Washington Native Plant Society: Communications and Public Outreach Internship

Communications and Public Outreach Internship with the Washington Native Plant Society

Members of the Washington Native Plant Society share a common interest in Washington’s unique and diverse flora. We represent all levels of botanical knowledge, from professionals and experienced amateur botanists, to beginners just becoming curious about the beautiful plants and habitats of our state.

The Washington Native Plant Society is an active nonprofit organization which supports education, research and conservation of Washington’s native plants. With more than 1700 members and 12 chapters statewide we have 30 years of activity and involvement in protecting native plants.

Native Plant Stewards at Shadow Lake Bog.

Public outreach efforts such as our successful Native Plant Stewardship Program, Native Plant Appreciation Week, our Ivy OUT Program and Growing Wild heighten the awareness of the value of native plant ecosystems and sustainable living.

The Central Puget Sound Chapter is the largest chapter of the Society with over 900 members most of whom reside in King and Snohomish counties. Chapter program meetings and many of its activities occur in Seattle. The Central Puget Sound Chapter and the state organization share an office in Seattle. The intern who is selected for this position will be working with both the state organization and the Central Puget Sound Chapter which has a highly active Board of Directors.

As a Washington Native Plant Society Intern you will help design and manage public outreach and communications for educational activities like Native Plant Appreciation Week, Chapter Program Meetings, and other educational events with WNPS involvement.

You will also have an opportunity to learn about the world of non-profit management, membership recruitment and help with fundraising events such as our highly popular Native Plant Sales.

Duties

Help coordinate Native Plant Appreciation week events and activities at the state and local chapter level.
Assist with Native Plant Appreciation week publicity and communications.
Provide general support for educational activities including coordinating materials for public outreach events and assisting with web content.
Assist in the development of new chapter committees on education and conservation and provide limited support to existing committees.
Participate in membership recruitment and development activities and learn about how important members are in non-profit management.

Timeline/Compensation

November 2008 through May 2009, 10-15 hours per week, primarily during business hours with occasional evening or weekend event activity
Schedule flexibility
Compensation:

Valuable non-profit management and outreach experience
$10.00 per hour

Skills Required

Good interpersonal skills, enjoy working alone and in a team atmosphere
Ability to work independently and creatively.
Ability to seek and take direction from staff and board members
Experience and willingness to work with computers
Coordination and outreach experience (or desire to learn)
Reliability, responsibility and enthusiasm

Management

Direct supervision will be provided by staff, but intern must be able to work well with board members and volunteers and will need to, at times, seek direction and guidance from all three.

How to Apply
Please send a letter of interest, resume, and three references to:

Organization:	Washington Native Plant Society
Contact Name:	Catherine Hovanic
Phone:	206-527-3210
Email:	wnps@wnps.org
Website:	www.wnps.org
Address:	6310 NE 74th St., Ste. 215 E
City, State:	Seattle, WA 98115

Application Deadline: Friday, October 17, 2008