Internships

Assist the IT Systems Manager in providing support to Staff and Volunteers, maintaining servers, wired and wireless networking hardware, and VoIP PBX phone system. ECHO’s IT infrastructure is a unique blend of a typical small corporate network, retail environment, and unique technology based exhibits. You’ll work with IBM and Cisco equipment, VMWare ESXi virtualization, and a mix of Windows and GNU/Linux network operating systems. Projects may involve documenting existing infrastructure, researching, planning, and deploying new technologies, and auditing network policies. This is an exciting opportunity to gain practical experience in many diverse areas of Information Technology, with an institution making a significant difference in the quality of life in the Lake Champlain Basin and beyond.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide IT support, including trouble tickets, calls, and walk-in requests.
• Audit and update documentation, including equipment inventorying and asset tracking.
• Deploying software updates and installing system updates on servers and shared user systems.
• Test and audit backups
• Image and setup new computers as needed
• Complete one or more projects based on organizational needs and intern interests

Essential Skills/Training:

• Computer Networking or Computer Science Majors (strong focus on Systems Administration is a plus)
• Experience with Windows and Linux server system administration including Active Directory and GPO configuration
• Comfort working in a CLI Linux server environment
• Experience in VMWare ESXi environments, scripting (Bash & Powershell), Cisco enterprise routers and switches, and computer hardware is a plus
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
• Ideal candidates will have good communication skills and the ability to explain technology to non-technical staff

Time Commitment:

• summer commitment
• 32 hours weekly between Tuesday and Saturday

Pay rate: $18-$20/hr, depending upon experience

Instructions for Applying: To be considered a candidate for an internship  you must apply through the ECHO website at http://bttr.im/7n5sd. Applications will only be considered if they include a resume and cover letter.

If you require assistance with the application process, or need a different form of application, please contact Katelyn Olson (she/her/hers) by email or phone (kolson@echovermont.org / 802-864-1848 Ext.116).

ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or Federal law.

Concerning COVID: ECHO is dedicated to workplace safety, and is committed to adhering to all State and Federal regulations concerning COVID, as well as practicing CDC recommendations. The institution will train the intern in workplace safety procedures outlined in ECHO’s Covid Exposure Plan.

ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is looking to hire two (2) Animal Care Intern for the Summer season of 2023 (May-August). Animal Care Interns assist and support Animal Care Staff in a professional, state of the art animal care environment, as is provided in Association of Zoo and Aquarium accredited institutions throughout the US, for native fish and reptiles, as well as native and exotic amphibians. After initial hands-on training, Interns will be required to accomplish husbandry tasks independently and must complete assigned individual project work. 

 Responsibilities may include:

• Preparing diets and feeding animals
• Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures both on exhibit and in the back of house
• Administering medications to animals
• Creating and installing naturalistic habitats
• Animal handling
• Keeping daily records of husbandry tasks and animal wellbeing
• Researching natural history and captive husbandry practices
• Creating and delivering 20-30 minute educational programs on species natural history, conservation needs, and/or captive care.

Essential Skills/Training:

• Applicants should be enthusiastic, detail-oriented, reliable, and willing to get wet and/or dirty! 
• Occasional raising or relocation of up to 60 pounds may be required. 
• Capable of independently completing responsibilities listed in the previous section.
• Majors in animal science, wildlife biology, pre-vet, aquaculture, environmental science, or related fields preferred. 

Time Commitment:

• 3 – 4 month commitment
• 12 – 16 hours per week required

Pay rate: $15/hr

ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or Federal law.

Concerning COVID: ECHO is dedicated to workplace safety, and is committed to adhering to all State and Federal regulations concerning COVID, as well as practicing CDC recommendations. The institution will train the intern in workplace safety procedures outlined in ECHO’s Covid Exposure Plan.

Note: There is no monetary compensation associated with this position. You must be seeking academic credit to apply for this position.

Academic Credit: Intern is responsible for arranging and meeting internship requirements through their institution of higher-education. Any requirements (projects, paperwork, contracts, evaluations, etc.) must be presented to ECHO Animal Care Staff during the internship interview and must be agreed upon with all parties before the start of the internship.

