Wildlife volunteers assist with the care, feeding, and rehabilitation of wildlife on exhibit and in the wildlife facility. They also help clean and maintain animal enclosures – performing a variety of tasks from basic carpentry to scrubbing walls, to mowing and weed-whacking enclosures. Wildlife volunteers must be age 18 or older and have a current tetanus shot.
Wildlife volunteers must commit to working one dedicated shift per week with a minimum six-month commitment. Generally, there are no more than 1-2 openings a year, so we have a waiting list.
To be placed on the waiting list to volunteer in wildlife, please complete the “Individual Volunteer Application” on the volunteer page and indicate you are interested in “Wildlife”. Be sure to indicate your estimated available days and times. Once we have an opening, our wildlife director will contact you.
At CNC, we are thankful to all of our volunteers who help out in a variety of ways. We asked Bea Hatcher, one of our talented Naturalists to tell us about her experience as a grounds volunteer. Here is what she had to say.
On Wednesdays at 8AM, we meet at the Chattahoochee Nature Center sign in front of the Discovery Center. Pat Carson comes with her “can-do attitude”, Dan Prucha brings his little bag of saws, shovels, and gloves. We are greeted by Jacqueline McRae, Grounds Manager and Horticulturalist with her endearing accent that is difficult for me to not fall into, and Caston who started this year for the Grounds Crew.
There are only a few of us that come and go as work schedules (and life schedules) permit- Dan is the regular while Pat and I come and go. Our fearless leader introduces us to the day’s plan- giving us the Latin and common names of these weeds or the invasive we will be pulling out today- stories about how they came to the US or why they are problematic for the area that they are growing in.
Pat gets started yanking Wisteria sinensis from around the Barred Owl aviary. Have you ever seen Pat pull old vines out of bushes and trees around the Nature Center? I stand back in awe of that lady often- sometimes saying out loud my hopes of being able to do half of what this retirement-aged woman is doing right now. “Just put your weight into it” she tells me. We talk about what we’ve been doing over the week in our own yards- pulling Hedera helix (English Ivy) and experimenting with ways to take out non-native bamboos. Jacqueline sets Dan on some older privets and then the final blow to the main stem of the invasive Wisteria. Dan can saw through an invasive mess quickly, load up the trusty old pickup truck, and then do that all over again. All along I’m just pulling Chamberbitter and brushing stinging ants out of my pant legs. Dan says you can tuck your pants into your socks to prevent ants from getting into your shoes- you don’t look cool but at least you’re comfortable. That’s a bit of wisdom for you.
That’s what you get if you are a grounds volunteer- a bit of wisdom. Sometimes it comes in the form of how to bring pollinators into your yard with beautiful Southeastern US native plants- sometimes you learn what not to plant or how invasive plants can get out of hand. Often- for me- it’s the encouraging people I can talk to and learn from. Sure, I’ve learned a ton about plants-but I’ve learned more about what kind of gardener I want to be, what kind of person I hope to become, keeping humor in hard work, and where I can source conkers should I want to take up a new hobby. Henning stops by and shares how Aralia spinosa (Devils Walking Stick) has been keeping plant predators away for millennia.
This is what I came looking for as a Volunteer. I was a volunteer first before applying for a Naturalist position at the Nature Center. You know that saying “love at first sight”? Yeah, I had that with CNC- turns out that this happens to people- some of my favorite people now. As a Naturalist I have been able to apply my volunteer experience to my programs and my own yard- I know where the Longleaf Pines are, why grasses and Rattlesnake Master go well together, and that Beauty Berry attracts a variety of birds to your yard. My kids were starting public school for the first time in August 2021- up until that point I had been a Stay at Home Mom / Homeschool Mom for nearly seven years. My husband, Luke, and I had bought our first house in October 2020- I was struggling along with my neglected yard- pulling out Euonymus alatus (Burning Bush), Mahonia, Bamboo, and English Ivy. I was ready to learn more about the native plants of Georgia and take back my yard for pollinators, insects, and birds. Pat, Dan, and Jacqueline taught me that I wasn’t alone in my struggle for making peace with my small impact.
The best thing about CNC and a big part of why I love this place so much is really the people. We get this amazing up-close nature experience but behind it is this incredible heartbeat of passionate and compassionate people.
