Stream Stewards Intern

The Stream Stewards Internship position includes opportunities to learn about, experience, and actively participate in the different facets of NSEA’s work based on individual interests and availability. The primary role of this quarterly position is to lead volunteers in restoration and stewardship activities at community work parties on Saturdays. Interns 
will support volunteer events in different capacities such as shuttle driving, leading small groups, and supporting educational components like macroinvertebrate identifying while working collaboratively with the team. These community work parties are held throughout Whatcom County, where volunteers join NSEA to plant native species, 
remove invasive species, and more.  

This internship position is designed with personal and professional growth in mind. Each cohort will have opportunities to build skills and participate in activities that align with the individual intern learning goals.  These experiences may include teaching fourth graders at school field trips, monitoring project support, classroom salmon releases, and 
supporting education and outreach events. All additional work experiences outside of the primary role of the position are not guaranteed and dependent on funding, season, and intern availability. 

Responsibilities: 

Facilitate Stream Stewards Programming (90%) 
• Lead and educate groups of 5-30 volunteers in outdoor salmon ecology and habitat restoration activities at weekly volunteer “Work Parties”  
• Lift, load, and set up heavy equipment such as tents and tools, sometimes across vast outdoor restoration sites, in all weather conditions 
• Lead stewardship activities, including invasive plant removal and native tree and shrub planting, across a variety of stream-side restoration sites throughout Whatcom County  
• Work collaboratively with fellow interns to plan and organize for upcoming needs 
• Assist in all aspects of programming, including set-up, clean-up, and supply/tool maintenance  
• Assist with facility needs, if applicable 

Minimum Qualifications  

• 18 years or older 
• Able to get to NSEA’s campus, located at 3057 E. Bakerview Rd. in Bellingham 
• Full day (6am-4pm) availability on Saturdays  
• 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 may require more than 8 hours of standing, bending, and walking