Get Involved
There are a number of ways to get involved with Environmental Center’s projects and activities. Find out about: Jobs, Internships, Volunteer Opportunities, and how to join the EC Board of Directors.
Jobs
At the beginning of each semester, the EC hires students for its staff teams. Students must be able to work at least 5 hours a week, go through staff training, and attend a weekly meeting where they will touch base with other team members, get updates, and take on new assignments for the week. Each team has a coordinator who facilitates the team’s work.
Wages for staff positions at the EC range between $8.50 and $10.00/hr depending on experience. Coordinators earn more. If you have work-study, use your hours at the EC!! Come work for us!
Students without work-study should apply and inquire about funding. The funding we have available for non-work-study student changes often, so students should check back on a regular basis. Students without work-study often work as volunteer staff for a semester to qualify for a paid position.
Volunteer staff members and work-study students are eligible for Americorps Education Awards ranging from $1,000-$2,362.50 depending upon the number of hours you can commit to work.
Read the job descriptions for the 2008-09 school year.
Download an application.
Internships and Co-op Credit
Students who are interested in pursuing environmental careers should consider an internship with the EC. Internships are usually completed for course credit and involve a significant time commitment of 10-20 hours per week. The EC coordinator will work with potential interns and their advisor to tailor an experience that meets the specific interests and needs of the student. Credit for an internship is available through the sociology block program, the environmental studies program, and the Office of Cooperative Education.
For graduating seniors or people who have already received a college degree, the EC offers a full-time professional internship lasting from mid-August to mid-May. The internship is designed to give a young professional training in working for an environmental non-profit. Applications for the EC intern position are typically due at the end of May. Read the announcement for the 2009-10 intern position and find out how to apply.
This year students will also have the opportunity to earn upper-level elective credit for working for the Center or serving on its board of directors through Fort Lewis' Cooperative Education program. Students must work 50 hours during a semester to receive each credit. Students can earn up to four credits toward their Fort Lewis College degree. Ask our coordinator about how to earn credit while working at the EC.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you can commit to working 5 hours a week, you can join our staff and might be able to earn an education award.. Check out the jobs section above. I you just want to help out when you have time, we'd love to have you pitch in. We have an everchanging and ongoing list of tasks for drop-in volunteers to work on. You can also contact the coordinator of a specific staff team or sit in on one of our team's weekly meetings. We will post the regular meeting times for each of the staff teams in early September. Staff teams meet in the EC office (unless otherwise posted):
Zero-Waste Team -
Local Food Team -
Media and Commuications Team -
Climate Action Team - .
Education and Outreach Team -
You can also join the SEEDS-Campus Ecology Club, which holds regular programs, projects, and trainings. SEEDS-Campus Ecology will set a regular meeting time and location in early September. To connect with SEEDS-Campus Ecology email Benjamin Downing or Andrea Rossi.
Join the EC Board of Directors
Serving on the EC Board gives students (and community members) experience with running an environmental non-profit. Board members provide long-term guidance for the EC, help with fundraising, and build a cohesive community among everyone involved with the Center.
The EC Board goes on a retreat each fall and then meets every three weeks during the semester. Each member also serves on a subcommittee and helps to organize the EC’s fundraisers. The total time commitment averages to two to three hours per week. Students can also earn upper-level elective credit for serving on the board through Fort Lewis' Cooperative Education program. Students must serve 50 hours during a semester to receive each credit. Students can earn up to four credits toward their Fort Lewis College degree. Ask our coordinator about how to earn credit while serving on the Environmental Center board.
Applications for the EC Board will be accepted throughout the year. If you’d like more information, contact Marcus at renner_m@fortlewis.edu.
