Community Agriculture, Localized Foods, and Improved Access
The Center for Climate Action and Sustainability (CCAS) at The Evergreen State College is excited to announce a joint-internship opportunity with Mason Conservation District. CCAS offers external internships (externships) to give students additional opportunities/real-world experiences in their fields of interest. All CCAS intern/externs must be admitted/enrolled Evergreen students during the time they are working. This position is for Spring - Summer Quarter.
Mason Conservation District is seeking applicants to assist and expand upon efforts to address local food needs.
Mason Conservation District seeks assistance to support the Farms in Translation – Urban and Community Food Systems Grant Program, with the goal to address food insecurity, climate & environmental justice concerns, and mitigate natural resource concerns. Interns will steward community food spaces and assist district staff in rehabilitating community garden spaces to make them more accessible to underserved communities. Sites include but are not limited to Callanan Park Community Garden, Civic Center Pollinator Food Forest, and the soon to be implemented Shelton Veterans Village Garden. The Evergreen Intern will help facilitate the Farms to Food Pantry grant program which provides payments to farms for produce destined for food pantries, with a special emphasis on foods of cultural significance. MCD Gleaning Program and assist in connecting local agricultural producers to food banks, assist district staff in workshops and educational programs.
Mason County, Washington's only incorporated city, Shelton, as well as its residents, are served by the Mason Conservation District. The agricultural and natural resource sectors have historically dominated the economies of Mason County and the City of Shelton. However, those industries are no longer the main local employment sectors; instead, it is now the government, retail sales, hospitality, and service sectors. These jobs typically come with lower salaries. The community as a whole is currently experiencing economic stress, and for more than 20 years, Shelton's population has had a higher percentage of families living in poverty than the average for the state. Despite these challenges, the county has kept up a consistent farming tradition for more than 160 years, even though the farmers and their crops have changed over time. The number of farmers between 25 and 34 has increased by more than 100% over the last 20 years, indicating that the agricultural community in Mason County is growing.
Other opportunities for directing outreach and educational activities are available, as well as additional learning opportunities for environmental conservation.
Interns with Mason CD will gain experience in building and planning community agricultural spaces, implementing engagement strategies, assessing community needs, and stewardship of natural resources. These activities include:
Additional opportunities will be offered based upon individual interests. These include:
Please submit the following:
Mason Conservation District is seeking applicants to assist and expand upon efforts to address local food needs.
Mason Conservation District seeks assistance to support the Farms in Translation – Urban and Community Food Systems Grant Program, with the goal to address food insecurity, climate & environmental justice concerns, and mitigate natural resource concerns. Interns will steward community food spaces and assist district staff in rehabilitating community garden spaces to make them more accessible to underserved communities. Sites include but are not limited to Callanan Park Community Garden, Civic Center Pollinator Food Forest, and the soon to be implemented Shelton Veterans Village Garden. The Evergreen Intern will help facilitate the Farms to Food Pantry grant program which provides payments to farms for produce destined for food pantries, with a special emphasis on foods of cultural significance. MCD Gleaning Program and assist in connecting local agricultural producers to food banks, assist district staff in workshops and educational programs.
Mason County, Washington's only incorporated city, Shelton, as well as its residents, are served by the Mason Conservation District. The agricultural and natural resource sectors have historically dominated the economies of Mason County and the City of Shelton. However, those industries are no longer the main local employment sectors; instead, it is now the government, retail sales, hospitality, and service sectors. These jobs typically come with lower salaries. The community as a whole is currently experiencing economic stress, and for more than 20 years, Shelton's population has had a higher percentage of families living in poverty than the average for the state. Despite these challenges, the county has kept up a consistent farming tradition for more than 160 years, even though the farmers and their crops have changed over time. The number of farmers between 25 and 34 has increased by more than 100% over the last 20 years, indicating that the agricultural community in Mason County is growing.
