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

Full Job Description

2026 Spring Internship 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.

Duties: Assisting with preparations for the 2026 school season including curriculum implementation and field trips. Helping with area-wide interpretive programming and creating self-guided educational materials, as well as staffing the visitor center information desk and welcoming tour groups.

$4,795 stipend offered to offset travel and living expenses. Shared housing available through the USFS for a nominal rate ($7.50/day). Course Credit can be earned.

Position: This position is part time, 28-35 hours/week. Must be available weekends.
Duration: 3-months minimum.
Timeframe: Position is open until filled, starting date is flexible and can be as early as March.

About the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center:
The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center is a gateway to the mountain, tucked in the second-growth forest of Seaquest State Park. This is a historical based facility that recently completed an extensive exhibit renovation, featuring a new film, updated interactive displays and a ½ mile boardwalk trail along the Silver Lake wetland. Located five miles off I-5 on the Spirit Lake Highway (SR 504), this site sits 50 miles from Mount St. Helens. We received over 65,000 visitors in the 2025 summer season and remain a popular attraction year-round. The Upper Cowlitz Area parks we provide interpretive services to include: Seaquest State Park, Lewis and Clark State Park, and Ike Kinswa State Park. Mount St Helens Visitor Center | Washington State Parks

About our Partners and Surrounding Area:
We are partnered with the United States Forest Service (USFS), who manages the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, approximately 110,000 acres of protected land. Their non-profit partner the Mount St. Helens Institute (MSHI) has an extensive volunteer program and oversees special events, school programs, family camps, and annual guided excursions.

The May 2023 landslide on SR 504 severed access to the Johnston Ridge Observatory. The USFS is temporarily operating the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater Lake, a 45-minute drive from this location. Their site offers tremendous views of Mount St. Helens, with access to Coldwater Lake and extensive trails.

The nearest large city is Portland, Oregon, approximately 63 miles away. In closer proximity is the Longview/Kelso townships with desirable access to necessities like grocery, retail, parks, and libraries.

Agency Mission:
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission cares for Washington's most treasured lands, waters, and historic places. State parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives.

Agency Vision:
Washington's state parks will be cherished destinations with natural, cultural, recreational, artistic, and interpretive experiences that all Washingtonians enjoy, appreciate, and proudly support.

Requirements

Internship Descriptions:
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.

(40%): 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.

(30%): 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.

(20%): 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.

(10%): Assist with daily maintenance of the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center: light cleaning of the building, janitorial services, landscape beautification, and trail work.

NOTE: *This position is stationed at the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center (Washington State Parks) with possible visits off-site to collaborate on field trips. A Washington State Parks uniform will be worn while doing this internship.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• 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 parks' vehicles between parks and visitor center sites.
  
  

Desirable qualifications:

• 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.

Additional Information

HOW TO APPLY:
Please email a detailed resume and cover letter describing your interest in this internship opportunity, and three references to Silver.Lake@parks.wa.gov. A first review of applications will be done on Sunday January 18, 2026. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. This internship will remain open until filled.

Please type “UCA 2026 spring Internship” into the email subject line to be considered. If selected for the internship, you will be sent an internship application. This includes a criminal background check completed through fingerprints, per state law. Candidates will be notified in a timely manner. Internship start date is fully negotiable.

If you have any further questions please contact: Alysa Adams, Parks Interpretive Specialist 2 at: 360-274-0962 (Visitor Center), 360-644-4704 (work cell) or email at Alysa.Adams@parks.wa.gov. Application materials will be reviewed, and selected candidates will be contacted by phone or email.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer.

We strive to build a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive in which all employees feel respected and empowered to bring their unique ideas to the agency.

At State Parks, we believe that embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences is essential to growing a strong workforce.

We encourage applicants underrepresented in natural resources and outdoor recreation fields to apply, including but not limited to women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, persons over 40 years of age, and individuals who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 902-8565. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

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