Interpretive Naturalist Intern (Mount St. Helen's Visitor Center)

State of Washington•Cowlitz County, WA

45d•Onsite

About The Position

2026 Spring and Summer Internships offered by Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission in collaboration with the Washington State Parks Foundation (WSPF), and United States Forest Service (USFS). The Upper Cowlitz Recreation Area (Washington State Parks) is seeking to recruit a Spring intern at the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center located in Castle Rock, WA. Washington State Parks invites submissions for a 2026 Spring Internship. This individual will receive hands-on experience in the field of interpretation and environmental education at a scenic park and popular Visitor Center, while assisting staff with daily operations, educational programming, and customer service.

Requirements

Must be a recent graduate or currently enrolled in a local college and completing a degree in Natural Resource Sciences, Geology, Ecology, History, Education or a related field.
Good customer service skills and the ability to speak clearly to large groups of varying age and background.
Ability to communicate with fellow staff and follow guidance.
Must have a valid driver's license and the ability to provide their own transportation. May be asked to drive park vehicles between parks and visitor center sites.

Nice To Haves

Interest in interpretation or teaching and expanding communication skills.
Has the ability to meet visitor needs efficiently and effectively in a busy Visitor Center and park.
Positive attitude and ability to work well with others; being a team player.
Good organizational skills and follow-through. Motivated self-starter.
Open to sharing ideas and accepting possible peer-review and input.
Ability to use Microsoft Office and/or PowerPoint and familiarity with digital platforms.
Comfortable and confident using a computer, camera/tripod, and basic office equipment.
Arrive on time daily and perform duties in a timely manner.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule as needed, required to work most weekends.

Responsibilities

Assisting with preparations for the 2026 school season.
Curriculum implementation and field trips.
Helping with area-wide interpretive programming and creating self-guided educational materials.
Staffing the visitor center information desk and welcoming tour groups.
Assist at the front desk: welcoming visitors/schools/tour groups, disseminating information about the local area, directions to nearby attractions, recreational recommendations, and answering questions about Mount St. Helens.
Assist in the expansion of Interpretive services throughout the Upper Cowlitz Area: helping with the development of youth program supplies, self-guided educational materials to connect people to parks, and volunteer support resources in preparation for summer.
Assist with school field trips: spring is a busy season with students, and educational nature programs are offered at the State Park visitor center/nearby day-use sites, the USFS Science and Learning Center, and in the field with MSHI.
Assist with daily maintenance of the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center: light cleaning of the building, janitorial services, landscape beautification, and trail work.