Other opportunities for directing outreach and educational activities are available, as well as additional learning opportunities for environmental conservation.
Interns with Mason CD will gain experience in building and planning community agricultural spaces, implementing engagement strategies, assessing community needs, and stewardship of natural resources. These activities include:
- Shelton Veterans Village – A funded and planned community garden space for the non-profit tiny house village that was recently constructed in Shelton. Utilizing SCC Natural Resource Investments funding staff and volunteers will create a new garden space for community residents. NACD funds will be utilized to offer workshops and educational experiences for residents.
- NACD- Farms in Translation – Assist in implementing micro-grant funding to connect local producers to community partners engaged in improving access to fresh and local foods. Participating farms will invoice for produce deliveries with an emphasis on Culturally Relevant Foods. Assist staff in producing educational materials for local producers on production of niche CRF crops.
- Sustainable Urban Agriculture – Engage with community members and project partners to steward and manage urban garden spaces. Encourage community ownership and participation in local food production. Coordinate and cooperate with project partners that include municipalities, local tribes, and non-profits.
Additional opportunities will be offered based upon individual interests. These include:
- Natural resources conservation activities
- Potential participation in pollinator habitat projects in urban and rural settings.
- Participation in riparian restoration or other conservation district activities.
- Assist district planners in facilitating garden programs and creation.
- Assist with development of outreach and community engagement strategies.
- Engage with diverse communities, some of which may be of limited or non-English languages.
- Coordinate with community partners such as CIELO, Salish Roots Farm, and HOPE Garden Project.
- Attend virtual or in-person meetings and trainings with host internship organization (CCAS) as available
- Track and log worked hours
- Submit reflections of the internship experience
- Meet regularly with Internship supervisor for check-ins
- Passionate about connecting with diverse communities
- Knowledgeable about market gardening and local food production.
- Basic understanding of major natural resource concerns (soil health, water quality, etc.).
- Basic experience using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive)
- Listening and understanding Cooperator’s goals and objectives.
- Strong communication skills (written, oral, and interpersonal)
- Able to prioritize multiple tasks and be adaptable
- Able to work effectively with others as part of a small team
- Effective time management
- Critical thinking
- Reliable personal transportation
- Willing and able to perform heavy physical labor including, digging, bending, handling plants Knowledgeable about market gardening and local food production.
- Willing and able to perform internship duties in a variety of outdoor settings, on uneven terrain and in a variety of weather.
- Pay is $17.00 hourly
- Up to 19 hours per week/variable schedule
- During holiday breaks (Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Breaks) and summer sessions, one may work up to 40-hours per week with the permission of CCAS directors.
- In addition to pay, opportunities for academic credit with the CCAS Director, Dr. Anthony Levenda, are available with an Internship Learning Contract (ILC). ILCs are academically due 1 week before the end of the prior quarter. Expression of interest is required in advance, usually at the time of application, or 2 weeks before the end of the quarter.
Please submit the following:
- A letter of interest that includes the following:
- How do you meet the above-mentioned qualifications?
- How many hours per week are you available, and when are those generally?
- What would you like to gain from this experience?
- How does this internship fit with your career goals?
- A resume/CV
- Submit either via Handshake, or via email with the subject line “CCAS Internship Application”
- If via email, send to Director Anthony Levenda ([email protected]) and CC’ Assistant Director Michael Joseph ([email protected]).
Community Agriculture and Environmental Education Steward
The Center for Climate Action and Sustainability (CCAS) at The Evergreen State College is excited to announce a joint-internship opportunity with Mason Conservation District. CCAS offers external internships (externships) to give students additional opportunities/real-world experiences in their fields of interest. All CCAS intern/externs must be admitted/enrolled Evergreen students during the time they are working. This position is for Spring - Summer Quarter.
Mason Conservation District seeks applicants to assist with our education and community garden/outreach projects.