Description: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is looking for an Animal Care Intern for the Summer season of 2023 (May-August). Animal Care Interns assist and support Animal Care Staff in a professional, state of the art animal care environment, as is provided in Association of Zoo and Aquarium accredited institutions throughout the US, for native fish and reptiles, as well as native and exotic amphibians. After initial hands-on training, Interns will be required to accomplish husbandry tasks independently and must complete assigned individual project work. 

 Responsibilities may include:

• Preparing diets and feeding animals
• Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures both on exhibit and in the back of house
• Administering medications to animals
• Creating and installing naturalistic habitats
• Animal handling
• Keeping daily records of husbandry tasks and animal wellbeing
• Researching natural history and captive husbandry practices
• Creating and delivering 20-30 minute educational programs on species natural history, conservation needs, and/or captive care.

Essential Skills/Training:

• Applicants should be enthusiastic, detail-oriented, reliable, and willing to get wet and/or dirty! 
• Occasional raising or relocation of up to 60 pounds may be required. 
• Capable of independently completing responsibilities listed in the previous section.
• Majors in animal science, wildlife biology, pre-vet, aquaculture, environmental science, or related fields preferred. 

Time Commitment:

• 3 – 4 month commitment
• 4 hours per week minimum required by ECHO, however additional hours can be accommodated by ECHO if additional hours are required for academic credit. Any scheduling  requirements must be presented by the intern to ECHO Animal Care Staff during the internship interview and must be agreed upon with all parties before the start of the internship.

Work Conditions: This position typically works indoors in the guest space or in ‘back of house’ animal care areas. Occasional outdoor collection trips may occur, which may involve hiking, wading or entering or traversing streams. The position works directly with reptiles, amphibians, fish and various invertebrate food items. The position may occasionally require relocating or raising up to 60lbs. Typical responsibilities involve stooping, balancing, climbing ladders, and being in close proximity to Animal Care staff (especially during the initial training period). Typical work involves water; floors are typically wet and care is required when moving through work areas. 

ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or Federal law.

Concerning COVID: ECHO is dedicated to workplace safety, and is committed to adhering to all State and Federal regulations concerning COVID, as well as practicing CDC recommendations. The institution will train the intern in workplace safety procedures outlined in ECHO’s Covid Exposure Plan.

Reports to: Design & Brand Manager
Pay Rate: $14/hr
Start Date: mid-May
End Date: mid-August
Time Commitment: Summer Internship, Generally Mid-May through mid-August, 24-30 hrs/week
Posting Close Date: Open until filled. Applications will be considered as they are received. You will be notified of your application’s status by late April.
Location: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, 1 College St., Burlington, VT 05401
Please note: This position is open to being entirely onsite or a hybrid mix of some remote and some onsite work as long as the intern has access to a laptop away from the office.

Description: ECHO’s design and communications intern helps to tell the story of this innovative science and nature center dedicated to inspiring and engaging families in the joy of scientific discovery, wonder of nature, and care of Lake Champlain. The design and communications intern role allows students to practice their creative skills in real-world applications and grow their portfolio.

Responsibilities include:

• Assisting Design Manager with design projects such as marketing materials, flyers, advertisements, social media graphics, logos, exhibit signage, videos, animations within ECHO brand standards
• Contribute to strengthening ECHO’s brand by creating unique, thoughtful content using various media such as animation, illustration, photography, videography, writing
• Work with Development & Communications team to research, create, share engaging content and information on social media
• Photographing or filming ECHO events and programs

Essential Skills/Training:

• Design & Typography classes/skills
• Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign (Knowledge of After Effects, Premiere, editing skills a plus)
• Photography
• Writing
• Videography and/or Animation
• Understanding of social media platforms (FB, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok etc)
• Using PC computer
• A passion for museums, science education, early childhood learning, animals, and the environment and a desire to work with and grow the brand

If seeking Academic Credit: Intern is responsible for arranging this through their university. Any requirements (paperwork, contracts, etc.) must be presented before the start of internship to ensure Intern and ECHO staff can and will meet all requirements.

