Humane Education Internship UNPAID

The Humane Society of West Michigan is looking for UNPAID SUMMER of 2025 interns that are interested in learning more about animal welfare in the West Michigan area!

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

● College student pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in any field.

○ Ideal focuses: Education, Early Childhood Education and/or Development, Social Work, Communication, Public Relations, Business Administration or Psychology and Sociology

● A desire to learn more about the animal shelter environment

● Comfortable working with children ages 4 – 17

● A highly developed attention to detail

● Well-developed interpersonal and writing skills

● Excellent and professional customer service and communication skills

● Excellent time management and prioritization skills

● The ability to work independently or in a team environment

● Flexibility in hours; working some nights and possible weekends

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

● Assist in the implementation of Humane Society of West Michigan’s Youth Education Program

● Plan, implement, facilitate, and evaluate Kids' Night Out events, Spring Break Camp and Summer Camp

● Assist with planning and executing children’s daily camp activities

● Assist with group and school presentations and in the development of program curriculum

● Communicate with external groups including parents, community members, groups, and media

● Communicate with parents of campers on changes to program in person or via email

● Assist with volunteer management and training as available

● Coordinate and lead activities with volunteer groups

● Develop and/or share communication pieces for volunteers and summer camp families

● Data entry for program touch points

● Research innovative ideas for our summer, day, and overnight camps

● Research and create a project proposal for a new day or night camp

● Develop potential new outlets for funding/partnership for specific volunteer and camp needs

● Develop training protocol proposal for animal handling for junior camp counselor and camp counselors

● Other duties as assigned by the Humane Education Coordinator, Director of Community Programs, and other HSWM staff

WORK ENVIRONMENT

HSWM Expectations of Employees

● Treat animals, staff, and volunteers humanely, with compassion, both on and off the job, and transmits these values to others

● Adhere to all state and local laws regarding personally owned animals

● Provide accurate information and courteous service to the public at all times

● Discretion with confidential information

● Adhere to HSWM Culture Commitment

Work Environment

● May be exposed to unpleasant noises, odor and animal feces

● May be exposed to bites, scratches and zoonotic diseases

Physical Demands

● Work requires lifting and carrying items & animals that weigh up to 40 pounds. Will be assisted by other staff members with items & animals weighing over 40 pounds.

● Will be required to walk or stand for extended periods of time. Will frequently work in a bent position.

Job Type: Internship

Pay: UNPAID

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person