Winter Internship with Washington State Parks
Application deadline: December 5, 2016
Position: Part time, 10-20 hours/week, approximately 3 months
Timeframe: January-March (start and end date flexible)
Ike Kinswa State Park is seeking to recruit an Interpretive Intern to help research, explore and implement educational possibilities within the park and to assist with interpretive programming and development within the Upper Cowlitz Area. This includes Seaquest State Park, The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center and Lewis and Clark State Park. A bi-monthly stipend is available to offset the cost of travel, and course credit can be earned. No housing available.

About the Upper Cowlitz Area:
Southwest Washington provides an abundance of recreational opportunities as a gateway community to Mount St. Helens and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The incumbent would primarily work at Ike Kinswa State Park; a large forested campground on the Northern Shores of Lake Mayfield, located in Mossyrock Washington. With hiking trails, beach access and docks for boating and fishing it is a popular destination year round for day-use or overnight excursions. 20 miles away is Lewis and Clark State Park; a rare old-growth forest with streams, wetlands, prairie, historical Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) structures and plenty of hiking and horse trails. A short drive down the interstate is Seaquest State Park; a second-growth forested campground with hiking trails and wildlife watching. Across the street is the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center; a historical based museum with a theater, extensive displays, a boardwalk trail overlooking the Silver Lake wetland, and views of the mountain. For additional information please visit our webpage: http://parks.state.wa.us/849/Southwest-Region
Internship description:
-Fill the role of an assistant educational park ranger during the off-season in a scenic forested location.
-Brainstorm and research possible interpretive options for the park, which could include designing: educational panels for the shoreline walking trail, programs to offer to the public, brochures and pamphlets for visitor use.
-Possibility to explore the park and catalog plant and animal species common to the area and the development of material from findings, such as a bird-watch list or flora identification trailside guides.
-Answer visitor questions and offer directions within the park(s)
-Assist with roving (informal) interpretation with the use of visual aids and educational specimens in multiple settings. Assist interpretive staff with front desk duties at the visitor center; which could include disseminating basic information about the local area, directions to nearby attractions, and answering questions about Mount St. Helens
-Gain experience in research, compiling data and program development
-Become more confident in public speaking and social interactions
-Park staff will provide necessary training, help with skill development, and oversee project work.

Required qualifications:
-Must be a recent graduate or currently enrolled in a local college and completing a degree in Natural Resource Sciences/Biology/Ecology/History or a related field.
-Good customer service skills and the ability to speak clearly to groups of varying age and ethnicity.
-Ability to communicate with fellow staff, and follow guidance
-Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to provide their own transportation between parks. May be asked to drive park vehicle to and from parks.
Desirable qualifications:
-Interest in research and designing of educational park materials.
-Interest in interpretation or teaching and expanding communication skills.
-Good organizational skills and follow-through.
-open to sharing ideas and accepting possible peer-review and input
-Ability to use Microsoft Office, PowerPoint and/or Adobe Suite.
-Comfortable and confident using computer and basic office equipment.
-Have the ability to efficiently and effectively meet visitor needs.
-Positive attitude and ability to work well with others; being a team player
-Arrive on time daily and perform duties in a timely manner
-Willingness to work a flexible schedule as needed

Applying:
To apply please email your completed volunteer application, a detailed resume, and cover letter describing your interest in this internship opportunity to Silver.Lake@ parks.wa.gov no later than December 5, 2016. Please type “Winter 2017 Internship” into the email subject line. If selected, internship will begin early January.