Don Hoch Director
STATE OF WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON STATE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
1111 Israel Road S.W. · P.O. Box 42650 · Olympia, WA 98504-2650 · (360) 902-8500
TDD Telecommunications Device for the Deaf: 800-833-6388 www.parks.state.wa.us
Summer Internship with Washington State Parks
Application submission deadline: Friday May 4, 2018
Position: part time, 24-32 hours/week. Must be available on weekends.
Timeframe: June 9th – September 1st (start and end date flexible)
The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center is seeking to recruit an Interpretive Naturalist Intern to help staff the Information Desk and assist with nature-based educational programming offered to the public this summer. This experience is unpaid, though course credit can be earned. No housing available.
About the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center:
The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center is located in Castle Rock, situated in a second-growth forest across the street from Seaquest State Park in Southwest Washington. We are a historical based facility; with a theater, functioning seismograph, walk-through volcano model, eruption timeline, extensive displays, and a ½ mile-long boardwalk trail overlooking the Silver Lake wetland ecosystem. We are open year- round, receiving over 50,000 visitors in the peak summer season. We are five miles from the interstate, located on the Spirit Lake Highway, about 50 miles from Mount St. Helens. The nearest large city is Portland Oregon, approximately 63 miles away. In closer proximity is the Longview/Kelso area which houses plenty of grocery/specialty stores, two libraries, and city parks. For additional information please visit our webpage: http://parks.state.wa.us/245/Mount-St-Helens
Agency Mission:
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission cares for Washington’s most treasured lands, waters, and historic places. State parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives.
Agency Vision:
Washington’s state parks will be cherished destinations with natural, cultural, recreational, artistic, and interpretive experiences that all Washingtonians enjoy, appreciate, and proudly support.
Internship description:
-This is a great opportunity for a college student or recent graduate interested in learning about the field of interpretation through hands-on experience.
-Explore the role of an Assistant Parks Interpreter in a busy visitor center
-Assist interpretive staff with front desk duties; which includes disseminating basic information about the local area, directions to nearby attractions, and answering questions about Mount St. Helens- such as the geology, ecology and history related to the region.
-Assist with roving (informal) interpretation outside with the use of visual aids and educational specimens. This could include providing short talks to the public using pre-structured material.
-May be asked to assist staff with programming as needed. At our site this could include; guided walks on the wetland boardwalk trail, talks on the observation deck, discovery table talks, evening campfire lessons, and scheduled school groups or tour groups.
-Assist with the Junior Ranger Geologist program to visiting youth.
-Research, design and develop an outline and accompanying family friendly evening program to offer at a nearby park (Seaquest State park and/or Lewis and Clark State Park).
-May be asked to assist with facility care and upkeep. This could include sweeping, dusting or disinfecting indoors, and emptying garbages or picking up litter outdoors.
-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/Geology/Ecology/History or a related field.
-Good customer service skills and the ability to speak clearly to large 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. May be asked to drive park vehicle between parks.
Desirable qualifications:
-Interest in interpretation or teaching and expanding communication skills
-Have the ability to efficiently and effectively meet visitor needs in a busy Visitor Center
-Positive attitude and ability to work well with others; being a team player
-Good organizational skills and follow-through
-Being a self-starter
-Open to sharing ideas and accepting possible peer-review and input
-Ability to use Microsoft Office and/or PowerPoint
-Comfortable and confident using computer and basic office equipment
-Arrive on time daily and perform duties in a timely manner
-Willingness to work a flexible schedule as needed, required to work weekends
Applying:
To apply please email a detailed resume and cover letter describing your interest in this internship opportunity to Silver.Lake@parks.wa.gov no later than May 4, 2018. Please type “Summer 2018 Internship” into the email subject line. If selected, internship will begin early June.
If you have any further questions please contact: Alysa Adams, Parks Interpretive Specialist II at: 360-274-0962
Application material will be reviewed, and selected candidates will be contacted in a timely manner. Federal Background check and fingerprinting will be required upon internship offer.
Thank You for your interest in volunteering with Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission! We look forward to hearing from you!