Mason Conservation District seeks assistance with our K-12th-grade Environmental Education and the Farms in Translation programs. Interns will educate students about environmental education as it relates to the learning standards of their grade level. Lessons will be conducted in the classroom and at our field experience sites. These sites include but are not limited to Twanoh State Park, Skokomish Estuary, Little Skookum Shellfish Farm, Cranberry Lake, Hilburn Preserve, and Skokomish Valley Farm. Additionally, interns will help connect with the food producers to bring climate-smart and culturally relative foods to our communities, to address food insecurity, climate & environmental justice concerns, and to mitigate natural resource concerns.
The agricultural and natural resource sectors have historically dominated the economies of Mason County and the City of Shelton. However, those industries are no longer the main local employment sectors; they are now the government, retail sales, hospitality, and service sectors. These jobs typically come with lower salaries. The community is currently experiencing economic stress, and for more than 20 years, Shelton's population has had a higher percentage of families living in poverty than the average for the state. Economic hardships affect entire families, adults, and children alike. Within the public education system, we can ensure that students affected by economic distress can access healthy food at school. However, access to healthy and affordable food in the homes of Mason County residents is essential to a thriving community. Our community gardens and Farms in Translation programs address the food insecurity many residents experience due to economic hardship. Through our educational experiences we can ensure that Mason County students can connect with nature and have meaningful experiences within our community that they may not have otherwise been able to.
The Evergreen Intern will help facilitate in-class lessons and outdoor field experiences for kindergarten through 8th grade classes in Hood Canal, Shelton, and Pioneer School Districts.
Other opportunities for directing outreach and educational activities and additional learning opportunities for environmental conservation.
Interns with Mason CD will gain experience in planning and coordinating environmental education events, training and managing event volunteers and chaperones, implementing strategies to create meaningful outdoor experiences, providing in-class and outdoor student instruction, building and planning community agricultural spaces, and serving as an exemplary natural resources steward. These activities include:
Please submit the following:
Mason Conservation District seeks applicants to assist with our education and community garden/outreach projects.
Mason Conservation District seeks assistance with our K-12th-grade Environmental Education and the Farms in Translation programs. Interns will educate students about environmental education as it relates to the learning standards of their grade level. Lessons will be conducted in the classroom and at our field experience sites. These sites include but are not limited to Twanoh State Park, Skokomish Estuary, Little Skookum Shellfish Farm, Cranberry Lake, Hilburn Preserve, and Skokomish Valley Farm. Additionally, interns will help connect with the food producers to bring climate-smart and culturally relative foods to our communities, to address food insecurity, climate & environmental justice concerns, and to mitigate natural resource concerns.
The agricultural and natural resource sectors have historically dominated the economies of Mason County and the City of Shelton. However, those industries are no longer the main local employment sectors; they are now the government, retail sales, hospitality, and service sectors. These jobs typically come with lower salaries. The community is currently experiencing economic stress, and for more than 20 years, Shelton's population has had a higher percentage of families living in poverty than the average for the state. Economic hardships affect entire families, adults, and children alike. Within the public education system, we can ensure that students affected by economic distress can access healthy food at school. However, access to healthy and affordable food in the homes of Mason County residents is essential to a thriving community. Our community gardens and Farms in Translation programs address the food insecurity many residents experience due to economic hardship. Through our educational experiences we can ensure that Mason County students can connect with nature and have meaningful experiences within our community that they may not have otherwise been able to.
The Evergreen Intern will help facilitate in-class lessons and outdoor field experiences for kindergarten through 8th grade classes in Hood Canal, Shelton, and Pioneer School Districts.
Other opportunities for directing outreach and educational activities and additional learning opportunities for environmental conservation.
