INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Stratford Ecological Center offers people of all ages and backgrounds diverse career opportunities through hands-on internship experiences offered year-round. Internship opportunities range from Environmental Education to Development, Communication, & Marketing to Farming & Sustainable Agriculture! These divisions are intertwined and work in harmony to make experiencing the magic of Stratford possible for everyone!
Stratford is seeking applicants from a variety of disciplines including, but not limited to:
Environmental Education: Summer Camp Counselor
Create core memories and lifelong friendships in a fun, safe, playful environment for children to spark their curiosity and excitement for nature through our ten weeks of summer camps!
Development, Communication, and Marketing
Cultivate donor relationships, plan special events, and execute fundraising strategies to fuel Stratford’s mission. In addition, develop and implement strategic outreach initiatives and marketing materials through various channels to engage Stratford supporters.
Farming & Sustainable Agriculture
Assist the farmer through hands-on experience in the day-to-day aspects of production on the 65-acre organically managed farm, including livestock, field crops, horticulture crops, and agroforestry.
Non-Profit Administration
Learn the ins and outs of the behind-the-scenes operations that are integral to any non-profit’s success.
Land Stewardship
Empower yourself and others through education and effective practices, like battling invasives and protecting native species, to actively conserve and manage natural resources for a sustainable future.
Communications & Marketing
Develop and implement strategic outreach initiatives to promote Stratford’s mission and engage with its supporters and participants.
WHY INTERN WITH US
Now is the time to join us and make a difference. Here, you matter and so does your career. When you join our team of staff and volunteers, you feel like you are part of something bigger. You’ll make a profound and lasting impact on children, our community, and our environment when they need us most. Our community is filled with passion and purpose; driven and inspired by the joy, wonder, and relationships between living things and their environment.
HOW TO APPLY
- Create an account
- Click “Register” next to your name and select Internship Application 2025
- Flexible Scheduling Opportunities – Full time and part time opportunities
- Paid Opportunities – Stratford believes it is imperative to invest in the education of our future leaders, therefore Stratford offers some paid internship opportunities
- Work-Study & For Credit Opportunities – Some of Stratford’s internships qualify for high school, college credit, or work-study hours. These provides invaluable hands-on experience you can’t get inside the four walls of a traditional classroom.
- Subsidized Housing Available – Through a partnership with The Methodist Theological School of Central Ohio, just a few minutes away, Stratford is able to offer affordable housing as needed.
- Farm Fresh Products – Free and significantly discounted organically managed farm goods including fresh produce, eggs, meat, honey, syrup, and more!
- Passion – Must have enthusiasm for working in a dynamic, collaborative environment with a commitment to the greater good of the organization and the natural environment.
- Experience – No minimum experience required. All training required.
- Age – Must be 18 or older with valid ID
- Background Check – Must be able to pass an FBI & BCI background check
- Transportation – Must have or be able to secure regular and reliable transportation
- Weather – Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions
- Physical Requirements – Most internship positions require extensive time on your feet, walking on uneven terrains, heavy lifting and physically strenuous activity
- Farm Environment – Stratford Ecological Center is a working farm that uses heavy equipment with potential hazards for physical harm. Honey beehives are maintained and there is a high level of insect activity on our farm. People with hay fever and allergies to animals may be uncomfortable.
Audrey Mungovan
Environmental Education 2016, 2018 & 2021 | Development Intern, 2022
“Interning at Stratford has reminded me of what’s important in life; connecting with the natural world, sharing this connection with children and others, being a part of a community, learning, and savoring the simple things. Stratford’s staff and volunteers are welcoming and encouraging, and I have learned and gained valuable skills and life lessons from those I have had the privilege of working alongside. “
Katelyn McKee
Agriculture Intern 2021
“Working at Stratford Ecological Center as a Sustainable Agriculture Intern was one of the best opportunities I’ve ever had. Most importantly, it taught me the lasting impact of hard work, but also exposed me to more knowledge than I ever thought was possible. Being surrounded by people who want to make a positive influence on the environment and other animals is such a rewarding experience. My internship exposed me to new life skills, valuable knowledge, and lifelong friendships.”
Finn Hartner
Education Intern 2022 – 2023
“Because of Stratford, it’s definitely changed my entire career path. Instead of pursuing video games and a computer related field, I’ll probably go into more of a nature field because I’ve realized that my life definitely belongs more with the world, instead of online.”