Internships

Reports to: Animal Care Manager
Pay Rate: $15/hour
Start Date: September (Flexible) 
End Date: December (Flexible)
Accepting Applications: Until position is filled. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
Location: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, 1 College St., Burlington, VT 05401

Description: 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 month commitment
• 12 – 16 hours per week required

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. 

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. If invited for an interview, come prepared with knowledge of requirements from your institution.

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 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: All ECHO employees, interns, and volunteers must be vaccinated against COVID-19 

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: There is no monetary compensation associated with this position. You must be seeking academic credit to apply for this position. This role is intended for interns seeking academic credit for their work who cannot commit the required number of hours each week for the paid role.

Reports to: Animal Care Manager

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.

Start Date: September (flexible)
End Date: December (flexible)
Accepting Applications: Until positions are filled
Location: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, 1 College St., Burlington, VT 05401

Description: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is looking to engage an Academic Intern in the Animal Care Department. 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  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. 

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 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. 

About ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
ECHO is a dynamic, nationally acclaimed,  science and nature center 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.

Reports to: Early Education Coordinator, Stacia Judd. Email at sjudd@echovermont.org for further information about the program.

Pay Rate: $15/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: September 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 August.

Location: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, 1 College St., Burlington, VT 05401

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).

Description: ECHO is seeking to hire one (1) Early Childhood Education Intern for the fall  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.

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. 

About ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
ECHO is a dynamic, nationally acclaimed,  science and nature center 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.

Reports to: Creative Director
Pay Rate: $15/hr
Start Date: September
End Date: December
Time Commitment: 10-15 hours per 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 August.
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 Creative Director and Junior Graphic Designer 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 as part of the creative and marketing 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.

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. 

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.

Reports to: Development and Community Outreach Manager
Pay Rate: $15/hour
Start Date: September (some flexibility available)
End Date: December, can extend thru spring if mutually agreed upon
Accepting Applications: Until position is filled. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. 
Location: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, 1 College St., Burlington, VT 05401

Description: 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:

• Research and prepare grant proposals to support ECHO’s programming
• Support mission marketing and fundraising efforts via direct mail and e-mail
• Assist with creating and writing fundraising and communications materials to engage existing donors, members, and prospects
• Research local businesses to sponsor ECHO exhibits and programming
• 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 
• 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:

• 12-15 hours a week
• Regular business hours
• Occasional evening shifts may be required

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.

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: All ECHO employees, interns, and volunteers must be vaccinated against COVID-19 

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.

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.

Reports to: Manager of Public Programs 
Pay Rate: $15/hour (18hrs / week)
Start Date: September 2023

Accepting Applications: Until position is filled. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. You will be notified of your application’s status by late August.

Location: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, 1 College St., Burlington, VT 05401

Description: ECHO is looking to hire two (2) STEM Education Interns for the Fall 2023 Season. 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. STEM Education Interns will spend ~90% of their time delivering direct service facilitating hands-on STEM activities for families in the Engineer It Gallery. ECHO’s educational activities are focused on utilizing the Engineering Design Process and helping guests develop their science identity through hands-on experiments. The other 10% of time will be spent on professional development and special projects, as assigned. ECHO’s education staff will work with interns to provide opportunities to gain professional skills. 

 This is a fast-paced environment that requires strong teamwork skills, a high level of self-motivation, the passion 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
• Assisting with maintaining organized materials
• Assisting in the development of activities and workshops with an engineering focus, as assigned
• Working alongside volunteers, staff, and other interns to deliver excellent customer service

 Essential Skills/Training:

• Interest in informal STEM education
• Seeking/completed a degree in a Science or Education field
• Desire to provide excellent customer service to a diverse range of guests 
• 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 and time management skills

 Time Commitment:

• 3-4 months with potential for extension
• Approx. 18 hours per week of direct service at ECHO
• Strongly preferred: 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

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.

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.

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.