The best way to learn something new is to jump in and get your hands dirty. Maybe you’re new to native plants, learning about pollinators, enjoy challenging gardening projects, and get a sense of satisfaction from giving an overgrown Multiflora Rose a bad day? I would encourage anyone to join us on Wednesday mornings at 8!
In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Week, we have been recognizing our volunteers and all of the great work that they do here. Today we wanted to highlight our volunteers in the wildlife department. More than 75 injured, non-releasable animals call CNC home. Our volunteers learn important skills and assist the wildlife department in providing for every aspect of these animals’ wellbeing. We interviewed some of our talented, hard-working volunteers to find out some fun facts about them and to learn why they volunteer.
Larry Stevens
Why did you join Chattahoochee Nature Center? I joined the CNC to focus my life-long learning about and enjoyment of the wonders of the natural world.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering? Working with our CNC wildlife, making good friends, believing I am helpful, and sharing what I learn with our CNC visitors. A big bonus is getting occasionally to release animals our Wildlife team has rehabilitated.
What is your current occupation? Retiree and part-time CNC naturalist
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that few people know? I served as a U.S. Army counterintelligence agent in West Berlin. I am a Universal Life Church minister and officiate weddings. In fact, I have officiated the nuptials of several CNC folks.
What’s the first concert you ever attended? My first concert was by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra when I was in elementary school, and I still attend ASO performances regularly. Also, I went to the Beatles concert when they came to Atlanta.
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Sweet corn, raspberries, coquilles Saint-Jacques, and dark chocolate, plus a good white wine to go with the coquilles and a good red to go with the chocolate
Zelia Lebeau
Why did you join Chattahoochee Nature Center? I wanted to work with hawks and owls. Then someone let me hold a snake and it was the neatest thing I had ever done. I called the next day and reminded the staff that they had had my application for quite some time and I asked when I could start.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering? Of course, working closely with the animals, but the camaraderie and friendships keep me coming back every Saturday I can.
What is your current occupation? Computer technician
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that few people know? I earned a purple belt in martial arts when I was in college
What’s the first concert you ever attended? Don’t laugh – Beatlemania
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Steak, baked potato, and salad.
Amanda Day
Why did you join Chattahoochee Nature Center?
To expand my knowledge of wildlife rehabilitation and medicine.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Feeling closer to nature and being able to assist in the welfare of our wildlife.
What’s the first concert you ever attended? Britney Spears
Claire Mills
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
I learn something new every day, and I get to be outside with cool people and animals
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that few people
I say the alphabet backwards faster than forward
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
The Osmond Brothers, but my 2nd concert was The Doobie Brothers
In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Week, we have been recognizing our volunteers and all of the great work that they do at CNC. Today we wanted to highlight the Unity Garden volunteers.
The Unity Garden provides a necessary service in its production and donation of fresh, healthy produce to members of our surrounding community through North Fulton Community Charities. The Unity Garden has supplied over 10 tons of produce since it began! In this article, Jacqueline McRae, Grounds Manager and Horticulturalist provide some insight into what being a Unity Garden volunteer is all about and how it benefits our community.
Big smiles as a longtime volunteer exclaimed “I just harvested my first ever cabbages!”.
This group of volunteers treasures their time working in the Unity Garden. They unanimously agree that nobody should go hungry and they are more than happy to give up a couple of hours a week to help with weeding, planting, and harvesting.
When asked why they volunteer with us they gave a million good reasons, including but not limited to:
“This is where I get my gardening fix”
“I needed to get out”
“I can’t wait to see the phenomenal summer harvest”
“The celebrity status when I arrive at the Foodbank with the produce we grew”.
One volunteer who was a former teacher shared that it is rewarding to see the visiting children get excited about the vegetable garden and to see their faces when they learn where the food is going. Opportunity abounds for learning and teaching as well as for getting dirt under your fingernails, which may not be possible at home.
These volunteers are proud of the super fresh food that is picked in the morning and on a dinner table by evening. Camaraderie is high on the list of reasons to be cheerful about volunteering, even in the hot summers and cold winter months.
We would like to thank the Unity Garden volunteers including those new to gardening and the seasoned gardeners for keeping the Unity Garden productive, tidy, educational, fun, and weed-free. The volunteers share a true sense of purpose and for some in retirement, a renewed sense of belonging to a meaningful and dedicated group.
