Environmental Learning Center

Environmental Learning Center

Internships

Career Training for Students

Student internships & Apprenticeships
in education and conservation

Internship Opportunity: Summer 2025

Overview

Join the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) for an exciting Summer 2025 internship and explore career opportunities in environmental education and nature conservation. As an intern, you’ll teach nature-based educational programs for children, work alongside professionals, and gain hands-on experience in environmental stewardship.

Scope of Internship

  • Teach nature-based programs to children.
  • Collaborate with professionals in environmental education and conservation.
  • Work primarily outdoors (land and water), engaging in active, hands-on tasks.
  • Assist with canoe trips, seine netting, and other outdoor activities.
  • Optional: Help with administrative tasks to gain office experience.
  • Must be comfortable in Florida’s hot, buggy summer weather and able to swim.

Eligibility

  • Who Can Apply:
    Open to high school and college students (entering 10th grade through college seniors). Must be an Indian River County Resident.

  • Commitment:

    • Minimum one full week commitment, 8 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday-Friday.
    • Internship runs from June 2, 2025 – August 8, 2025.
    • Occasional weekend or evening opportunities may be available.

Qualifications

  • Reliable, professional, and able to work independently.
  • Effective communicator with a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
  • Comfortable using technology (e.g., Laptop, Google Sheets, AV equipment).
  • Physically able to assist with paddling canoes, carrying equipment, and outdoor activities.
  • Passionate about hands-on, feet-wet environmental education.

Compensation

  • Paid Internship – Gain invaluable experience while building your résumé and job skills.

How to Apply

About the Environmental Learning Center (ELC)

The ELC is a non-profit nature center in Vero Beach, FL, dedicated to educating and inspiring environmental stewardship. Located on a 64-acre campus on an island in the Indian River Lagoon, the ELC offers native plant gardens, an interactive museum, aquaria, touch tanks, pontoon boats, and much more. Now in its 37th year, the ELC serves over 30,000 children and adults annually through excursions, camps, lectures, festivals, and other programs.

ELC Ecology & Aquaria Academy

(Hands-on Apprenticeship/Training Program for Young Adults) 

Program Details:

Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today and take the first step toward an exciting career in environmental education!

Explore Environmental Education & Aquarium Careers with Our New Hands-On Program

The Environmental Learning Center is excited to introduce a brand-new educational experience for teens, college students, and adults, ages 16 and up. This fee-based program offers an incredible opportunity to gain 30 hours of hands-on learning, résumé building, and career exploration with our education and aquarium experts.

Whether you’re considering a future in this field or simply curious about what it’s like to work as an environmental educator, this program is designed to inspire and inform.

Aquarium Internship Program

Program Highlights:

  • Immersive real-world experience in environmental education and aquarium management
  • Insight into careers in environmental education and aquaria
  • Skill-building opportunities to enhance your résumé


Participants will gain valuable skills and knowledge in the following areas:

  • Water Quality and Chemistry: Learn to monitor and maintain optimal conditions for aquatic life.
  • Filtration Systems: Understand mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration techniques.
  • Animal Nutrition: Explore the dietary needs of various aquatic species.
  • Life-Support Systems: Study the design and application of essential life-support technologies.
  • Animal Identification and Collection Techniques: Develop skills in identifying and safely collecting aquatic species.
  • Quarantine Procedures: Learn best practices for isolating and introducing new animals to an aquarium environment.
  • Disease Identification and Treatment: Gain experience diagnosing and addressing common aquatic diseases.

 Program Benefits:

  • Hands-on training in a professional setting
  • Insight into aquarium management careers
  • Training hours can flex to the participant’s schedule 
  • Unique real-world skills and resume-building opportunities.

This immersive program will be led by Brent Rupnik, Senior Aquarist at the Environmental Learning Center.