Interns with Mason CD will gain experience in planning and coordinating environmental education events, training and managing event volunteers and chaperones, implementing strategies to create meaningful outdoor experiences, providing in-class and outdoor student instruction, building and planning community agricultural spaces, and serving as an exemplary natural resources steward. These activities include:
- In-Class Lessons – The intern will assist in developing lesson plans for in-class visits for 1st through 8th grade classes in Shelton, Hood Canal, and Pioneer School Districts. Lessons will be developed based on the grade-based curriculum learning standards in conjunction with environmental education best practices to cultivate lifelong stewardship in the youth of our community.
- School Site Natural Resource and Food Production Stewardship – The intern will engage with community members, project partners, and schools to steward and manage school gardens and natural landscapes. The intern will educate and encourage participation in natural resource conservation and local food production at these events.
- K-8 Field Investigations Development and Coordination- The intern will assist in the scheduling, planning, and coordinating of outdoor field experiences. In preparation for these events, the intern will help with volunteer training, collecting, and distributing supplies, and leading groups or stations at the events.
- Shelton Veterans Village – A funded and planned community garden space for the non-profit tiny house village that was recently constructed in Shelton. Utilizing SCC Natural Resource Investments funding staff and volunteers will create a new garden space for community residents. NACD funds will be utilized to offer workshops and educational experiences for residents.
- NACD- Farms in Translation – Assist in implementing micro-grant funding to connect local producers to community partners engaged in improving access to fresh and local foods. Participating farms will invoice for produce deliveries with an emphasis on Culturally Relevant Foods. Assist staff in producing educational materials for local producers on production of niche CRF crops.
- Sustainable Urban Agriculture – Engage with community members and project partners to steward and manage urban garden spaces. Encourage community ownership and participation in local food production. Coordinate and cooperate with project partners that include municipalities, local tribes, and non-profits.
- Natural resources conservation activities
- Potential participation in habitat projects in urban and rural settings.
- Participation in riparian restoration or other conservation district activities.
- Assist Environmental Education Coordinator with programing and coordination.
- Assist district planners in facilitating garden programs and creation.
- Assist with development of outreach and community engagement strategies.
- Assist with the coordination of community volunteer events
- Engage with students and members of diverse communities, some of which may be of limited or non-English languages.
- Coordinate with schools and community partners such as CIELO, Salish Roots Farm, HOPE Garden Project, Pacific Shellfish Institute, Puget Sound Estuarium, Capitol Land Trust, Skokomish Valley Farms, etc.
- Attend virtual or in-person meetings and trainings with host internship organization (CCAS) as available
- Track and log worked hours
- Submit reflections of the internship experience
- Meet regularly with Internship supervisor for check-ins
- Willingness to learn classroom management strategies
- Passionate about providing students with meaningful outdoor experiences and connecting with diverse communities
- Knowledgeable about market gardening and local food production.
- Confidence in one’s ability to teach and manage a large group of students
- Basic understanding of major natural resource concerns (biodiversity, water quality, soil health, etc.)
- Basic experience using Microsoft Office and Google Programs
- Strong communication skills (written, oral, and interpersonal)
- Able to prioritize multiple tasks, manage time effectively, and be adaptable
- Able to work effectively with others as part of a small team
- Critical thinking
- Reliable personal transportation
- Willing and able to perform heavy physical labor including, digging, bending, handling plants and lifting up to 40lbs
- Willing and able to perform internship duties in a variety of outdoor settings and in a variety of weather
- Pay is $17.00 hourly
- Up to 19 hours per week/variable schedule
- During holiday breaks (Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Breaks) and summer sessions, one may work up to 40-hours per week with the permission of CCAS directors.
- In addition to pay, opportunities for academic credit with the CCAS Director, Dr. Anthony Levenda, are available with an Internship Learning Contract (ILC). ILCs are academically due 1 week before the end of the prior quarter. Expression of interest is required in advance, usually at the time of application, or 2 weeks before the end of the quarter.
Please submit the following:
- A letter of interest that includes the following:
- How do you meet the above-mentioned qualifications?
- How many hours per week are you available, and when are those generally?
- What would you like to gain from this experience?
