CCAS: South Sound Green Education Intern
This position is organized and sponsored by Evergreen’s Climate Center.
The Center for Climate Action and Sustainability (CCAS) is a public service center at Evergreen that offers and manages the Community Internship Program (CIP) - an experiential learning program that links students with sustainability and climate-focused organizations. CCAS provides funding to compensate students up to 19 hours per week. Students are required to enroll in a variable credit program (CRN coming soon) titled “Climate and Sustainability Internships” for at least 2 credits but can do additional academic work to earn up to 16 credits. Students are expected to: assist with administrative tasks to ensure the arrangement continues working for all parties (the student, community partner, and the center); facilitate communication and respond to emails in a timely manner; attend bi-weekly meetings; contribute to classroom discussions; complete a weekly activity tracker; and write a final reflection paper. More information is below.
Thurston Conservation District is looking for a dynamic, energetic, and creative educator with a strong interest in youth and environmental education work.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
South Sound GREEN (SSG) is an environmental education program of the Thurston Conservation District, engaging thousands of local students and teachers in hands-on scientific testing and outdoor watershed experiences every year. The SSG Education Intern will work closely with the SSG staff to bring environmental education programs to youth in Thurston County. The intern will assist with the implementation and teaching a variety of field and classroom-based lessons, including but not limited to water quality testing, salmon spawning field experiences, and tree plantings. Interns are not expected to be experts in education or environmental science. This temporary internship position aligns with the Evergreen State College fall quarter.
NECESSARY & HELPFUL EXPERIENCE
- Strong interest in educating K-12 youth in classroom and field-based settings.
- Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented, and the ability to complete projects on time.
- Experience/Interest in utilizing Microsoft Suite software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher).
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Must pass a background check for working with youth and in schools.
- Knowledge of or interest in environmental science, natural history, and water quality.
- Valid Driver’s License or ability to obtain one.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY WORKSPACE
Here at Thurston Conservation District our employees and the people we serve come from all walks of life. All employees, interns, and volunteers receive consideration without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Please let us know if you need accommodation to participate in the application process.
SCHEDULE & WORKING CONDITIONS
This intern position is a temporary, part-time position with flexible work hours (up to 19 hours per week), and has been approved through the Evergreen Center for Climate Action and Sustainability for $17/hr and/or college credit. Local travel, occasional evening and weekend hours are possible and negotiable. Education programs typically occur during weekdays between 9 am-2 pm at various sites around Thurston County and days may start earlier to include set-up – interns must be available at least two days per week for these programs for the majority of the internship. A computer, access to the internet and Microsoft Word or Open Office, and the ability to use video conferencing software are necessary to complete the internship.
Pay and Other Benefits
- Pay is $17.00 hourly
- Up to 19 hours per week/variable schedule during academic weeks.
Academic Offerings and Requirements
Interns who work as a part of the CCAS’s Community Internship Program are required to enroll in at least 2 credits and have the opportunity to earn up to 16 credits for work in an academic program titled “Climate and Sustainability Internships” taught by CCAS Director, Dr. Anthony Levenda.
Students typically hold a 19 hour/week internship (depending upon amount of credits and source of internship) and will come to campus for one 2-hour class session every other week to learn more about climate action and community engagement through seminars, lectures, workshops, guest speakers, readings, podcasts, and/or films.
Asynchronous work through online discussions, writing, and other projects will be the focus of additional credits. Up to 8 credits may be earned through the internship work students complete. Facilitation of a workshop or field trip with field supervisors and organization will be an additional project for 2-4 credits.
During week 10, all students are required to deliver a presentation to colleagues and community members. The CCAS faculty will connect with the sponsoring organizations and will check in, through a site-visit or remote meetings with the field supervisor during the quarter.
How to Apply:
- Cover Letter (one page) – including “What would you like to gain from this experience? How does this internship fit with your academic/career goals, or passions and interests?”
- Resume/CV – outlining any prior work positions, educational, or other relevant experiences.
- Submit via Handshake – this will enable Dr. Anthony Levenda of the Climate Center, and the Community Partner Site Supervisor, to get notified and view your application. If you run into issues, you can email SEO@evergreen.edu and CC ClimateAction@evergreen.edu for help.
Priority Deadline for this position is February 21, 2025. Applications submitted after this date will be considered if position is not filled.