Education Intern

Position Overview:

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 4 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 1 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

Compensation: Through this unpaid internship, you will gain valuable experience with Washington's leading wilderness preservation organization.

• Washington Wild is a supportive, collaborative workplace that values and relies upon the work of interns.
• Washington Wild can help interns obtain college credit for their work when available.
• We offer a casual, dog-friendly work environment with flexible office hours and free parking.
• References gladly provided for successful participants.

Washington Wild wants to make this a meaningful experience for both our intern and our organization.  We are flexible and willing to work to make sure this is a mutually positive experience for both parties.

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.

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.  Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Application period closes May 25th, 2012 (or until filled). Questions? Contact us .