AmeriCorps Internship Opportunities

The Civic Leadership & Engagement Corps (CLEC) is an AmeriCorps program that provides opportunities for students to earn academic credits towards their degree plus an educational award upon completing at least 300 hours of service with a partner institution. Internships focus on efforts to support environmental stewardship through habitat restoration and land management, environmental education, and food justice.

Wild Whatcom is a local non-profit organization dedicated to fostering lifelong connections to nature through outdoor education programs offered to all age groups. We provide experiential learning opportunities that inspire participants to explore, connect, and serve, while building healthy relationships with nature, community, and self.

Wild Whatcom seeks 4 enthusiastic AmeriCorps Outdoor Education Interns to work in Summer Camps. During our summer camps, AmeriCorps members will serve youth in programs by helping Wild Whatcom staff to provide additional leadership and supervision capacity. Summer Camps are 4-day (M-Th) Pre-K (ages 3-5) day camps and 5-day (M-F) 1st-8th grade day camps in parks in Whatcom County, focusing on naturalist knowledge, outdoor activities, and wilderness skills such as firecraft, carving, and camouflage.

This is a 300 hr internship. Schedule will be Mon-Fri, 4-5 days per week, for 9 weeks. Typical camp schedule will be between 8:00am-3:30pm with a 30 min lunch. Weekly hours vary from 25-37.5 hours/week. The total number of hours served at the end of the 9 week term will meet the minimum 300 hours requirement.

Internship training will begin June 17th with final date Friday, Aug 16.

Benefits:

• AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,459.26 upon successful completion of term of service
• Forbearance for Federal Student Loans
• Training and practical hands-on experience working in outdoor and environmental recreation
• Professional development and networking opportunities
• Access to Wild Whatcom's pro deal accounts during term and $100 gear award, access to Wild Whatcom's gear lending library.

Responsibilities:

• Aid staff with behavior management
• Facilitate outdoor and wilderness skills activities provided by Wild Whatcom staff
• Participate in regular meetings with Program Director or Camps Manager to discuss tasks and learning opportunities
• Participate in weekly gear maintenance and repair
• Practice effective risk management at all times, creating a safe learning experience for all
• Maintain clear, responsive, honest, and respectful communications with participants and staff
• Perform office/clerical duties as requested
• Americorps/CLEC Responsibilities:
  • Abide by all AmeriCorps program guidelines, policies, and prohibited activities.
  • Routinely refer to Member Service Agreement requirements.
  • Complete all data collection and progress reporting requirements (review with supervisor during your first week of service).
  • Participate in all required WACC CLEC online & in-person trainings.
  • Correspond regularly with site supervisor and WACC staff.
  • Record and track service hours and submit regular timesheets.
  • Collaborate with other CLEC team members and national service members in your community on common projects.
  • Generate awareness and leadership around social justice and equity through the sharing of ideas, information, and experiences.
  • Participate in professional development opportunities.

Required Qualifications:

• Passion for facilitating meaningful connections to nature and community, ideally with a basic knowledge of ecology and/or outdoor skills
• Enthusiasm for and/or experience working with youth
• Personal or professional experience recreating in outdoor environments
• Strong work ethic and professional work habits (punctual, responsive, organized, detailed)
• Ability to pass a national service criminal history check (for convicted murder or sexual offenses)
• Be 18 or older
• AA/BA or some college
• United States citizen, naturalized citizen, or lawful permanent resident
• Committed to serving 100% of service hours

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and 2 references in one PDF file to jobs@wildwhatcom.org. The email subject line should read: [Your name] Summer Camp AmeriCorps. Direct any questions to the Wild Whatcom Hiring Team at jobs@wildwhatcom.org.

*Positions to remain open until filled.*

Wild Whatcom is actively committed to social equity and justice and encourages candidates of all racial and gender identities, cultural and economic backgrounds, and of any sexual orientation to apply. Wild Whatcom is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or marital status in employment or the provision of services.

Skagit Land Trust conserves wildlife habitat, agricultural and forest lands, scenic open space, wetlands, and shorelines for the benefit of our community and as a legacy for future generations. The Stewardship Department at the Trust monitors, maintains and restores these protected properties in order to benefit wildlife and people.

Five positions available:

• 450 hour Stewardship Summer- Fall Americorps
• 450 hour Stewardship Spring- Summer Americorps
• 300 hour Stewardship Summer Americorps (3 positions)

Duties include:

• Invasive species removal
• Trail maintenance
• Planting native species
• Property boundary marking
• Assisting stewardship staff of projects
• Spending 90% of your time in the field

Visit the Skagit Land Trust website for expanded position descriptions or email Stacy Dahl for more information!

View and download the Skagit Land Trust AmeriCorps position as a PDF.

About Chuckanut Center: We grow food, skills and a resilient community. We seek to do this by providing a place where community members come together to grow with one another through the sharing of urban homesteading skills, gardening, cooking and preserving skills and personal growth through the arts. In this way, individuals become more self-reliant while also building a network of support with neighbors, within neighborhoods and throughout the community.

The position:

• 300 Hours of Service
• Main Focus: Food Justice
• Victory Garden support
• Maintenance projects
• Assist with orchard upkeep, and garden planting & harvesting
• Participate in Thursdays in the Garden and Weed n’ Feed events

Location:
Chuckanut Center
103 Chuckanut Dr. N Bellingham, WA 98225
www.chuckanutcenter.org

Email Chuckanut Center to learn more.

View and download the Chuckanut Center AmeriCorps position as a PDF.

Whatcom Land Trust is hiring for Habitat Restoration and Land Management. This position will assist with implementation of habitat restoration and management projects on Land Trust protected properties, including invasive species removal, planting, maintenance of young plantings, trail maintenance and more. They will also assist in planning, preparing and co-leading some of our Saturday Work Parties while engaging with volunteers of all ages and backgrounds of the community.

• Education Award of $1,459.26 upon completion of 300 hours
• Must be available at least one full day a week
• Hands-on training and experience at a non-profit
• Learn ecological processes and restoration methods
• Plant and wildlife identification
• Leadership experience guiding and educating volunteers
• Opportunity to see unique protected places around Whatcom County
• A chance to make a difference in your community!

To learn more, visit whatcomlandtrust.org.
To apply, hand deliver at 412 N Commercial Street, Bellingham, WA, or email your cover letter and resume jennifer@whatcomlandtrust.org by January 1, 2024.

View and download the Whatcom Land Trust AmeriCorps position as a PDF.

To apply, send your Letter of Interest, Resume, Transcript, and Letter of Recommendation to: piperolsenwork@gmail.com. For more information, call 720-340-8829 or visit gardensalishsea.org.