Education Intern

Education Intern - Slough School Education Program

Mid-September through late November 2009

20 hours/week

The Organization:

The Columbia Slough Watershed Council is a 501(c) (3) non-profit located in northeast Portland.  Made up of a diverse group of neighbors, property owners, businesses, environmental groups, recreation advocates, and government agencies, our mission is “To foster action to protect, enhance, restore and revitalize the Slough and its Watershed.”  The Council’s work currently focuses on education, stewardship, and community outreach.  For the past ten years, the Council has offered environmental education activities, workshops, paddling events, and restoration opportunities to the diverse populations of Portland, Gresham, and Fairview. 

The Columbia Slough Watershed Council Slough School Education Program offers free educational programs for school groups within the Columbia Slough Watershed.  These hands-on programs teach students about their local watershed including topics such as water quality, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and habitats.

Position Description:       

The Slough School Education Intern will prepare and deliver field-based educational and stewardship programs and classroom-based educational presentations to K-12 students attending schools within the Columbia Slough Watershed.  She/He will also develop interpretive programs for adults and families residing within the watershed and assist with general council events.

See www.columbiaslough.org/sloughschool/ for more information about the Slough School Education Program.

Duties and Responsibilities:

·         Field Programs: Prepare and lead field studies and stewardship activities for schools in the Columbia Slough watershed. Activities include: nature hikes, aquatic macroinvertebrates, plant identification, site maintenance, and mulching.  Provide direction and supervision to students and volunteers during field program.

·         Classroom programs: Prepare and deliver Slough School hands-on classroom programs to K-12 students in the Columbia Slough watershed. Program topics include watersheds, water quality testing, riparian habitats, among others. 

·         Interpretive Hikes: Develop one interpretive hike on local natural history for the general public.  Program to be delivered on scheduled weekend morning at Whitaker Ponds.

·         Family programming: In addition to/instead of interpretive hikes, create and deliver 1-2 short programs for families.

·         Events: Represent the Council at special events such as Aquifer Adventure, Evening Canoe the Slough, and other Council-sponsored events as requested

·         Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance on Slough School program equipment.

·         Perform other duties as assigned

Location:  Whitaker Ponds Nature Park, 7040 NE 47th Avenue, Portland, OR 97218

Hours:

·         Approximately 20 hours/week from mid-September through November 2009

·         Schedule dependent on Slough school programming, some flexibility allowed.

·         Most programs: Monday through Friday 9am – 12pm

·         Some evening and weekend requirements.

·         Preferably available on the following dates: 9/12, 9/26, 9/28pm, 10/7pm, and 11/14

Compensation:  The intern will receive a $1000 stipend over the course of 10 weeks.

Required qualifications, skills, and education:

·         Strong background in field-based science education

·         Strong communication, teamwork and leadership skills

·         Knowledge of local flora, fauna and water quality issues

·         Able to take direction and initiative

·         Able to lift 30 lbs overhead

·         Valid Oregon driver’s license

·         High school diploma

·         Proficiency in basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office programs

Preferred Qualifications:

·         Bachelor’s degree in science, education, natural resources or related field

·         Certified in CPR and Basic First Aid

·         Ability to communicate in Spanish

·         Prior canoeing/kayaking experience

Supervision:

The intern will work under the guidance and supervision of the Education Director, with additional support from the Executive Director, Stewardship Coordinator, and Outreach Director.

Work Environment:  10% office, 30% in schools, and 60% in field

Safety Considerations:  This position involves working in an outdoor setting, in varied weather conditions, often walking and hiking on trails of varied terrain and canoeing.

To Apply:  Submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to Sheilagh Diez by 4:00pm on Friday, August 14, 2009.  Interviews will be held the week of August 17-21, 2009

Email:               [email protected]

Mail:                 Columbia Slough Watershed Council

                        7040 NE 47th Ave

                        Portland, OR 97218

Questions?  Contact Sheilagh at 503-281-1132 or [email protected].

Sheilagh Diez

Education Director

Columbia Slough Watershed Council

7040 NE 47th Ave

Portland, OR 97218

503.281.1132   503.341.1517 (c)

www.columbiaslough.org

To foster action to protect, enhance, restore and revitalize the Slough and its watershed