Spring Environmental Education Internship

Summary: The Upper Deschutes Watershed Council is seeking an intern to join us in our educational activities this spring. Our youth education program, The Upstream Project, is committed to connecting youth to the natural world through streamside activities in art, writing, science, and outdoor exploration. The selected intern will play an active role in assisting us with the coordination and delivery of many aspects of The Upstream Project. The intern will work closely with the Education Director and Outreach and Education Coordinator to help deliver watershed education projects and events throughout the spring. Utilizing strong communication skills, an enthusiasm for teaching, and an interest in natural resources, the intern will have valuable opportunities to assist with a diversity of elements within the Watershed Council’s education program. Educational program delivery may include: teaching streamside learning activities, delivering classroom presentations, and developing watershed educational materials and activities. The intern will also have multiple opportunities to connect with the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon, assist with collaborative events, and network with Children’s Forest partners. The internship hours are flexible: 10 hours per week with occasional weekend and evening events.

Internship Dates: April 1st to June 7th, 2024

General Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to): The intern will spend the majority of their time as an assistant educator, working with local students at streamside learning projects as well as in the classroom. In addition, program delivery support (including in-classroom support to teachers, delivery of watershed education publications, collaboration with partners, and in-office work) will occupy the majority of their time.

Requirements:

• Interest in traditional and/or non-traditional education programs.
• Enthusiasm for working with students in outdoor education.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as necessary, and to travel periodically (safe, competent driver, insured)
• Ability to work independently as well as being a strong team player, with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Completed background check.

Intern Benefits: The Watershed Council is committed to crafting this position into a significant learning experience for the selected applicant. The intern will receive hands-on experience in field-based education as well as opportunities to network with both formal and non-formal educators, scientists, natural resource management professionals, and Children’s Forest partners. In addition to gaining valuable hands-on experience coordinating environmental education programs, the intern will also receive $18/hour.

If applicable, the intern is also eligible to receive 1 Central Oregon Community College course credit for ED 188: Environmental Education Internship. The selected intern will also be offered the opportunity to earn academic credit through OSU-Cascades. If interested, the intern can enroll in NR 410, a 3-credit independent study class in collaboration with the Natural Resource Program at OSU-Cascades. Students enrolled in NR 410 will work with an OSU-Cascades faculty supervisor to complete all tasks associated with academic credit requirements. Internship credits may be available with other OSU-Cascades programs; the prospective student is encouraged to check in with that program’s coordinator about internship credit possibilities.

Questions about the project? Contact: Kolleen Miller, Education Director, (541) 382-6103 x3 kmiller@restorethedeschutes.org