Volunteers work hard to provide service to the community and help make a difference in society’s many challenges. CNC is especially grateful to our many volunteers who help keep us going all through the year. They do it all by creating programs, assisting visitors, wearing costumes, mailing envelopes, tending to campers, leading hikes, and growing healthy food. During National Volunteer Week, April 17-23, we want to celebrate and honor the volunteers that give their time and talents to CNC!
In this volunteer spotlight, we would like to focus on our volunteers in the education department. Christie Hill, Naturalist Manager at CNC gave rave reviews for her volunteers, Lauren and Anna.
Read on to find out Christie’s thoughts on her talented volunteers.
Lauren and Anna have been amazing additions to our Education Team this school year! I have continued to be impressed by their innovation and commitment to sustainability. These young environmentalists are not just thinking or talking about these weighty concepts, but their chosen lifestyles make them role models for their peers.
Lauren is thoughtful, determined, and takes on any project with quiet fervor. She has researched many areas of consumerism and choices we could be making in our daily lives. She is up to date on the current best practices in recycling and has given us a game plan for improving our methods.
Anna has her own sandwich-making business to support needy communities. She is passionate about marine ecology, enjoys researching the wildlife here, and builds on her knowledge of sustainability for the earth and oceans.
It has been a pleasure to have their ideas and hopeful spirits here, in sync with the values of the Chattahoochee Nature Center.
Anna and Lauren have found their experiences as volunteers to be valuable and rewarding.
Find out how Lauren described her experience as a volunteer.
Spending every summer for the past decade at Camp Barney Medintz, an outdoor sleepaway camp in Cleveland, GA, provided me with many positive memories of nature. Free of phones and air conditioning, each summer I embarked on many adventures through the mountains – from creek hikes to a three-day hiking trip through the first stretch of the Appalachian trail to spending a full twenty-four hours alone on a campsite. These solidified my love of the outdoors. When I was thirteen, I had a counselor who came to every meal equipped with a metal bowl and cutlery, and she spent that entire summer spreading her passion for sustainability. Slowly but surely, the respect I had for her ignited my passion for the environment. I started to love nature not only for my memories of it but also for its tranquility and the safety it provided from the often-loud world; I started to question the overconsumption I had committed and the glutenous culture I had perpetuated; most importantly, I started a journey to save the environment, one small step at a time. Now, I am a senior in high school aspiring to further this mission through a career in Environmental Policy.
The logical first step for me was interning at CNC, so I could witness an organization that gets people to care about the environment. Interning at CNC has been my first time in a formal workplace, and I could not imagine a better first experience. I have experienced the workplace culture firsthand, introducing me to the inclusive, nature-focused environment the staff and volunteers create. I have learned about and interacted with the animals, plants, and ecosystems at CNC, while also exploring broader environmental concerns, like plastics, recycling, and pollution. Beyond this, I now understand the myriad of paths that brought the staff members and volunteers to CNC, their similar passions for the environment and educating others about it, and a variety of professional and life skills. This internship, which started as a method for cultivating my sustainability passion in a real-world setting, has equipped me with new knowledge and values that I know I will carry into my future pursuits. I am so grateful for the well-informed, kind people with whom I have had the privilege of interacting, and I cannot wait to learn even more throughout the rest of my internship.
Now we will learn more about Anna and what led her to become a volunteer here.
As a senior at North Springs High School, I am involved in the National Honors Society, National Spanish Honors Society, the Talented and Gifted program, the Environmental Awareness Club, and I am the president of the Sandwich Club. The Sandwich Club is an extension of the nonprofit The Sandwich Project in which people from the metro Atlanta area make sandwiches for those in need of hearty meals. I also enjoy being on the varsity swim and tennis team! All my life, I have been so interested in the natural world, and in recent years I have become interested in the concept of conservation and sustainability. The Chattahoochee Nature has been the perfect environment for me to explore my interests while also helping out with the nonprofit and giving back to the community! I get to learn about the different animals that we rehabilitate, work on programs for the scouts to learn about sustainability, and overall just be surrounded by people who focus on our local environment! It has been the best experience and I plan to continue learning about these topics at the University Of Georgia next year while I major in Environmental Economics and Management!