Instructions for Applying: To be considered a candidate for this position you must apply through the ECHO website at http://bttr.im/7n5sd. Applications will only be considered if they include a resume, cover letter, link to portfolio.

If you require assistance with the application process, or need a different form of application, please contact Billy Ernest (they/them/theirs) by email or phone (bernest@echovermont.org / 802-864-1848 Ext.149).

ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or Federal law.

Concerning COVID: ECHO is dedicated to workplace safety, and is committed to adhering to all State and Federal regulations concerning COVID, as well as practicing CDC recommendations. The institution will train the  intern in workplace safety procedures, and has developed an Exposure Plan that will be shared upon hire. 

About ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
ECHO is a dynamic, nationally acclaimed, science and nature museum committed to engaging diverse public audiences and providing experiential, relevant and lifelong educational experiences for all our guests. Founded in 2003, ECHO houses more than 70 species of live animal ambassadors in Vermont’s first LEED certified building. This innovative science center and aquarium displays life in the Champlain Basin and inspires visitors to positively impact the world around them. ECHO is the public face of the Patrick and Marcelle Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, a 2.7 acre environmental campus on the Burlington Waterfront.

Note: This position starts July 1.

ECHO is looking to hire one (1) Development & Community Outreach Intern. This internship offers a challenging and highly rewarding experience for anyone considering a career in communications, or fundraising for nonprofit management. Interns work with ECHO’s development staff to broaden community understanding of ECHO’s charitable mission, particularly via non-traditional and multimedia platforms; evaluate and build understanding of ECHO’s Open Door community access program; and provide outreach support to ECHO’s donor and member constituents. 

 Responsibilities include:

• Create and write fundraising and communications materials to engage existing donors, members, and prospects
• Research and prepare grant proposals to support ECHO’s programming
• Support mission marketing and fundraising efforts via direct mail and e-mail
• Work with Open Door program partners to increase availability to underserved communities
• Assist with maintaining ECHO’s social media presence on multiple platforms
• Support community outreach efforts including in-kind giving program
• Support departmental record keeping and database management.
• Additional duties as assigned

  Essential Skills/Training:

• Strong communication skills, including strong persuasive writing skills. 
• Experience with or desire to learn about non-profit business
• Experience with or desire to learn interactive/social web platforms and databases

Time Commitment:

• 3 – 4 month commitment (extensions possible)
• 12-15 hours a week
• Regular business hours
• Occasional evening shifts may be required

Pay rate: $15/hr

ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or Federal law.

Concerning COVID: ECHO is dedicated to workplace safety, and is committed to adhering to all State and Federal regulations concerning COVID, as well as practicing CDC recommendations. The institution will train the intern in workplace safety procedures outlined in ECHO’s Covid Exposure Plan.

Reports to: Early Education Coordinator, Stacia Judd. Email at sjudd@echovermont.org for further information about the program.
Pay Rate: $13/hr
Academic Credit: Intern is responsible for arranging this through their university. Any requirements (paperwork, contracts, etc.) must be presented before the start of internship to ensure Intern and ECHO staff can and will meet all requirements.
Start Date: January 2023
Accepting Applications:  Post open until filled. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. You will be notified of your application’s status by mid-late December.
Location: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, 1 College St., Burlington, VT 05401

Instructions for Applying: To be considered a candidate for this position you must apply through the ECHO website at http://bttr.im/7n5sd. Applications will only be considered if they include a resume and cover letter. If you require assistance with the application process, or need a different form of application, please contact Billy Ernest (they/them/theirs) by email or phone (bernest@echovermont.org / 802-864-1848 Ext.149).

Description: ECHO is seeking to hire one (1) Early Childhood Education Interns for the Spring season. This internship provides undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to gain practical experience through informal teaching opportunities with young visitors ages 0-5 and their caregivers through supporting the ECHO Early Learning (EEL) program. ECHO’s Early Childhood Education Internship offers a challenging and highly rewarding experience for anyone considering a career in early education. ECHO is a fast paced environment which requires both team and independent work, the ability to work with visitors of various backgrounds and ages, and an interest in ECHO’s mission to inspire and engage families in the joy of scientific discovery, wonder of nature, and care of Lake Champlain.