- How does this internship fit with your career goals?
- A resume/CV
- Submit either via Handshake, or via email with the subject line “CCAS Internship Application”
- If via email, send to Director Anthony Levenda ([email protected]) and CC’ Assistant Director Michael Joseph ([email protected]).
Environmental Education Development, Coordination, and Instruction.
The Center for Climate Action and Sustainability (CCAS) at The Evergreen State College is excited to announce a joint-internship opportunity with Mason Conservation District. CCAS offers external internships (externships) to give students additional opportunities/real-world experiences in their fields of interest. All CCAS intern/externs must be admitted/enrolled Evergreen students during the time they are working. This position is for Spring - Summer Quarter.
Mason Conservation District is seeking applicants to assist with the coordination of our environmental education programs.
Mason Conservation District seeks assistance with our K-12th Grade Environmental Education Programs. Interns will help develop curriculum-based lessons that connect in-the-field environmental educational experiences to grade specific learning standards. Field experience sites include but are not limited to Twanoh State Park, Skokomish Estuary, Little Skookum Shellfish Farm, Cranberry Lake, Hilburn Preserve, and Skokomish Valley Farm.
Though we live in an area surrounded by forests, waterways, mountains, and beaches, many Mason County students do not experience nature in their homelives. Through our field experiences, we ensure that students at every grade level can learn about and connect with nature in meaningful ways. Conservation and restoration projects impact the environment today, but teaching environmental education and cultivating a passion for stewardship in our youth is investing in a better tomorrow. The intern in this position will have the opportunity to help with conservation and restoration efforts while having the unique privilege of inspiring environmental awareness and stewardship in the change-makers of tomorrow.
The Evergreen Intern will help facilitate in-class lessons and outdoor field experiences for kindergarten through 8th grade classes in Hood Canal, Shelton, and Pioneer School Districts.
Other opportunities for directing outreach and educational activities are available, as well as additional learning opportunities for environmental conservation.
Interns with Mason CD will gain experience in planning and coordinating environmental education events, training and managing event volunteers and chaperones, implementing strategies to create meaningful outdoor experiences, providing in-class and outdoor student instruction, assessing student understanding via pre and post-experience surveys, and serving as an exemplary natural resources steward. These activities include:
Please submit the following:
Mason Conservation District is seeking applicants to assist with the coordination of our environmental education programs.
Mason Conservation District seeks assistance with our K-12th Grade Environmental Education Programs. Interns will help develop curriculum-based lessons that connect in-the-field environmental educational experiences to grade specific learning standards. Field experience sites include but are not limited to Twanoh State Park, Skokomish Estuary, Little Skookum Shellfish Farm, Cranberry Lake, Hilburn Preserve, and Skokomish Valley Farm.
Though we live in an area surrounded by forests, waterways, mountains, and beaches, many Mason County students do not experience nature in their homelives. Through our field experiences, we ensure that students at every grade level can learn about and connect with nature in meaningful ways. Conservation and restoration projects impact the environment today, but teaching environmental education and cultivating a passion for stewardship in our youth is investing in a better tomorrow. The intern in this position will have the opportunity to help with conservation and restoration efforts while having the unique privilege of inspiring environmental awareness and stewardship in the change-makers of tomorrow.
The Evergreen Intern will help facilitate in-class lessons and outdoor field experiences for kindergarten through 8th grade classes in Hood Canal, Shelton, and Pioneer School Districts.
Other opportunities for directing outreach and educational activities are available, as well as additional learning opportunities for environmental conservation.
Interns with Mason CD will gain experience in planning and coordinating environmental education events, training and managing event volunteers and chaperones, implementing strategies to create meaningful outdoor experiences, providing in-class and outdoor student instruction, assessing student understanding via pre and post-experience surveys, and serving as an exemplary natural resources steward. These activities include:
- In-Class Lessons – The intern will assist in developing lesson plans for in-class visits for 1st through 8th grade classes in Shelton, Hood Canal, and Pioneer School Districts. Lessons will be developed based on the grade-based curriculum learning standards in conjunction with environmental education best practices to cultivate lifelong stewardship in the youth of our community.