Thank you Lauren and Anna for giving so much to CNC and we cannot wait to celebrate your successes in life!
Here at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, we are fortunate to have an amazing team of volunteers and staff that are focused on CNC’s mission to connect people with nature. One volunteer group that is not often heard about but is very active behind the scenes is the Board of Trustees. The purpose of the Board of Trustees at CNC is to advise, govern, and oversee policy and direction always with the mission in mind. Clarence Jackson has been on the Board of Trustees since 2016. He has served as Vice-Chair and currently serves as the Chair leading the 30-member volunteer team made up of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and individuals.
Clarence works at Cox Enterprises, a privately held global conglomerate, and is the Senior Director Sustainable Supply Chain and Business Operations. The roots were put down many years ago that led him to CNC to join the Board of Trustees and serve as the Chair. We recently spent time getting to know Clarence better regarding his background, what drives him, and what he sees in the future for CNC.
Clarence and his family at the Possum Trot 10k
What is your background and how did it lead to becoming part of the Board of Trustees at CNC?
I joined Cox Enterprises working at the Atlanta Journal Constitution in 2011 and immediately began to find ways to be involved with environmental sustainability issues and to give back by participating in Habitat for Humanity builds, EarthShare, and other events where Cox gives. I joined the Environmental Council at Cox and was part of a group of people that gave advice and opinions on what Cox was doing from a social and environmental governance standpoint.
As my involvement in environmental issues and giving back was noticed, people began to ask, “What are you doing formally?” and “Are you on any boards?”. I started thinking about giving back at a higher level and more strategically to a specific organization.
Through a process of evaluating organizations with open spots, it was the onsite tour of CNC that sealed the deal. I learned about the amazing programs and saw firsthand how CNC connects people with nature every day. They aligned with the values of Cox Enterprises, the AJC and most importantly the priorities in my life were in line with CNC’s mission. I felt like I could add a lot of value and support to the organization through my strengths in management, leadership, and organizational change.
How long have you been on the Board of Trustees at CNC?
I joined the Board of Trustees in September 2016 and was Vice President from October 2018 to October 2020. I became the Chair of the Board of Trustees in October 2020 and when it expires in 2022 the current Vice-Chair, Nick Diluzio will become the chair.
It can be stressful and challenging, but I am always willing to take on more. I will always choose to lean in and support the organization or drive change. A perfect example was during COVID. Initially, our primary goal was to make sure everyone, including kids, staff, and visitors, were both physically and mentally safe. The first step was deciding to shut down for an extended period, but the challenges and decisions that continue to be a part of doing business during a pandemic are still impacting CNC.
Working through hard times will always make you stronger and I have gotten much more out of my time volunteering on the Board of Trustees than I have put in. I am grateful for the diversity of the people on the board as well as the staff and the community that CNC serves. I am a better contributor and director at Cox because of my experiences at CNC.
What does being part of the Chattahoochee Nature Center mean to you?
I grew up in a rural part of Dayton, Ohio and while I got to experience being outside, I went to the City of Dayton schools where most teachers and students were African American and did not get to experience nature past concrete sidewalks and streets. CNC’s partnership with Atlanta Public Schools and the scholarships available to Title 1 schools really hit home. I wanted to be part of something that connected kids that would never normally see the river, walk in the woods, or see a snake up close with nature.
One of the long-term goals for Cox Enterprises is to positively impact 34 million people by 2034. It makes me want to help CNC positively impact as many people as they can. Through the visitors to CNC as well as the business that CNC may work within the community. Throughout the Capital Campaign construction project, we have made sure to have a diverse group of contractors that include minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses. CNC can positively impact people by connecting them with nature through exploring trails, getting on the river, and the health benefits of spending time outside. I want everyone to have that opportunity because I know how much better it makes me and my family feel.
What do you hope to accomplish as the Chair of the Board of Trustees?
The biggest strength that I bring to the board is in business operations and strategy. I can support the board and Natasha as the CEO/President through the Capital Campaign, transitions, safety issues, operations, and truly be a partner with her. I come to CNC events and meetings as often as I can to support her and the CNC staff.
How does your position at Cox Enterprises help you as a Board of Trustees member?
