NSEA's Environmental Education Internship provides hands-on experience and meaningful professional development for emerging leaders in environmental science, education, and outdoor learning.

As an intern, you’ll play a key role in delivering our Students for Salmon (SFS) program, building both independent and team-based leadership skills along the way. You’ll help lead energetic, curriculum-based field trips at sites throughout Whatcom County, engaging fourth grade students in place-based watershed education.

This internship is a chance to inspire the next generation, grow your teaching and naturalist skills, and be part of meaningful, community-centered restoration education.

Summary

The Environmental Education Internship is designed to support NSEA’s Program Team by facilitating outdoor education field trips throughout Whatcom County for 4th grade students between September and June. Regular programming occurs on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Ideal candidates will be available for three weekdays (Wed-Fri), specifically prioritizing Wednesdays and Fridays due to program needs.

Fall quarter takes place September 9 – December 18th, which will have up to 3 field trips (~ 24 hours maximum) per week. Hours fluctuate throughout the quarter, and schedules will be released one month in advance.

Responsibilities:

Educate fourth grade students in salmon ecology topics during four-hour, fully outdoor Students for Salmon field trips in all kinds of weather
Independently lead engaging educational stations emphasizing macroinvertebrates, native plants, and water quality
Practice group management and youth engagement while leading groups of up to 12 students
Maintain a safe, friendly, and inclusive learning environment for all students, adjusting to different abilities, learning styles, and English Language Learners
Work collaboratively as a group of three interns and Education Coordinator
Lift and load heavy equipment such as tents and tables, sometimes across vast outdoor restoration sites, in all weather conditions
Prep, set up, and clean up before and after field trips, including entering program metrics on the computer
Work collaboratively with fellow interns to plan and organize for upcoming needs
Support additional NSEA programming efforts, if applicable
Assist with facility needs, if applicable
Other duties assigned, as needed

Required Qualifications:
• 18 years or older
• Able to get to NSEA’s campus, located at 3057 E. Bakerview Rd. in Bellingham

•    Available Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays throughout the internship term 7:00am - 4:30pm
•    Ability to walk on uneven terrain while lifting, carrying, or pulling program gear up to 40 lbs (buckets of tools, canopy tents, wheeled carts with 20+ lbs of gear)
•    Some days will require more than 8 hours of standing, bending, and walking

Preferred Qualifications:
•    A strong passion for NSEA’s mission, environmental education and stewardship
•    Passion and/or experience working with youth
•    Willingness to work in 90% outdoor and 10% office settings throughout the term
•    Lived or professional experience working with people of all ethnicities, gender identities, incomes, abilities, and ages, especially youth
•    Ability to read, write, and speak Spanish, Punjabi, or Ukrainian fluently

To Apply: For the full position description and information on how to apply please visit https://www.n-sea.org/flow

Compensation Information

$700 monthly stipend