Diverse Voices Student Internship Opportunity

Whale Scout, a nonprofit organization based in King County, Washington is looking for student summer interns 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, including indigenous people are often 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, 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. It will offer those 17 and older field experience educating the public including diverse families. The internship may also include opportunities to participate in field trips to San Juan Island. Activities will be adjusted to comply with all COVID-19 guidelines. Three positions are available lasting eight weeks, approximately 20 hours a week, with $15/hr compensation. Applications are due May 16th.

Description of Responsibilities

Watering, weeding, maintenance, and monitoring of newly planted native vegetation at restoration sites within north King County – some in partnership with Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group

Riparian and water quality monitoring at our Bear Creek site

Outreach performing educational activities working with kids and families throughout King County

Compiling and delivering Orca Conservation Kits throughout the Puget Sound region and King County 

Data entry for the PodMatch website and some administrative tasks

Independent reading, learning and research

Possible field trip(s) to San Juan Island

Required attendance at online orientation sessions

Benefits

$15/hr compensation

Field experience

Continuing educational opportunities 

Networking opportunities 

Experience working with diverse communities

Experience learning about salmon habitat restoration and water quality testing techniques 

Upon successful completion of internship, letter(s) of recommendation for future positions

Internship length

July 6th – August 30th, approximately 20 hrs a week including weekends and evenings

Timeline

Applications due: May 16th

Interviews: via ZOOM May 20th and 23rd

Internship July 6th – August 30th

Commitment 

Commitment 20 hours per week (approx). 

Schedule can vary and include some weekends and evenings

Skills and Qualifications 

Open mind and willingness to explore other points of view 

Computer skills – use of Google products such as Google calendar, Google docs, Google sheets/excel and Zoom. Must have access to a computer/internet/email regularly

Be able to lift 40 lbs

Interest in teaching a diverse group of students both in and out of the classroom

Proven personal initiative and ability to multitask, prioritize, use good judgement, problem solve, and work effectively both independently and as a team in a fast-paced environment

Ability to hike several miles outdoors in all weather conditions

Demonstrated written and oral communication skills and detail-oriented organizational skills

Must be at least 17 years old on first day of internship

Must provide personal transportation to sites across King County and Anacortes, Wa. Travel to south Puget Sound and Mount Vernon for field trips may be possible.

Must possess a valid driver’s license

Must successfully pass a criminal history background check

Must be a U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident alien

Willingness to store and/or transport materials to and from home

Some basic knowledge of Pacific Northwest ecosystems, flora and fauna

Willingness to learn more about the threats and science regarding Southern Resident killer whales

Housing not provided

We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, 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, fill out and return this application by May 16th, 2022.

Online volunteers needed!

Help orcas from your keyboard, right at home. We need help with simple data entry tasks to build our website database connecting orca enthusiasts with volunteer opportunities for salmon (PodMatch.org). We’re looking for volunteers to help enter events. Computer skills needed: basic use of the internet and copy and pasting. Whale Scout will provide training. Volunteer commitment: minimum of 30 mins every two weeks, on your own schedule. Please inquire about the opportunity by April 30th using this form: https://forms.gle/Va8MwjNbxqm2mVrb7

Earth Day Volunteering with Whale Scout

Volunteer to improve habitat! Portions of Bothell’s largest park, the former Wayne Golf Course, are a migratory corridor for Chinook salmon in the Sammamish River and potential habitat for Coho at the confluence of Waynita Creek. As this amazing property transforms from a golf course into a public open space, volunteers are offered the opportunity to help improve the habitat. By controlling non-native and invasive weeds, and protecting native trees and vegetation, we’re able to improve water quality for salmon and down the line provide more prey for killer whales in Puget Sound!

Consider signing up your household for a fun, educational, family outing. Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, under 18 need a signed release form by a parent. Please sign up so we can pass along all event details. A confirmation email will be sent to you 2-3 days prior to the event. Please note that we meet at Blyth Park and then walk to the work site.

Check out the other Earth Day volunteer events happening around Bothell-Kenmore here.