My position at Cox focuses on sustainability and business operations focusing on environmental and social governance. Sustainability is defined as meeting the needs of the present population without compromising the ability of future populations to meet its needs.
How can Cox be more sustainable in their purchasing and become more environmentally sustainable? A change leader will drive teams to integrate fieldwork and operations to change the way we do things. We help supply teams to focus on environmental sustainability, responsible sourcing, and diversity in everything that is purchased.
Many of those same principles can apply to operations at CNC. Environmental and social governance is just as important to a non-profit as it is to a large corporation. Cox’s goal to positively impact 34 million people by 2034 became even more important after social issues and equity was brought to the front in the last few years. Through my work on the Board of Trustees, I can be part of impacting people positively.
Cox Enterprises team winning the Corporate EcoChallenge in 2019
Tell us about the recent construction on the CNC grounds and the plans for the next phase of the Capital Campaign.
Five years ago, I remember sitting in a meeting and discussing the need for a bridge over Willeo Road. A bridge was needed for safety and accessibility. It was a dream, but how would CNC get there?
We are close to completing Phase I of the construction and the new bridge and River Boardwalk Trail will open in mid-March. It was exciting to see the bridge installed, but I was even more excited and got chills watching the curved ramps leading up to the bridge and down to the boardwalk take shape. The ramps make the River Boardwalk Trail and wetlands truly accessible to everyone. The ability to connect people with nature will grow exponentially!
The next phase of the capital campaign is ambitious, but once people see what CNC can accomplish they will be inspired. We were able to finish raising the money for Phase 1 during COVID with the help of foundations, state funds, and the tenacity of hard-working people that would not take “No” for an answer. That same tenacity will be brought to the fundraising for Phase 2.
The ribbon-cutting in March will be much sweeter knowing how hard everyone worked!
In honor of Black History Month do you have a black naturalist or environmental activist that has inspired you?
There is not one specific person, but people that are educating on environmental issues in communities in Atlanta that may not have had the opportunity to learn why we need to reduce our carbon footprint or plastic consumption. Many times, those communities are not affluent and many times they are minority communities. They are not in a place where they can think about large global issues and how it directly affects their communities.
CNC allows kids in those communities to learn about their watershed, how they can affect their watershed, and how the watershed affects them. Through educational or volunteer opportunities they can link it back to their community. They will be more likely to pick up a piece of trash or not dump oil down a storm drain.
It is important to educate and influence all people no matter where they live to enjoy nature and be led to do things differently or maybe even choose a career in environmental sciences.
What are your favorite ways to spend time outside and connect with nature?
I love to get outside and connect with nature by taking walks with the family and our dogs. We also love to spend time at the river and walk in the woods. There is a peaceful feeling and calmness that overcomes you when you hear squirrels rustling in the leaves, see herons on the river, hear a woodpecker, or even be lucky enough to see a beaver swimming.
I can’t wait to see families and kids of all ages on the new River Boardwalk enjoying being outside and laughing. If you ever have a bad day, just come to CNC and walk around you will see amazement at all things big and small in the eyes of the kids.
I am sure you love all the events at CNC, but do you have a favorite can’t miss event during the year?
One of my favorite events is Corporate EcoChallenge. We all work hard, and it is a chance to get outside and spend time with workmates. It also brings out my competitive side. We are all working together to win. Cox Enterprises won the last Corporate EcoChallenge in 2019 and we are hopeful it will return this year.
I also enjoy any event that is at night at the Ben Brady Pavilion and l am looking forward to events on the River Boardwalk. The lights, music, fresh air make the evening feel magical.
Thank you, Clarence, for taking the time to share your background and your level of commitment to CNC. Sustainability, social governance, and equity are keystones to your career and how you live. You live a life that models how to leave the world better for future generations. We are lucky to have you as a member of the Board of Trustees and a supporter of the Chattahoochee Nature Center and the mission to connect people with nature. Keep your eyes open and you might find Clarence at the next event making a difference for everyone.
What a crazy year has just passed: unexpected, challenging, heartbreaking, and life-changing.
As we reach National Volunteer Week 2021, I am reminded of one of my favorite children’s stories, “The Little Engine that Could” by Watty Piper. Upon rereading the tale, it seemed to be a wonderful metaphor for the Chattahoochee Nature Center and its volunteers.
