This information reflects the 2024 program. Have more questions after reading these FAQs? Contact Becca Kedenburg at becca.kedenburg@mtsgreenway.org.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Burien Green Teens is well-suited for teens who are interested in environmental topics and who like to work outside. Interns must be Highline Public Schools high school students who are not graduating seniors. (Exception: Assistant Leaders). Priority is given to teens who live in Burien and who are at least 16 years old.
LOCATION
Salmon Creek Ravine in Burien. Interns meet at the H Line bus stop #51520 (corner of Ambaum Blvd SW & SW 122nd St): https://goo.gl/maps/PjzUdbeDxupF2hsZA. Interns walk about 10 minutes together into the Salmon Creek Ravine park. The route includes paved sidewalks and dirt trails; one section of the trail is steep.
Read more about Salmon Creek Ravine and this internship by reading our blog post or the City of Burien’s park profile.
SCHEDULE
August 19-30, 2024. Monday-Friday from 9am-2pm.
What does a typical day look like?
In the morning, the interns walk together into Salmon Creek Ravine. We start each day with a check-in circle. Interns learn about Pacific Northwest plants and practice using tools like loppers and clippers to do ecological restoration. They discuss environmental and social justice as it relates to public green spaces. They are introduced to a wide breadth of outdoor activities that may include hiking, camping, art, forest bathing, and other topics that may peak their interest. We will have a lunch and bathroom break from about 11:15am-12pm.
What kinds of careers do interns learn about?
A wide range of environmental careers, including parks planner, environmental educator, communications, restoration technician, and food justice advocate.
How much restoration work do interns do?
We will spend four half-days doing restoration work. This looks like using shovels and loppers to remove introduced weeds like blackberry and ivy.
INTERNSHIP BENEFITS
- Stipend of $1,200. (Assistant Leaders earn $1,500).
- Gear Kit that includes a backpack, water bottle, Carhartt work pants, REI hiking boots and socks, t-shirt, hat, a first aid kit, work gloves, and more.
- Lunch is provided with lunch every day. We order from local restaurants and do our best to accommodate interns’ dietary restrictions.
How do the stipends work?
Stipends will come from the King Conservation District. Stipends will be a paper check mailed to participants after the internship ends. To receive the full stipend, interns will need to fill out a W9 including a Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number. If you do not have either of these numbers, you are still able to participate in the internship, but please reach out to internship staff to figure out payment – maya.klem@kingcd.org.
What if I don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Tax ID Number (TIN)?
You can still participate, but your stipend will be capped at $599. We need to report any income over $600 to the IRS and so need to collect a W-9 from all interns with a SSN or TIN.
INTERNSHIP LEADERSHIP
The primary staff leads of Burien Green Teens are educators from Dirt Corps and the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust. The City of Burien’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department (PaRCS) are also very involved.
The Assistant Leaders are returning interns who take on more of a leadership role. For example, they lead the restoration project days and a few other activities. Assistant Leaders earn a stipend of $1,500 and have a bigger time commitment (approx. 64 hours that includes planning sessions with internship staff leading up to the internship).
TRANSPORTATION
Interns must get themselves to the meeting location (a bus stop at the corner of Ambaum Blvd SW & SW 122nd St – map). Luckily, youth who are 18 years or younger ride free. (Learn more!). ORCA cards are accepted on all services provided by Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, and Washington State Ferries, as well as on Monorail and Seattle Streetcar.
On two days, interns will be driven by internship staff in a King Conservation District van to sites in Burien.
WHAT TO BRING / WEAR
Burien Green Teens happens entirely outdoors, so it’s important that interns wear or bring what they need to stay comfortable, hydrated, and energized. All safety equipment is provided. The Gear Kits that are provided (see Benefits above) do not include sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks.
APPLICATION PROCESS
How do I apply? (2024 timeline):
May 28 – June 27: Applications are open at tinyurl.com/buriengreenteens
June 13 at 5:30pm: Info Session at the Burien Community Center (registration has closed)
June 18 at 5:30pm: virtual Info Session (registration has closed)
July 1-10: Interviews on Zoom
What would make my application stand out?
Be authentic! Share your passions. Elaborate on your answers – write at least a couple sentences per question.
What happens after I apply?
You will get an email from internship staff by late June regarding if you are selected for an interview. Interviews will be conducted virtually between July 1-10. Final decisions will be made by mid-July; selected candidates will be notified by email.