Paid Internship Youth Programs Assistant

Summary: The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is seeking to hire two (2) dependable, hard working college students or newly graduated high school students interested in teaching our mission to promote empathy for animals through educational programs. The Youth Programs Assistant is responsible for leading our summer camp programs in engaging lessons and activities. Working with a variety of ages, daily programs are filled with games, crafts, educational lessons, special speakers, animal encounters and more. For the 2025 summer camp season, camps will be filled with 16 campers from 9AM - 3PM. We will continue to follow COVID procedures based on CDC guidelines and practice strict cleaning protocols to ensure the safety of all participants and staff. Our educational internship program will provide opportunities to expand leadership skills, develop better group management techniques, improve positive communication kills with children, work on strategic planning, organizing, and provide the ability to lead educational programs through effective public speaking.

Position: Paid internship $12.50 per hour

Weekly hours: 25-35 hours per week

Dates: June 9, 2025 to August 20, 2025. There is a one-week unpaid break from July 21-July 25, 2025

Number of positions available: 2

All applications should be submitted by March 10, 2025. Applications reviewed upon receipt.

Responsibilities include the following however other duties may be assigned:

• Plan, coordinate and implement educational presentation content in-person
• Lead and/or co-lead educational presentations and League tours (virtual/in-person)
• Help create and brainstorm ideas for educational programming
• Cultivate a safe, fun and engaging environment
• Facilitate daily art and craft activities
• Responsible for moving all animals to and from kennels
• Ensure participant and animal safety throughout programs
• Set up and breakdown equipment and activities related to summer camp
• Maintain inventory of education supplies for camp
• Responsible for behavior management of camp
• Help with educational outreach events with our Community Resources department

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities

Qualifications:

Education/Licenses/Certifications

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate program with a full-time status, returning/starting in fall 2025 (minimum 12 credit hours)
• Working towards a degree in Early Childhood Education or related field is helpful but not required
• Ability to complete Fear Free Certification 2 weeks after hire
• Ability to receive clearance through the Department of Justice NSOPW search or other background clearance

Experience

• Strong public speaking skills including experience presenting information to a wide variety of audiences
• Demonstrated ability to engage, inspire and instruct children
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to write clearly and effectively

Key Skills

• Excellent communication, counseling and interpretation skills
• Ability and desire to work with children from diverse communities
• Comfortable and experienced handling cats, dogs and small companion animals
• Ability to handle and pick up all types of animals
• Resourceful and creative thinker
• Enthusiasm and energy to make camp sessions and the workplace an enjoyable environment
• Computer literacy including Zoom, Canvas, MS Word, Excel, email and database skills

Requirements

• Ability to receive clearance through the Department of Justice NSOPW search or other background clearance
• Available to work all camp dates/time, 25-35 hours per week for 10 weeks as follows:
• Camp prep and planning: Monday June 9th to Friday June 20th, 2025
• Camp Sessions: Monday June 23rd to Tuesday August 20th, 2025
• One (1) week unpaid break: July 21st - July 25th, 2025

Learn more about the League's Kids Summer Camp: HERE

Typical physical & mental demands:

Working with animals involves frequent bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling and extended periods of walking or standing. You will need strong eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to operate common equipment like computers, telephones, photocopiers and other systems/tools used in daily tasks.

Be prepared for exposure to injured or deceased animals, disinfectant chemicals and fluctuating indoor and outdoor temperatures. You may assist in restraining animals, including those that are distressed or aggressive and face potentially hazardous situations such as bites or scratches.

Physical strength and dexterity are essential for managing animals on leash, often while performing other tasks such as opening doors. You should be able to lift and move heavy objects or animals (up to 50 lbs) and engage in active, physical work throughout the day.

Clear hearing and vision are necessary for effective communication with the public, volunteers, staff and animals. Flexibility and adaptability are also crucial to managing frequent interruptions and changes in routine. Comfort around a wide variety of animals - including dogs, cats, small companion animals, reptiles, amphibians and wildlife - is key.

Additionally, this role requires emotional intelligence, empathy and resilience to handle both the rewarding and challenging aspects of working with animals. Candidates must maintain composure, show compassion and stay focused in a dynamic environment.