Columbia Springs

Internship Programs

Paid internship programs focused on science education. 

 

 

 

Visit Columbia Springs
Hands On Learning

Paid Science Education Internships

Each year, thousands of elementary aged students come to our 100 acre natural area to learn about science and nature. Our Emerging Environmental Leaders Program (EEL) interns support their learning while contributing to our field trip programs and building leadership skills in science education.

Questions? Email learn@columbiasprings.org or call 360-882-0936 x 225.

2024 Summer Camp Internship

 

The Columbia Springs Summer Camp Interns assist with leading summer day camps for youth ages 7-13.  As a Summer Camp Intern, interns will be an ambassador of Columbia Springs and a role model to youth  participating in summer camp programs. Interns work under the guidance of our Environmental  Education Staff, receiving training on environmental education, small group facilitation, Pacific  Northwest ecology, and sustainability practices. Academic credit for your internship experience may be  available through your school. 

Interested in being a Summer Camp intern? We are looking for local applicants who are early in their career within environmental education or related fields. 

  • 120-130 hours mid June – mid July
  • Week of June 17th – week of July 22nd
  • Must be available 8am – 2pm, Monday – Friday for the weeks of June 24th, July 8th, and July 15th
  • $16.50 hourly pay
  • Optional field trip shifts before the camp season begins

See the full job description Summer Camp Internship Position 2024 March-1

Apply today!

Please email the following to learn@columbiasprings.org:

  • Cover letter sharing why you are interested in the internship and how it will fit into your life
  • Resume with relevant experience
  • Contact information for two references, preferably past supervisors or mentors

Applications are due Sunday, March 24th by 11:59PM. 

 

One of biggest takeaways from my time at Columbia Springs is that there are so many exciting non-traditional forms of science education, and if I were to consider this as my career-path, there are a lot of opportunities that aren’t just in a classroom setting…I enjoyed being able to shadow different people and… it [gave] me confidence about exploring this field and a better understanding of what opportunities to look out for.

Jaycee

Intern, 2023

Emerging Leaders and Community builders

What do interns do?

Learn

Columbia Springs Family Nature Fun

Guided Observations

Interns have the opportunity to observe staff Environmental Educators to see first hand different approaches to instruction and classroom management.

Lead

Engaging Students 

Beginning as a small group leader and building up to teaching entire lessons, EEL interns engage directly with students. Feedback and reflection on best practices allow interns to build confidence in science communication and effective instruction.

Build Community

Cohort Learning 

EEL interns are part of a cohort. This provides important opportunities to share, process and learn in a community oriented and collaborative environment. 

Connect

Willie releasing a male chum salmon

Career Exploration

Interns have the opportunity to explore different career options in the natural sciences and as part of the program will have multiple opportunities to complete informational interviews or job shadowing.

Contribute

Independent Projects

Each intern may complete an independent project that contributes to Columbia Springs programming in a meaningful way and aligns with interns individual goals, interests and skills.

Support

Schedule a Fish Release

Making it Happen

Interns will support programs in a variety of ways big and small and see what it’s like to work at small non-profit. 

Our Sponsors

The Emerging Environmental Leaders Program is funded through support from the City of Vancouver and private donations from people like you