Internship Opportunities

Dedicated to protecting Pacific Northwest whales through land-based conservation experiences, Whale Scout takes a boots-on-the-ground approach to recovering endangered Southern Resident killer whales and the salmon they rely upon. We acknowledge that we are on the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish people, and recognize that certain local communities of color are disproportionately impacted by lack of salmon, poor water quality, and access to outdoor environmental experiences and education. Our programs, including this internship, work to address these issues.

What are the goals of the program?

Whale Scout’s goal is to serve as a springboard into future careers in conservation, habitat restoration, and community engagement. The internship program offers diverse students the opportunity to learn about killer whales, salmon habitat, native vegetation, communication, community building, and non-profit organizational management, and become certified water quality monitors. Internship programs are often unpaid, leading to disparities in the field; Whale Scout works to reverse historical trends by paying living wages and actively recruits underrepresented students.

What do we look for in a candidate?

We look for students with diverse backgrounds, experiences, language skills, and interests. Although no experience is required, we seek applicants who are interested in the outdoors and nature, have a passion for Washington’s native wildlife and plants, and are at least 16 years old. Student interns spend a large amount of time in the field in a variety of weather conditions. Additionally, applicants must have an open mind and a willingness to explore other points of view, and be interested in working with diverse communities in outdoor and indoor settings. We look for proven initiative and the ability to multitask, prioritize, use good judgment, problem solve, and work effectively both independently and as a team in a fast-paced environment.

What skills are gained from the program?

The internship provides a range of foundational skills and experiences in environmental science and beyond. Experiences vary by season but generally include:

An introduction into environmental restoration with hands-on field experience
Leadership experiences guiding volunteers in educational stewardship activities relating to salmon, orcas, and food webs
Networking opportunities with other professionals in the field
First-hand knowledge learning how nonprofits and local governments partner to benefit the community
Certification in water quality monitoring with broad applications in environmental fields

Upon successful completion of the internship, we can provide letters of recommendation for future positions or educational advancement. Internships may also include opportunities to participate in a field trip to San Juan Island or other locations.