Outreach and Events Intern

The Organization:

The Columbia Slough Watershed Council is a community based 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 outreach program is designed to inform residents and businesses of the Columbia Slough Watershed about the work of the Council and how they can get involved.

See www.columbiaslough.org for information about the Columbia Slough Watershed Council.

Position Description:

The Outreach and Events Intern will primarily assist with the planning, recruitment and implementation of spring and summer outreach events, including Explorando el Columbia Slough and Regatta. Anticipated attendance at these events varies from 30 to 500 people. Secondarily this position will assist with and deliver canoe and kayak-based educational programs and events within the Columbia Slough Watershed. She/He will also support additional aspects of our outreach and education programming including: event outreach assistance, representing the Council at off-site community events, materials preparation, set-up, gear organization, and safety talks.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Event Coordination (75% of time): Assist with event promotion with guidance from the Outreach Director. Outreach methods include online and in person event promotion. Assist with development and delivery of outreach materials. Assist will planning logistics, fundraising and programmatic elements of our summer events. Represent the Council at community outreach events. At paddle events deliver safety talks, prepare gear, assist with event set-up/tear down and act as an on the water guide.
• On-the-Water Programs (20% of time): Prepare and assist with water-based educational programs for K-college-level students and adults from the Columbia Slough watershed. Activities include: slough history and native plant and bird identification. Provide direction and supervision to students and volunteers during programs.
• Maintenance (5% of time): Perform routine maintenance on canoe/kayak equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Volunteer Coordination: Assist the Community Connections Coordinator with volunteer recruitment, organization, training and management with assistance from the Outreach Director.

Location: Whitaker Ponds Nature Park, 7040 NE 47^th Avenue, Portland, OR 97218 and other sites within the Columbia Slough Watershed. Transportation can be provided to most sites.

Learning and Benefits:

This position provides experience in event planning, multicultural communications, community outreach, and canoeing. The Intern will gain familiarity with the workings of a successful watershed council and small non-profit. Opportunities to network with agencies and organizations throughout the watershed will be numerous. Through this position, the Intern will help create positive changes in the greater Portland metro area while developing their own skills and gaining work experience. The Intern will have the opportunity to build outdoor education and group leadership skills as well as expertise in canoeing/kayaking.

Hours:

• Approximately 20 hours/week from June through August 2013
• Work schedule is flexible, especially for academic commitments
• Prefer availability on some Wednesdays and Thursdays
• Weekend/evening work dates include: 6/1 (Optional) 6/22, 6/28 (evening), 7/13, 7/19 (evening), 7/28, 8/23 (evening)

Required Qualifications, Skills, and Education:

• Strong communication, teamwork and leadership skills
• Attention to detail and ability to work independently
• Able to work well with people of diverse ages and backgrounds
• Proficiency in basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office programs
• Prior canoeing/kayaking experience
• Excellent communication skills to include writing, public speaking, and networking
• Able to take direction and initiative
• Able to lift 30 lbs overhead
• Strong organizational skills
• Valid driver's license
• High school diploma or GED

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate in Spanish or another non-English language that is spoken in the watershed
• Experience leading canoeing/kayaking programs
• Background in field-based science education
• Knowledge of local flora, fauna and water quality issues
• Experience organizing and implementing small and large community events
• Proficiency Adobe InDesign
• Bachelor's degree in science, education, natural resources or related field
• Certified in CPR and Basic First Aid

Supervision:

The intern will work under the guidance and supervision of the Outreach Director with additional support from the Education Director. Occasional direction and support may be given by the Executive Director and other Council staff.

Compensation: The intern will receive up to a $1500 stipend over the course of term.

Work Environment: 40% field and 60% in office

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