The CNC is the “happy little train” that is loaded with good things for boys and girls, and all visitors. We have wonderful exhibits, animals that are lovingly cared for; we provide camps and programs, and learning opportunities for all ages. We have wonderful books and toys in our nature store. We even grow healthy food to share with others in our community garden.
In the story, “all at once, the train came to a stop”. Like the train, the CNC also had to close, due to COVID. Like the passengers on the train, the CNC staff tried very hard to set things right. So many new circumstances, so many changes, so many ways to pivot. Virtual programs, changed events, new offerings have been added to the happy train. Donors have been generous. And so many folks have been extraordinarily kind.
But in the story, what made the difference was not the Shiny New Engine or the Big Strong Engine, it was the “little blue engine”. This is the engine that stopped at once when she was flagged down, to see how she could help. She knew that she was just a small engine, able to help in small ways. But the little blue engine was willing to try to pull the train. She did it for the children and the families – to help them get the things that they needed; the things that meant the most.
It was hard work for the valiant little blue engine. The load was heavy – but she gave it her all. Saying, “I think I can, I think I can,” as she pulled the train up-up-up over the mountain. “Hurray! Hurray” cried the CNC staff. “the boys and girls [and all our visitors] will be so happy…all because you helped us”, OUR VOLUNTEERS!
We are so grateful for every one of our volunteers. You have helped to keep us chugging along by creating programs, assisting visitors, wearing costumes, mailing envelopes, tending to campers, leading hikes, growing healthy food. Our Volunteers are the little blue engine that has pulled our train; modest, kindly, and so essential. We just could not do it without you! _____
While 2020 was an extraordinary year, the CNC would like to express appreciation for ALL of our volunteers, including the 35+ who were able to donate more than 100 hours last year.
Here are the volunteers who donated more than 100 yours in 2020 and have helped for 10 or more years at the 100+ hour level:
Harriette Hoyt – 10 years
Ruth Ann Sonke – 10 years
Michael Bartell – 14 years
Kim Ellis – 15 years
Zelia Lebeau – 17 years
Stacy Zarpentine – 19 years
Sally Griffith – 24 years
Here are the volunteers who achieved new cumulative 1000-hour milestones in 2020:
Bob Hagan – 1000 hours
Larry Stevens – 1000 hours
Ruth Ann Sonke – 3000 hours
Michael Bartell – 6000 hours
____
What does volunteering look like TODAY at the CNC?
We are happy to welcome ALL of our volunteers back, whenever they are ready to return. At this time, all volunteers are required to wear COVID masks and participate in a daily temperature-check log. Approximately 2/3 of our “regular” volunteers have returned to the CNC, and new volunteers are joining us as well!
We are currently not working with corporate or school volunteer groups, CSWs, and are not yet holding our monthly habitat restoration days. We are also deferring scout service projects or award projects. We are looking forward to restarting these in the future!
Horticulture/Unity Garden/Native Gardens – volunteers help on weekday mornings. Volunteers usually can get started within a week or two.
Docent – our next orientation training will be in August. This class will likely fill up quickly. The next orientation training after this will likely be in Feb 2022.
Wildlife – there is a 1-2 year waiting list to assist in this area.
Special events – Volunteers age 16+ can help at these, volunteers age 12-15 can help, with a parent. Please contact us through the website to ask to be added to our email list.
Volunteers are a valued part of the Chattahoochee Nature Center. There are many exciting ways to volunteer in one of the Center’s many departments. See below for a listing of available opportunities.
How to Apply
>> Regular Placement CNC Volunteers – complete the Individual Volunteer Application which includes the waiver.
>> All Other Volunteers and Groups – complete the Group Volunteer Waiver online prior to your arrival at the event.
>> Volunteers Under 18 – a parent must complete the Volunteer Application and Volunteer Waiver for individuals under the age of 18. If the parent will not be with the group, please complete the Volunteer Waiver before the event.
>> Volunteers between 12-15years old – 1 adult in the group for every 8 volunteers that are 12-15 years old.
Position Title: Marketing Intern Department: Marketing Classification: Internship, Unpaid Reporting to: Marketing Specialist
Position Summary:
The CNC Marketing Intern will aid in internal and external communications, including social media, as they relate to CNC’s mission, programs, and strategic plan.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Provide creative support for internal and external communication efforts including print publications, websites, electronic communication, community engagement, external calendars, and media and video productions.
