Stream Stewards Internship

About the FLOW Program 

The Future Leaders of Whatcom Waters (FLOW) Program provides real-world experiences and professional development opportunities for future leaders of environmental and educational fields through internship positions.  

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 identification 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 to improve salmon habitat. In addition, interns will engage with the community through salmon sighting events, where we join together in local parks to watch salmon as they return to freshwater to spawn. 

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.

2026 Fall Stream Stewards Internship Dates 
Saturdays only, September 19 – December 12 (~13 Saturdays dependent on event schedule)

Responsibilities: 

Facilitate Stream Stewards Programming (95-100%) 
• Lead and educate groups of 5-30 volunteers in outdoor salmon ecology and habitat restoration activities at weekly volunteer “Work Parties”  
• Engage with the public during “Salmon Sighting” outreach events  
• 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  

Minimum Qualifications:
• 18 years or older 
• Reliably able to get to NSEA’s campus for shifts, located at 3057 E. Bakerview Rd. in Bellingham 
• Full day (6am-4pm) availability on Saturdays from September 19 – December 12  
• Available on the following key dates: 
o      Orientation on September 19 from 8am-4pm 
o      Orca Recovery Day Work Party on October 17th from 6am-4pm 
• 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

The most successful applicants will: 
• Be a student in a related field of study 
• Be passionate about NSEA’s mission, environmental education, stewardship, and outreach 
• Have professional goals for a career in the environmental and or nonprofit sector  
• Be willing to work in outdoor settings regardless of weather 

Benefits:
This is a seasonal, part-time position, averaging 8 hours per week. Weekly schedules may fluctuate depending on optional additional shifts but should not exceed 18 hours per week or more than 130 hours per term. 

• This is an unpaid, volunteer position 
• A stipend of $800 is offered upon successful completion of the term  
• Professional development in interpersonal communication, leadership, salmon ecology, and habitat restoration 
• Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED certification based on availability 
• Additional experience in education, outreach, and restoration depending on season/availability 
• Academic credit depending on college and eligibility