- June 30 - July 4: Week off for the 4th of July Holiday
- July 7-11: Week 4 Day Camp
- July 14-18: Week 5 Day Camp
- July 21-25: Week 6 Day Camp
Optional Shadowing Opportunities:
- May 19: Day Trip at Galena Creek
- May 20-23: Overnight Camp at Camp Galilee
- May 30: SnapShot Day Event
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Plan and present a hands-on, experiential, inquiry-based program in earth sciences, astronomy, water, wildlife, and forest ecology based on GBOS curriculum and state educational standards.
- Integrate other subject areas, group process, individual growth, and commitment to responsible use and protection of the environment.
- Ensure and maintain appropriate student behavior by setting clear expectations and consequences in accordance with GBOS discipline policies.
- Coordinate and participate in whole group activities such as sharing, skits, meals, and opening/closing circles.
- Ensure the health, welfare, and safety of all participants including students, parents, guest presenters, volunteers, etc.
- Respond appropriately in a crisis and problem-solve under pressure.
- Work and communicate effectively as a team member with other GBOS staff, parents, volunteers, guest presenters, volunteers, etc.
Goals and Expectations of the Intern:
- Complete a minimum of 120 hours of work as an intern (30-40 hours per week, 10 weeks)
- Ability to use program equipment and materials responsibly
- Ability to communicate orally with and provide necessary instructions to students, parents, volunteers, other staff, and guest presenters
- Ability to traverse uneven and difficult terrain
- Ability to work long hours outdoors while being active & energetic
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
Required Qualifications:
- Must be a degree-seeking undergraduate student at the University of Nevada, Reno after the Spring ‘25 semester
- Students who’ve graduated Spring 2025 or earlier are not eligible for this position
- Passion for kids and the natural world
- Organized, detail-oriented, self-directed, and dynamic
- Hold current CPR and First Aid certification by start date
- Ability to pass a federal background check
- Valid driver’s license and transportation
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working directly with children in an educational setting
- Background in natural sciences, conservation, or environmental education
- Able to respond appropriately in crisis and problem-solve under pressure
Desired Schedule for Intern:
Applicants must be able to work Monday-Friday during the hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Interns may not be required to work the entire day, pending on schedule from the Day Camp Director. More hours can be provided if requested.
PIGP internships require interns to complete a minimum of 120 hours during their internship. It is the intern’s responsibility to ensure this requirement is met.