Stream Stewards Internship

Job description

The primary focus of this quarterly position is to help lead Saturday community work parties, where volunteers come together to restore salmon habitat across Whatcom County. Interns play key roles—from guiding small volunteer groups and supporting educational activities to shuttling participants and assisting the event team. These work parties involve planting native species, removing invasive plants, and other vital stewardship tasks that contribute directly to healthy stream ecosystems.

Summary

About NSEA: The Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) is a community-based organization focused on engaging our community in salmon recovery through restoration, education, and stewardship. We believe that salmon are an essential part of our environment, culture and economy and we envision sustainable ecosystems with healthy watersheds and habitat conducive to producing abundant salmon that are protected and preserved by a caring and engaged community. Our growing community of support provides momentum as we work together for NSEA’s mission to educate, inspire, and engage the community to take action to keep wild salmon here for future generations. We, at NSEA, value integrity, hopefulness, diversity and sustainability. As an equal opportunity employer, NSEA is committed to justice, equity, inclusion and diversity.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Compensation Information

This is a seasonal, part-time position, averaging 8 hours per week. Weekly schedules may fluctuate depending on optional additional shifts but will never exceed 16 hours per week or more than 140 hours per term.

• Rate of pay: $18.66 per hour

• Employees earn 1 hour of sick leave per 40 hours worked

• Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED certification for those eligible

• On-the-job training and professional development in environmental education, community outreach, salmon ecology, and habitat restoration depending on funding, season, and capacity

• Academic credit depending on college and eligibility

Industries:Environmental Services

Function: Others