Toxics Outreach Specialist – Seasonal Employee (2025)

Job Description:

The Lands Council is seeking dynamic, self-motivated, hard-working, and reliable interns to conduct outreach along the Spokane River. The goal of this outreach is to educate the public about toxins present in the river and how to recreate safely.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Conduct one-on-one outreach and education with members of the greater Spokane community—particularly individuals who are unhoused, low-income, or from ethnically diverse backgrounds—about the health risks associated with Spokane River toxins. Outreach will primarily take place along the river and at shelters or social service organizations.

  • Survey community members regarding river use, fish consumption, and awareness of toxic contamination.

  • Share information about contaminated or hazardous sites and associated clean-up efforts, including time-sensitive public engagement opportunities such as comment periods and public hearings.

  • Enter survey data into an Excel spreadsheet.

  • Deliver presentations on Spokane River toxins and related health risks to neighborhood councils, community organizations, and social service agencies.

  • Distribute and post health advisories and other educational materials.

  • Staff educational booths at major community events.

  • Help update educational materials as needed.

  • Support TLC staff with additional program activities as assigned.

Position Details:

This is a paid internship ($20.00/hour) with a commitment of 25–30 hours per week for 8–12 weeks between July and September (flexible end date within this range). Evening and weekend availability is required, as this is when most community events and river recreation take place.

Qualifications:

  • Friendly, outgoing, and comfortable engaging with a wide range of people

  • Able to work independently and as part of a small, collaborative team (2 people)

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

  • Familiarity with Spokane and local environmental justice concerns

  • Comfortable working outdoors for extended periods

  • Ability to travel to outreach locations (a car and driver’s license are preferred but not required)

  • Ability to speak multiple languages is strongly preferred but not required

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and two references by April 30, 2025 to: Justyce Brant, Urban Forestry Program Director: jbrant@landscouncil.org | (509) 838-4912.


Summer Field Restoration Tech Internship (2025)

Job Description:

In this internship, you will play an active role in the restoration of degraded rural riparian and urban habitats primarily through the planting and maintenance of native vegetation. We will be working along streams containing rough, uneven terrain with tall grass, yellow jackets and other insects, and occasional snakes; as well as along the popular, urban Appleway Trail in Spokane Valley. Adequate field gear (e.g. long pants, hat, work/rubber boots, sunblock, etc.) is essential. This is an ideal position for someone with a flexible schedule who is looking for part-time, physically demanding, and fulfilling environmental work that is 100% outside. Our field crews go out on weekdays from ~8:00—~1:00, beginning in mid- to late-June and lasting into September. Duration of contract negotiable. 

Duties:

  • Water newly planted trees and shrubs at rural and urban restoration sites. This primarily involves hauling 5-gallon buckets of water in hot temperatures. 

  • Build deer fencing in preparation for fall planting events.

  • Plant urban street trees at residential sites as applicable.

  • Construct/maintain beaver dam analogs (BDAs) and participate in beaver coexistence activities.

  • Assist in forest thinning practices to source BDA brush weave material. 

  • Weed nursery seedlings and weed whack riparian restoration sites. 

  • Load/unload equipment and materials.

  • Assist Restoration Program Director in other restoration maintenance tasks.

Qualifications:

  • Continually lift and carry 50+ lbs. for up to ~3 consecutive hours. 

  • Function effectively as part of a crew of 4-6 individuals.

  • Perform above-mentioned field activities in rugged terrain and under adverse weather conditions.

  • Relevant coursework with a desire to start a career in the environmental sciences.

  • Drive to field sites some of the time (30-45 minutes from downtown Spokane; mileage reimbursed). Valid driver’s license required.

Compensation: 

  • $20/hour, 15-20 hours/week. 

Apply: Please send resume, cover letter, and three references to Kat Hall (khall@landscouncil.org) by April 30, 2025.