Environmental Education Intern

Environmental Education Intern
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.

Employee Classification: Temporary, Part-time, Non-exempt

Supervised by: Education Program Coordinator

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

Individual intern schedules and responsibilities will depend on availability. Priority will be given to applicants with full availability (Wed-Fri) September 9th – December 18th to meet program needs.

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 Qualification:

• 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

Compensation:

• Stipend of $700 paid monthly.
• On-the-job training and professional development in environmental education, salmon ecology, and habitat restoration
• Opportunities to network with other professionals in the fields of education, outreach, and restoration

Application deadline:
Position is open until filled; first review deadline is July 31st, 2026

Internship duration:

September 9th, 2026 – December 18th, 2026