What will ECHO Early Education Interns Learn and Experience?:

• Early Childhood Development (including becoming familiar with and how to design curriculum around the Vermont Early Learning Standards) 
• Being part of a team that delivers a play based, school readiness program for children ages 1-5 years with an emphasis on S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) 
• Working with economically and culturally diverse families in our community: 17 languages were spoken in the home of EEL families last year. 
• Mentorship from ECHO’s experienced staff of Early Childhood educators

Responsibilities may include*:

• Assist lead instructors with engaging young children in daily learning activities and crafts with an emphasis on STEAM (Science. Technology. Engineering. Art. Math).
• Set up and clean up for the EEL program. 
• Work with an advisor on ECHO-related early childhood educational projects.

* Responsibilities may change depending on the institution’s response to the COVID pandemic

Essential Skills/Training:

• Understanding of early childhood development. 
• Experience working with young children. 
• Experience working independently and in diverse teams. 
• Self motivated to complete projects in a timely fashion. 
• Flexibility and adaptability to complete a wide variety of tasks, including light cleaning. 
• Eagerness to engage young children in daily learning activities and crafts.

Time Commitment:

• 3 – 4 month commitment
• 8-16  hours per week depending on days available
• Requires participation in ECHO Orientation Training and Education Department Training
• Intern will have one of two possible schedules (or may apply for all 4 days if schedule allows).
  • Monday and Friday mornings 8:30 am – 12:00 pm at the Family Room in Burlington 
  • Tuesday and Thursday mornings 8:30 am- 12:00pm  at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain.

ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or Federal law.

Concerning COVID: ECHO is dedicated to workplace safety, and is committed to adhering to all State and Federal regulations concerning COVID, as well as practicing CDC recommendations. The institution will train the intern in workplace safety procedures outlined in ECHO’s Covid Exposure Plan.

ECHO is looking to hire a Guest Service/Event Intern that will assist in event and front desk operations. This internship includes minor set up for events; decorations and signage, greeting guests upon arrival for events, setting up AV equipment, communicating with vendors, and setting up birthday parties. Other aspects for events would be learning and then assisting the Event Manager with contracts and pricing as well as providing client tours of the rental spaces. To support the front desk, the GS & Events Intern would learn all operations for the front desk to assist when needed; checking in guests, selling memberships, stocking the gift shop, opening and closing procedures.This internship will gain experience in hospitality, customer service and events, specifically strengthening communication and logistics planning, as well as playing a critical role in supporting the busy 2023 event/wedding season.  The schedule for this position includes weekend evenings (Friday/Saturday).

 Responsibilities include:

• Checking in guests, both for daily operations and during events 
• Communication with clients and vendors both written and verbal
• Assist ECHO’s Event Managers with event coordination
• Coordinate vendor setup and breakdown
• Ensure a seamless event for the clients and guests
• Work with exclusive catering team  to ensure that the building is clean and secure at the end of the event
• Assist in building content in for Rent ECHO social media pages
• Understand other social media outlets such as Facebook, Instagram
• Learn Front Desk and Gift Shop Operations
• Cash handling 
• Provide top notch customer service skills when working with diverse guests of all ages, cultures, abilities

Essential Skills/Training:

• Strong communication skills both written and verbal
• Ability to work independently on tasks 
• Confident managing stressful situations 
• Knowledge and experience using social media is a plus
• Experience with cash handling
• Major or Minor in Hospitality or Event Management preferred but not required

Time Commitment:

• Mid-May through end of September, however time could be extended through the fall season for the right applicant 
• 15-20 hours per week, weekends and evenings will be required

Pay rate: $15/hr

ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or Federal law.

Concerning COVID: ECHO is dedicated to workplace safety, and is committed to adhering to all State and Federal regulations concerning COVID, as well as practicing CDC recommendations. The institution will train the intern in workplace safety procedures outlined in ECHO’s Covid Exposure Plan.

ECHO is looking to hire four (4) STEM Education Interns for the Summer of 2023. These interns will join the ECHO Public Programs Team in supporting their work of executing STEM education programs tailored to diverse audiences. This internship will be predominantly indoor on-site work with guests at ECHO. 

