2027 Outdoor Experience Internship

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

About the Role

The Outdoor Experience Intern supports the Trails and Grounds team in delivering nature-based educational programs and caring for outdoor learning environments. This position combines environmental education, guest engagement, program logistics, volunteer support, horticultural work, and nature-based interpretation. The intern will gain hands-on experience in landscape stewardship, program development, evaluation, and cross-departmental collaboration while working in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and delivering outdoor educational programs for youth, families, adults, and other diverse audiences.
• Support guided nature walks and outdoor activities, including preparation, setup, participant engagement, and cleanup.
• Help develop curriculum materials, interpretive content, and educational resources aligned with environmental learning goals.
• Assist with workshops, classes, and special events that connect art, nature, wellness, and stewardship.
• Create or support nature-based writing and interpretation for programs, signs, digital communications, and other educational materials.
• Promote conservation practices, habitat care, and sustainable gardening through educational content and guest interactions.
• Coordinate and support landscape and grounds volunteers, including scheduling, orientation, training, communication, and task supervision.
• Participate in horticultural and grounds tasks, including planting, weeding, watering, mulching, pruning support, and habitat maintenance.
• Collaborate with Trails and Grounds, Learning and Engagement, Guest Services, Facilities, and other departments to support integrated outdoor experiences.
• Engage museum guests in ways that foster curiosity, belonging, and appreciation for the natural world.
• Assist with program logistics, including materials preparation, participant communication, attendance tracking, and equipment organization.
• Collect and summarize participant feedback and other program information to support evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Follow and support safety, risk-management, and weather-related procedures for outdoor activities.
• Help maintain educational tools, program materials, natural learning spaces, and shared work areas.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Current undergraduate student with an interest in environmental education, horticulture, outdoor recreation, interpretation, museum education, or a related field.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Comfortable engaging with diverse audiences, including children, families, adults, volunteers, and museum guests.
• Organized, dependable, adaptable, and eager to learn in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and contribute effectively as part of a team.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in varying weather and terrain conditions.
• Basic proficiency with computers and common workplace applications, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation tools.

Experience with gardening, landscaping, environmental education, interpretation, public programs, or volunteer coordination is preferred but not required.

Timeline

• Anticipated Start Date: January 25, 2027
• Anticipated End Date: November 15, 2027
• Inclement weather make-up dates: To be scheduled as needed.

Schedule

• Normal work hours are 7:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m., Monday-Friday.
• Occasional schedule adjustments, early mornings, evenings, or weekends may be needed.

Compensation

• Undergraduate Students: $13.00 per hour