Office Location: 5306 Ballard Ave NW, #213, Seattle, WA 98107
(800) 324-9605
Veterans Conservation Corps Internship Program
WSPF Park Champions Internship
Internship Status: 40 hours/week; 6 month contract renewable for up to 1 year; will begin April 2018 and includes a stipend of $1800/month to cover living expenses.
Schedule: Typically Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm; occasional early morning, evening and/or weekend work hours will be required but will be pre-scheduled to fit within 40 hours/week. Alternative hours and flexible scheduling to meet the intern’s needs will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
BACKGROUND OF ORGANIZATION
Our purpose is to ensure a vibrant Washington State Parks system for generations to enjoy. We engage, expand, and sustain a broad base of supporters who give to, advocate for, and treasure our 125 state parks. Recognizing Washington’s continuing population growth and the increased demand on its State Parks system, the Washington State Legislature in 2000 authorized the creation of a private, non-profit organization to build wide- ranging support for State Parks. Since then, the Washington State Parks Foundation has helped fund a significant number of projects and programs that provide enhanced State Parks experiences for people of all ages and various interests, backgrounds and abilities. With budget shortfalls in recent years, the Foundation expanded its role in concert with the State Parks agency to develop strategies for raising revenues, expanding special events and education programs while cultivating a network of Parks supporters across the state.
POSITION SUMMARY
As a Park Champions intern with a specialty in Education, Restoration & Outreach you’ll work with our team based in Seattle to support environmental and outdoor recreation programs hosted at Washington State Parks. You will coordinate WSPF-member, school-group, general public and volunteer events. Events include guided hikes/walks, environmental education programs, site restoration and outdoor recreation activities.
You will work with WSPF staff, board and volunteers and external partners that include State Parks and other state, local and federal agency personnel, nonprofit, school districts, businesses and nonprofits. This position will amplify current and new partnerships with nonprofits and agencies working to increase awareness, use and attendance at Washington State Parks via environmental and science education programs, volunteer restoration events and promoting health and wellness through outdoor recreation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
This Internship program areas and activities include coordinating, providing outreach and participation in a wide range of programs, events and activities. Potential projects include:
Puget Sound Science Rangers Education Programs
- Coordinate with partners to craft WSPF’s implementation plan for the Puget Sound Science Rangers environmental and science education programs led by WSPF and hosted at state parks.
- Provide outreach to school districts including schools that have a high population of children from military families to gauge their interest in Puget Sound Science Rangers and gather input for customizing programs to meet the needs of at-risk students within this population.
Volunteer stewardship events to maintain or enhance state parks lands
- Support WSPF staff, agency, nonprofit and business partners to host restoration events at state parks.
- Coordinate and or lead a variety of stewardship actions including but not limited to invasive weed removal, trail restoration, restoration tree planting, coastal clean ups, and supplies/tools inventory and maintenance
- Lead volunteer recruitment and outreach duties by engaging with WSPF-members, veterans and active duty supporting organizations, school groups, businesses and general public.
- Provide outreach with volunteers by tracking and updating events to publish online, in e-news features and social media feeds.
Outdoor Recreation: Events, Hikes & Walks
- Coordinate and or lead a variety of tasks to implement National Get Outdoors Day GO EXPO event on June 9 at Lake Sammamish State Park to promote outdoor recreation at state parks and public lands and the associated personal and community health and wellness these activities and places provide for the public.
- Work with partners to promote their participation in GO EXPO event and support the design and coordination of interactive and educational programs at their booths.
- Work with partners to gather their logos and information for promotional materials and event planning.
- Provide outreach to secure volunteers for GO EXPO.
- Coordinate and lead a variety of hikes, interpretive walks and or other activity in state parks for WSPF members and supporters.
Outreach
- For all outdoor recreation activities Intern will act as a friendly yet informative presence.
- Intern will lead outreach with veterans, active duty military, military families and installations for their participation in events and/or attendance. Intern will pitch her/his own engagement ideas in addition to supporting assigned outreach projects.
- Intern will represent Washington State Parks Foundation and communicate the goals of the VCC Park Champions in meetings with WSPF-members, supporters and prospective funders for the VCC Park Champions and the Puget Sound Science Rangers.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
You’ll be engaged with an energetic, creative and supportive team while also learning about and visiting our beautiful state parks and working with specialists in environmental education and field studies. Washington State Parks Foundation will also offer outreach training on use of software that may include Constant Contact, Hootsuite, Canva and Woobox while offering mentorship from professionals in the fields of long distance education, interpretation, communications and online marketing.
All necessary training required to perform the essential functions/duties is provided on the job.
In addition to on-the-job training, this position may include the following formal trainings and certifications to aid in professional development and job training:
- CPR/First Aid
- Dependable Strengths
- Money 101
- VCC Annual Training
- PTSD/TBI/Mental Health
- Resume/cover letter/job interviews
Minimum Qualifications:
- This position requires the applicant to be a United States military veteran
- Passionate about the environment and education
- Eager to engage others in service to improve Washington State Parks
Preferred Qualifications:
- Has completed or is pursuing a degree in Education, Environmental Studies, or a related field
- Excels at engaging with the public
- Has exceptional organizational abilities
- Can manage multiple projects under a deadline
- Engages in outdoor recreation
- Has familiarity or experience with social media
Physical Requirements:
- Physically able to conduct field work and traverse occasionally rough terrain in a variety of weather conditions
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
- Ability to climb over brush, logs, fences, creeks, and other obstacles on protected properties
Apply
All applicants must pass a background check. To apply to this job, email a resume and cover letter explaining your interest in this position to:
Kim Pham
Veterans Conservation Corps Internship Coordinator
kim@dva.wa.gov
Questions?
To learn more about the Veterans Conservation Corps Internship Program, contact:
Kim Pham
Veterans Conservation Corps Internship Coordinator
kim@dva.wa.gov
For more information about the Washington State Parks Foundation, contact:
Lisa Bellefond
Government & Community Affairs Strategist
lisa@wspf.org