Summer Education Internship- Seattle, Washington
Organization: Washington Wild
Job Title: Summer Education Internship
Location: Seattle, Washington
Hours and Compensation: Minimum of 15 hours/week. Unpaid.
Position Dates: June 8th-May 7th
Application Deadline: May 25, 2012
Posted on: April 23, 2012
Organization Overview
Founded in 1979, Washington Wild is a nonprofit, tax-deductible organization that brings people together in the vigorous defense of our remaining wild forests, waters and wildlife. We believe that public lands are a public issue. By educating, empowering and mobilizing our communities, Washington Wild builds powerful grassroots networks that help protect wild lands throughout the state.
Our supporters share our philosophy that our remaining wildlands have intrinsic value and are essential to our quality of life. Our approach was originally developed through our successful efforts to raise the public support necessary to pass the 1984 Washington Wilderness Act, which protected over a million acres of wilderness.
Today, we apply these beliefs and time-tested strategies to protect millions of acres of unroaded, ecologically critical forests that are rapidly being lost to logging, road building and poor stewardship.
Description
We are looking for a dedicated summer Education Intern who is passionate about the environment and will help us engage youth on a number of different projects, ranging from field work in the Cascades to writing workshops in Seattle parks. Our youth program is in its infancy, so the intern will have a significant impact in shaping program goals and curriculum.
Seattle Parks and Recreation (SP&R) has a youth group of approximately 11 teens who are interested in outdoor exploration and environmental volunteerism. SP&R is partnering with Washington Wild to create programming that empowers urban teens to enjoy wild places, perform meaningful environmental work, and complete individual and group projects over which they have total ownership. As Washington Wild currently has no youth-specific curriculum or projects, the Education Intern will play a vital role as the partnership liaison, curriculum writer, educator, and outdoor leader.
Responsibilities
- Work with Washington Wild’s volunteer coordinator and Seattle Parks and Recreation (SP&R) program directors to develop goals and objectives for the youth program
- Create a timeline for youth trainings, workshops, and field trips
- Develop curriculum and materials that correspond with our current field-based volunteer opportunities, such as writing wildlands narratives and photo-documenting, and with our organization as a whole
- Curriculum may include: nature writing workshop, photography workshop, outdoor skills and ethics, and public land use policies. This list is by no means complete and we’d welcome intern input.
- Serve as the liaison between Washington Wild and SP&R program directors to schedule workshops and field trips
- Be the principle educator and leader on youth outings
- There will be other adults accompanying the youth group, but the Education Intern will be the individual doing the teaching and running the show
- Produce an evaluation form for youth and adult group leaders to provide feedback on Washington Wild programming
- As the program develops, tasks not mentioned above will surely arise
Qualifications
- Working toward a four-year degree in education, environmental studies, natural sciences, recreation planning, or similar fields; college graduates and graduate students are strongly encouraged to apply
- At least one season teaching environmental education, leading a youth program, or working at a summer camp required
- Hiking or backcountry travel experience required
- Experience developing age and topic appropriate curriculum and associated materials
- Ability and willingness to guide and teach urban teens on hikes and other field trips; experience working with urban youth preferred
- Solid leadership and teaching skills
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
- Highly organized and able to take on multiple projects, work independently and as part of a team, and manage time to meet deadlines
- Able to represent Washington Wild in a professional manner
- Current First Aid/CPR or willingness to obtain
- Valid driver’s license and MVR that meets Washington Wild’s standards
- Must be able to pass a criminal background check
How to Apply:
To apply, please email a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, resume, and a lesson or piece of curriculum that you have written to Christine Scheele, [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Application period closes May 25th, 2012 (or until filled). Questions? Contact us at 206-633-1992.
Start and end dates are flexible; our ideal candidates would work through the summer, roughly May/June through September. Expected hours will be around 15 per week, including some Fridays and Saturdays. Please indicate your availability in your cover letter.