ECHO’s public programming education internship offers a challenging and highly rewarding experience for anyone considering a career in informal science education. The focus of this position will be direct service facilitating hands-on STEM activities for families. ECHO’s educational activities are currently focused on utilizing the Engineering Design Process and helping guests develop their science identity through hands-on experiments. While most time will be spent on the floor educating guests, there are also professional development opportunities. ECHO’s education staff will work with interns to create a quality informal science education product that can be included in their portfolio and may be used by ECHO staff in future programming. This is a fast-paced environment which requires both team and independent work, a high level of self-motivation, the ability to work with visitors of various backgrounds and ages, and a passion for our mission.

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting interactive educational experiences on the museum floor for visitors ages 0-100
• Educating guests about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts and the Engineering Design Process
• Cleaning manipulatives and high contact surfaces within gallery spaces during operating hours
• Researching and developing highly interactive activities with an engineering focus
• Working alongside volunteers 

Essential Skills/Training:

• Interest in informal STEM education
• Seeking/completed a degree in a Science or Education field
• Desire to work with a diverse range of guests in a museum setting
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and quickly changing environment with many guests
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Strong organizational skills

Time Commitment:

• 10-12 week commitment of 30-32 hours a week of direct service at ECHO (ECHO is open daily from 10 am – 5 pm). 
• Required: availability to work at the museum a minimum of 4 hours either Saturdays or Sundays (ECHO is open daily from 10 am – 5 pm).
• Schedule may change based on ECHO’s operational needs and open hours

Pay rate: $15/hr

ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or Federal law.

Concerning COVID: ECHO is dedicated to workplace safety, and is committed to adhering to all State and Federal regulations concerning COVID, as well as practicing CDC recommendations. The institution will train the intern in workplace safety procedures outlined in ECHO’s Covid Exposure Plan.

Reports to: Public Programs Coordinator
Pay Rate: $13.65/hour (15-18 hours/week)
Academic Credit: Intern is responsible for arranging this through their university. Any requirements (paperwork, contracts, etc.) must be presented before the start of internship to ensure Intern and ECHO staff can and will meet all requirements.
Start Date: October 5, 2022
End Date: May 31, 2023
Accepting Applications: Until position is filled
Location: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, 1 College St., Burlington, VT 05401

Description: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is looking to hire one (1) Teen Leadership Program Intern for the entirety of the academic year (October  2022 – May 2023). This intern will assist the Public Programs Coordinator in facilitating weekly training sessions for ECHO’s Teen Internship Program, the E-Team. These weekly meetings will include training activities for the teen interns and assisting with end-of-day cleanup tasks. In addition, the Teen Leadership Program Intern will facilitate activities on the museum floor for guests. This position requires you to be at ECHO on Wednesdays from 3:30 – 6:30 PM and at least 4 hours on Saturday or Sunday. The rest of the hours are flexible and will be scheduled based on your availability.

Responsibilities may include:

• Conducting interactive educational experiences on the museum floor for visitors ages 0 and up
• Setup and breakdown of program space for weekly trainings
• Researching and developing career readiness and life skills trainings 
• Assisting the Public Programs Coordinator during E-Team field trips to local STEM institutions (up to one per month)
• Mentoring 15-20 high school-aged teen interns

Essential Skills/Training:

• Interest in informal STEM education
• Seeking/completed a degree in a Science, Education, or Counseling field
• Desire to work with a diverse array of guests in a museum setting
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to work independently to complete work remotely as required
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Strong organizational skills

Time Commitment:

• Approximately 8 months (duration of academic year)
• 3:30 – 6:30 shift on Wednesdays required
• 4 hours on at least one weekend day required
• Flexible scheduling for remaining 8-11 hours

If you require assistance with the application process, or need a different form of application, please contact Kristina Runde (she/her/hers) by email or phone (krunde@echovermont.org / 802-864-1848 Ext.117).

ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or Federal law.

Concerning COVID: ECHO is dedicated to workplace safety, and is committed to adhering to all State and Federal regulations concerning COVID, as well as practicing CDC recommendations. The institution will train the intern in workplace safety procedures, and ECHO’s COVID Exposure Plan.