Create thought leadership materials including press releases, media relations content, website content, internal and external communication, and social media content.
Develop and maintain relationships with the local media, including newspaper and electronic outlets. Consistently research media coverage and industry trends.
Copyedit, proofread, and revise communications.
Design and launch email marketing campaigns. Adhere to the company’s style guide, ensuring that CNC produces a high-quality and error-free copy.
Capture images and video at events, programs, and daily interactions at CNC that support CNC’s mission.
Assist Director of IT and Communications and Marketing and Communications Manager in the project management and content development websites.
Represent CNC at special events on-site and in the community.
Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective marketing and communication program.
Skills Required: The Marketing Intern should have meticulous attention to detail, excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, and should meet deadlines.
Qualifications and Expectations:
Internship must be a requirement for applicant to receive their degree.
Self-starter with the ability to work independently once given direction.
The ability to take constructive feedback and adjust as needed.
Have a passion for and experience in creating positive consumer interactions.
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or professional experience, along with a commitment to personal/professional development.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work with diverse stakeholder groups as well as maintain relationships with colleagues that support a cooperative work environment.
Familiarity with media operations.
Knowledge of social media and emerging communication platforms.
Experience with gathering and editing videos for websites, social media, and YouTube.
Possess problem-solving skills and reasoning ability.
Can multitask and meet deadlines.
Ability to work with staff, volunteers, and community partners in a positive manner.
Highly computer literate with capability in email, MS Office, Adobe, Project Management Tools, and related business and communication tools.
Use of personal vehicle required.
Some evening and weekend work required.
Supporting Materials: Please submit publicly available web links to the requested work samples within your application:
Writing examples related to website, social media, press release, or blog/article content you have created, along with a written statement summarizing your specific role and duties.
At least one item demonstrating your experience and proficiency in video production both formal and informal video production.
To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, and supporting materials to Chattahoochee Nature Center at recruiting@chattnaturecenter.org. Include the job title in the subject line. Phone calls will not be accepted. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. A cover letter, resume, and supporting materials will be accepted until the position is filled.
Provide critical operating support to CNC while also advancing your corporate, volunteer, community engagement, and marketing goals. Opportunities include sponsorship of special events, festivals, and unique educational or scholarship programs.
Help secure CNC’s future by making a gift to our endowment fund that was launched in 2023 via a partnership with Cobb Community Foundation. A generous donor has offered to match all donations up to $10,000.
We rely on the support of the philanthropic community to support our operating needs and are grateful to our Foundation partners who support our programming.
CNC welcomes gifts of appreciated securities, such as stocks and mutual funds. These gifts may provide a greater tax benefit than an equivalent cash gift. Consult with your legal and tax advisors for guidance.
Consider CNC during your estate planning process to leave a legacy for future generations. These gifts may provide significant tax benefits. Consult with your tax and legal advisors for guidance.
Unique ways to support CNC with planned giving include Bequest (Will or Trust), Retirement Plan Assets, Charitable Lead Trust, Life Insurance, Cash, Stock, and Property.
Why did you join Chattahoochee Nature Center?
Big smiles as a longtime volunteer exclaimed “I just harvested my first ever cabbages!”.
One volunteer who was a former teacher shared that it is rewarding to see the visiting children get excited about the vegetable garden and to see their faces when they learn where the food is going. Opportunity abounds for learning and teaching as well as for getting dirt under your fingernails, which may not be possible at home.
The CNC is the “happy little train” that is loaded with good things for boys and girls, and all visitors. We have wonderful exhibits, animals that are lovingly cared for; we provide camps and programs, and learning opportunities for all ages. We have wonderful books and toys in our nature store. We even grow healthy food to share with others in our community garden.
But in the story, what made the difference was not the Shiny New Engine or the Big Strong Engine, it was the “little blue engine”. This is the engine that stopped at once when she was flagged down, to see how she could help. She knew that she was just a small engine, able to help in small ways. But the little blue engine was willing to try to pull the train. She did it for the children and the families – to help them get the things that they needed; the things that meant the most.
If you are interested in becoming a CNC volunteer, please visit our website and complete a volunteer application.