Volunteer to Restore Habitat

Volunteer to improve habitat! Portions of Bothell’s largest park, the former Wayne Golf Course, are a migratory corridor for Chinook salmon in the Sammamish River and potential habitat for Coho at the confluence of Waynita Creek. As this amazing property transforms from a golf course into a public open space, volunteers are offered the opportunity to help improve the habitat. By controlling non-native and invasive weeds, and protecting native trees and vegetation, we’re able to improve water quality for salmon and down the line provide more prey for killer whales in Puget Sound!

Consider signing up your household for a fun, educational, family outing. Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, under 18 need a signed release form by a parent. Please sign up, we will limit participants. A confirmation email will be sent to you 2-3 days prior to the event.

Help Salmon in Bear Creek!

Help us plant along Bear Creek! Join us to help plant native trees and shrubs and remove pesky blackberry! Chinook salmon in Bear Creek are doing relatively well compared to nearby streams so let’s keep it that way. Endangered orcas need these fish to recover. Native trees and shrubs protect water quality by shading the stream keeping it cool, providing cover, and stabilizing stream banks from erosion. Please sign up today to participate!

The site is located on private property, with extremely limited parking. We will meet at the Redmond PCC and walk over to the site together, offer information about orcas and salmon, the history of the site, and dig in! If you have mobility concerns, please email us to make accommodations.

Help Salmon in Bear Creek

Get your hands back in the dirt this Sunday! Join us to help plant native trees and shrubs and remove pesky blackberry! In light of omicron, we’re limiting the group to 10 participants, requiring masks and proof of vaccination. Please sign up today!

The site is located on private property, with extremely limited parking. We will meet at the Redmond PCC and walk over to the site together, offer information about orcas and salmon, the history of the site, and dig in! If you have mobility concerns, please email us to make accommodations.

Volunteer to Restore Habitat

Volunteer to improve habitat! Portions of Bothell’s largest park, the former Wayne Golf Course, are a migratory corridor for Chinook salmon in the Sammamish River and potential habitat for Coho at the confluence of Waynita Creek. As this amazing property transforms from a golf course into a public open space, volunteers are offered the opportunity to help improve the habitat. By controlling non-native and invasive weeds, and protecting native trees and vegetation, we’re able to improve water quality for salmon and down the line provide more prey for killer whales in Puget Sound!

Masks and proof of vaccination for those 5 and over will be required. Consider signing up your household for a fun, educational, family outing. Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, under 18 need a signed release form by a parent. Please sign up, we will limit participants. A confirmation email will be sent to you 2-3 days prior to the event.

MLK Monday Event

Volunteer to improve habitat and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! Portions of Bothell’s largest park, the former Wayne Golf Course, are a migratory corridor for Chinook salmon in the Sammamish River and potential habitat for Coho at the confluence of Waynita Creek. As this amazing property transforms from a golf course into a public open space, volunteers are offered the opportunity to help improve the habitat. By controlling non-native and invasive weeds, and protecting native trees and vegetation, we’re able to improve water quality for salmon and down the line provide more prey for killer whales in Puget Sound!

Masks will be required. Consider signing up your household for a fun, educational, family outing. Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, under 18 need a signed release form by a parent. Please sign up, we will limit participants. A confirmation email will be sent to you 2-3 days prior to the event.

MLK Weekend Event

Volunteer to improve habitat and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! Portions of Bothell’s largest park, the former Wayne Golf Course, are a migratory corridor for Chinook salmon in the Sammamish River and potential habitat for Coho at the confluence of Waynita Creek. As this amazing property transforms from a golf course into a public open space, volunteers are offered the opportunity to help improve the habitat. By controlling non-native and invasive weeds, and protecting native trees and vegetation, we’re able to improve water quality for salmon and down the line provide more prey for killer whales in Puget Sound!

Masks will be required. Consider signing up your household for a fun, educational, family outing. Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, under 18 need a signed release form by a parent. Please sign up, we will limit participants. A confirmation email will be sent to you 2-3 days prior to the event.

Helpin’ Out Bear Creek

Get your hands back in the dirt this Sunday! Join us to help plant live stakes of willow harvested from the site and remove pesky blackberry! In light of omicron, we’re limiting the group to 10 participants, requiring masks and proof of vaccination. Please sign up today! Also – join us afterwards around 12:45pm for happy hour at Cairn Brewing where we are the featured charity of the month! Indoor and outdoor seating available. Sign up is required below.