Whale Scout, a nonprofit organization based in King County, Washington is looking for student interns for spring and summer sessions to assist with salmon habitat restoration and outreach and education activities with diverse audiences. Dedicated to protecting Pacific Northwest whales through land-based conservation experiences, Whale Scout takes a boots-on-the-ground approach to recovering endangered Southern Resident killer whales and the salmon they rely upon. We acknowledge that we are on the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish people, and recognize that certain local communities of color are disproportionately impacted by lack of salmon, poor water quality, and access to outdoor environmental experiences and education. Our programs, including this internship, work to address these issues. We are seeking applicants whose backgrounds, experiences, language skills, and interests align with environmental justice goals related to Puget Sound. This internship will offer students the opportunity to learn about killer whales, salmon habitat, native vegetation, communication, community building, non-profit organizational management, and become certified water quality monitors (summer). It will offer those 16 and older field experience educating the public including diverse communities. The summer internship may also include opportunities to participate in a field trip to San Juan Island. No prior experience is required for either program. Students are invited to apply for spring and/or summer sessions separately. Compensation is $22.50/hr.
Application Deadlines:
Spring session: March 13
Summer session: April 3
Description of Responsibilities
Spring session April 1 – June 23:
Track A: 10hrs/wk
Monday 10 – 11am, Wednesday 2 – 4pm, Friday 8am – 11am. Includes some weekend days for community volunteer and special events.
Track B: 4hrs/wk
Wednesday 2 – 4pm. Includes some weekend days for community volunteer and special events.
Location: Former Wayne Golf Course in Bothell, Wa with some independent work from home and possible offsite locations.
Activities:
Watering, weeding, and maintenance of newly planted native vegetation at restoration sites at the former Wayne Golf Course. Water quality monitoring, guiding the public in volunteering experiences, independent reading, learning, and discussions of emerging topics and research.
Summer session June 25 – August 31
Approximately 15hrs/week primarily on weekday mornings with some weekends and independent work from home and possible offsite locations and field trips.
Locations: Former Wayne Golf Course, Bothell, Bear Creek, Redmond, outreach sites throughout King County, possible offsite locations and field trips.
Activities: Watering, weeding, maintenance, and monitoring of newly planted native vegetation at restoration sites. Water quality monitoring training and certification. Outreach performing educational activities working with kids and families throughout King County. Leading volunteer work parties. Data entry for the PodMatch website and some administrative tasks. Independent reading, learning, research and group discussions.
Possible field trip to San Juan Island and other offsite locations.
Benefits
$22.50/hr compensation
This program offers an introduction to environmental restoration with field experience that can serve as a pathway for future careers. Gain real world experience learning how nonprofits and local governments partner to benefit the community. Network with other professionals in the field. Continue your education in discussion groups learning perspectives from peers. Gain experience leading and working with diverse communities. Become certified in water quality monitoring (summer) with broad applications in environmental fields. Upon successful completion of internship, we can provide letters of recommendation for future positions or educational advancement.
Commitment
We ask that participants commit to the full length of the program with exceptions for scheduled vacations and sick days.
Overall schedule can vary and include some weekends and evenings. During the summer, we make significant efforts to avoid the hottest times during the day for comfort which often requires mornings starting at 8am or earlier.
Skills and Qualifications
With the majority of activities taking place in the field, applicants should be interested in spending time outdoors and feel comfortable hiking several miles outdoors in all weather conditions. Must have an open mind and willingness to explore other points of view. Interest in working with diverse communities in the outdoors and indoor settings. Proven initiative and ability to multitask, prioritize, use good judgment, problem solve, and work effectively both independently and as a team in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated written and oral communication skills and detail-oriented organizational skills.
Must be at least 16 years old on first day of internship
Must provide transportation to sites across King County
Must successfully pass a criminal history background check
Must be legally able to work in the United States
Computer skills – use of Google products such as Google calendar, Google docs, Google sheets/excel and Zoom. Access to a computer/internet/email is particularly helpful
Be able to lift 40 lbs
Note: Housing not provided
We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA2S+, people living with disabilities, and veterans. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.
We consider the “whole applicant,” working to develop a cohort of interns with unique perspectives each year. Typically we receive far more applicants than available positions.
To apply, please complete the application by the stated deadline above:
Program Support
This program is funded with support from: WRIA 8, King County Flood Control District, King County Wastewater Treatment Division, King County Parks and Forterra.