ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION INTERNSHIP

San Diego Coastkeeper, a non-profit organization working to protect and restore San Diego’s fishable, swimmable, and drinkable water, seeks an energetic, organized, and self-motivated individual to support our education programs to build lifelong environmental literacy, to create informed and engaged communities, and build a foundation for lasting watershed and climate awareness. The environmental education intern will assist with the implementation of Project SWELL, a K-6 grade teacher curriculum with hands-on lessons about water and climate science. This position reports to the education manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with the development and implementation of hands-on activities for schools and outreach events.
• Support marketing and promotional efforts for the education program through database maintenance, social media, blogs, and newsletters.
• Generate written content about various science, environmental education, standards and other topics for use in SWELL materials, the Coastkeeper website, etc.
• Generate a monthly blog post featuring a project, experience, or story related to your work with Coastkeeper.
• Provide feedback to improve curriculum and adapt lessons as needed.
• Support tracking of teacher and student performance and help maintain database for tracking curricula use and classroom visits follow up.
• Other tasks as assigned in support of San Diego Coastkeeper.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Candidate must be punctual, hardworking, motivated, and must demonstrate a deep commitment and passion for environmental education and sustainability.
• Demonstrated ability to engage students and teachers alike.  
• Experience working with students, in formal or informal settings
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills. Bi‐lingual (Spanish) a plus.
• Applicants must be enrolled in college and in the process of obtaining a degree in science and/or education fields. Highest priority will be given to those who must complete an internship for college credit, or have an equally decisive way of verifying a deep commitment to the success of their Coastkeeper internship.

DESIRED

• Ability to navigate school/education culture.
• Have an enthusiastic, outgoing personality, and display strong classroom-management skills.
• Graphic and web design skills are desired
• Knowledge of stormwater pollution prevention
• Experience with curricula development, marketing, and/or fundraising is also preferred.  

REQUIREMENTS

• Valid CA driver’s license, car insurance, and provide own transportation to/from schools in SDUSD.
• If considered for the position, you will have to obtain and submit background reports as required by the State of CA.

Prior to applying for this position, the applicant should familiarize themselves with Project SWELL by visiting the program website at www.projectswell.org.

SALARY & TERMS

Schedule: 10-15 hours per week, including occasional evenings and weekends. Can be flexible around work and school schedules but applicants must commit to at least two days a week in the office, as well as a majority of educational outreach events/presentations. School or after school hours are often required.  

Compensation: Unpaid. Intern will receive at least 120 hours of internship time towards a university major or graduation requirement. Intern will also receive a mileage reimbursement ($0.58 or current CA reimbursement rate) for approved travel to presentations and events.

TO APPLY

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a resume, brief cover letter, and a short blog-style writing sample electronically to the internship management team at [email protected]. Please include “Education Internship” in the subject line of your email, indicate your available start date and preferred duration, and state whether you are seeking an internship for college credit or for experience alone.