Summer Environmental Education Internship

The Upper Deschutes Watershed Council is offering a 12-week educational internship opportunity. The intern will play an active role assisting us with many aspects of our summer watershed education program. The intern will work closely with the Education Director and Education and Outreach Coordinator to help deliver watershed education activities and events throughout the summer. 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 and Upstream Explorers Camp. Educational program delivery will include: organizing educational supplies and summer camp materials, supervising children ages 6-12 during camp activities, assisting children with trail etiquette and safe hiking protocols, helping facilitate streamside learning activities, and developing watershed educational materials and activities. The intern will also have multiple opportunities to connect with many natural resource agencies, assist with collaborative events, and network with Children’s Forest partners. The internship hours will range between 20 and 36 hours per week. During the weeks of June 17-22, July 15-19, and August 26-30, the intern will assist with our Upstream Explorers camp. The internship is considered a part-time, temporary hourly position compensated at $18/hour.

The intern will spend the majority of their time assisting with our education and community outreach activities over the course of the summer. The intern will be working with the Education Director to coordinate the annual Deschutes River Cleanup, assisting with business sponsorship tasks, and general community outreach activities. The intern will also assist with our Upstream Explorers camp by working with children at streamside locations- hiking, assisting with stream studies, facilitating learning games and activities, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all campers. In addition, the intern will assist with summer camp coordination, organization of camp materials and supplies, communication with parents and guardians, and general summer camp support.

Requirements:

• Interest in non-traditional education programs.
• Enthusiasm for working with students in outdoor education.
• Open-minded and positive attitude toward children with all levels of physical ability and emotional development.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Physical ability to hike up to three miles on uneven terrain while wearing a 10-20 pound backpack.
• Willingness to work outside under all weather conditions and to travel to various summer camp ocations throughout Central Oregon (safe, competent driver, insured)
• Ability to work independently as well as being a strong team player.
• Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying. 9. Regular and reliable attendance.
• Completed background check.

Intern Benefits include:

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 summer camp coordination and field-based education. The intern will also have opportunities to network with formal and non-formal educators and natural resource partners. This will be considered a part-time, temporary hourly position compensated at $18/hour.

If applicable, the intern is also eligible to receive 1 COCC 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.