- Envirothon Team Coordination – Envirothon is a high school natural resource knowledge competition. The intern will serve as a primary contact for the Mason County Envirothon Teams and help prepare the teams for the regional, state, and national competitions. The intern will attend monthly meetings with the regional and state Envirothon Coordination groups and will be the liaison for our Mason County teams.
- School Site Natural Resource and Food Production Stewardship – The intern will engage with community members, project partners, and schools to steward and manage school gardens and natural landscapes. The intern will educate and encourage participation in natural resource conservation and local food production at these events.
- K-8 Field Investigations Development and Coordination- The intern will assist in the scheduling, planning, and coordinating of outdoor field experiences. In preparation for these events, the intern will help with volunteer training, collecting, and distributing supplies, and leading groups or stations at the events.
- Natural resources conservation activities
- Potential participation in habitat projects in urban and rural settings.
- Participation in riparian restoration or other conservation district activities.
- Assist Environmental Education Coordinator with programing and coordination.
- Assist with development of outreach and community engagement strategies.
- Assist with the coordination of community volunteer events
- Engage with students and community members from diverse backgrounds.
- Coordinate with schools and community partners such as Pacific Shellfish Institute, Puget Sound Estuarium, Capitol Land Trust, Skokomish Valley Farms, etc.
- Attend virtual or in-person meetings and trainings with host internship organization (CCAS) as available
- Track and log worked hours
- Submit reflections of the internship experience
- Meet regularly with Internship supervisor for check-ins
- Passionate about providing students with meaningful outdoor experiences
- Willingness to learn classroom management strategies
- Confidence in one’s ability to teach and manage a large group of students
- Basic understanding of major natural resource concerns (biodiversity, water quality, soil health, etc.)
- Basic experience using Microsoft Office and Google Programs
- Strong communication skills (written, oral, and interpersonal)
- Able to prioritize multiple tasks, manage time effectively, and be adaptable
- Able to work effectively with others as part of a small team
- Critical thinking
- Reliable personal transportation
- Willing and able to perform heavy physical labor including, digging, bending, handling plants
- Willing and able to perform internship duties in a variety of outdoor settings and in a variety of weather
- Pay is $17.00 hourly
- Up to 19 hours per week/variable schedule
- During holiday breaks (Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Breaks) and summer sessions, one may work up to 40-hours per week with the permission of CCAS directors.
- In addition to pay, opportunities for academic credit with the CCAS Director, Dr. Anthony Levenda, are available with an Internship Learning Contract (ILC). ILCs are academically due 1 week before the end of the prior quarter. Expression of interest is required in advance, usually at the time of application, or 2 weeks before the end of the quarter.
Please submit the following:
- A letter of interest that includes the following:
- How do you meet the above-mentioned qualifications?
- How many hours per week are you available, and when are those generally?
- What would you like to gain from this experience?
- How does this internship fit with your career goals?
- A resume/CV
- Submit either via Handshake, or via email with the subject line “CCAS Internship Application”
- If via email, send to Director Anthony Levenda ([email protected]) and CC’ Assistant Director Michael Joseph ([email protected]).
Community Garden LiaisonThe Community Garden Liaison will work with District staff at three community gardens to conduct education and outreach opportunities and provide garden maintenance at its sites. The intern will also assist Mason Conservation District at local school gardens, or on school grounds planting native trees and shrubs, and removing invasive weeds with students.
+ Essential Job Functions
https://www.evergreen.edu/sites/default/files/2023-05/individuallearningoption.pdf |
Mason Conservation District
450 W Business Park RD Shelton, WA 98584 Phone: (360) 427-9436 Fax: (360) 427-4396 |
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