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Category: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Type: Internship

Location: In-Person in Vancouver

Application Deadline: Jan. 20, 2025

Starts: Feb. 10, 2025

Available Positions: 2

Salary Range: $16.50 - $18.00

Hours Per Week: 10 - 15

$ Paid
 Full Time
 Part Time

Available Days of the Week

  • Tuesday - Preferred
  • Wednesday - Preferred
  • Thursday - Preferred
  • Friday - Preferred
  • Saturday - Flexible

Description

**  Preference given to NEXT Participants

Columbia Springs  is a non-profit environmental education center  located  at 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy,  Vancouver,  WA.  It is located  at  a  100-acre natural area,  that surrounds a  historic fish hatchery in the heart of Vancouver.  Our goal is to use educational experiences to foster a greater awareness of the natural world  and inspire  stewardship.  We host field trips for thousands of  children each year,  offer sustainable living workshops,  guided walks,  festivals,  and more for all-ages  to enjoy.  

The Environmental Education Intern will gain experience in enviornmental education and communication.   This internship includes experiences in several of the different capacities  in which Columbia Springs serves the community.  The number and length of shifts per week may vary per week with the season.  Interns need to be available at least two weekdays Tuesday through Friday between 8:30 and 2:30 for field trip programming and for Fall Special Event dates listed below. 

Field trips 

Columbia Springs has a large science and nature field trip program that provides students with experiential outdoor learning while meeting the rigorous Next Generation Science Standards.  Our team of environmental educators,  volunteers and interns work collaboratively to provide high quality programs to about 7,000 participants every year 

Special events and programs 

Interns assist in the preparation for,  staffing of,  and clean up after occasional outreach and special events.   These events are often on the weekends or evenings.   Fall 2024 Special Event dates:  Saturday 9/14,  Wednesday 9/18,  Saturday 10/26,  Saturday 11/16,  Saturday 12/7,  Saturday 12/21 

 Visitor center 

While staffing the visitor center,  interns interact with the public,  answering questions and facilitating educational demonstrations.   Interns may be asked to work on special projects during lulls in visitor center activity to support other Columba Springs programs. 

Responsibilities

  • Be a positive and supportive team member 
  • Help students to feel welcome,  safe,  and successful     
  • Materials and site management tasks   
  • Receive written lesson plans and be able to translate these into engaging lessons for elementary students  
  • Work up to independently leading 4-hour field trip programs  
  • Receive and apply feedback about content delivery and classroom management  
  • Collaborate with staff,  volunteers,  and community partners to do projects   
  • Other duties as assigned  

Qualifications

We recognize that there are many different paths,  experiences,  and less traditional backgrounds that add value to one’s work and encourage applicants to apply even if they do not have all of the qualifications but feel that this position would be a great fit.  Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. 

  • Strong customer service skills and ability to work with and communicate with a variety of people  
  • Knowledge or interest in science and/or Pacific Northwest ecology  
  • Enthusiasm for learning and trying new things  
  • Physical demands of the job include,  and are not limited to,  the ability to walk off trail,  sit or stand for extended periods of time,  full ability of hands and feet,  regularly lift and/or move 40 lbs  
  • This position requires a background check 

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