Interpretation Intern
Position Summary
The Interpretation Intern supports the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust’s mission by developing content that showcases the natural, cultural, historic, scenic, and recreational treasures of the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area (Greenway NHA) and the Tribal heritage that intersects with these stories. This internship offers the chance to research, craft, and share stories about iconic places and thematic narratives, helping to increase awareness of the Greenway NHA and inspire actions that foster deeper connections with the landscape through stewardship and advocacy. The Interpretation Intern will also have the opportunity to connect with other professionals in multiple industries, such as museums, cultural centers, historical societies, land management agencies, other nonprofit organizations, and tourism organizations.
Organizational Overview
The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust works to steward a diverse landscape that stretches 100 miles from the shores of Puget Sound across the Cascade Mountains to Central Washington. Designated a National Heritage Area in 2019, the Greenway encompasses 1.5 million acres (with 900,000 acres in public ownership), two million people, 28 cities, three major river systems, and two Interstate highways. Its working lands support vast hay fields and grazing cattle to the east, evergreen timber to the west, and some of the nation’s most fertile farmlands. Its protected alpine wilderness includes recovery corridors for wolves, grizzly bears, and other species once hunted to regional extinction. Its expansive access to nature, including 1,600 miles of trails, is the heart of Washington’s 25-billion-dollar outdoor recreation economy.
Vast natural resources, the nation’s 15th largest metropolitan area, and many competing interests create the potential for conflicts. Navigating these differences of opinions, with the goal of conserving that vital and precarious balance between natural and built environments, is the founding and enduring purpose of the Greenway Trust.
An early pioneer of what is now known as “collective impact,” the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust was founded on the belief that to grow in harmony with nature instead of consuming it, the full community must be engaged. The goal of conserving this region’s wild and green character brought together the spheres of government, industry, and nonprofit organizations for the first time. Collaboration, compromise, and common good were the rules of engagement. We are proud to say that, 35 years later, they still are.
Responsibilities
Interpretive Storytelling & Content Development (40%)
- Research and develop assigned stories that highlight the historical and cultural significance of the people and places in the Greenway NHA
- Work with the Communications Manager to prepare and capture oral histories and assist in adding oral histories to Greenway History Page
- Digitize and archive materials for interpretive use
Visitor Engagement and Resource Development (35%)
- Write and curate itineraries and website content that highlights the unique significance of the Greenway NHA and encourages responsible visitation
- Collaborate with partners to co-create and promote content tied to key story points and experiences
- Enhance the interactive map on the Greenway website to provide deeper information and improve engagement
Promotional Work (25%)
- Work with a Google Ads Consultant to create ads promoting itineraries
- Develop engaging social media posts that promote itineraries and interpretive content
- Source and capture high-quality photos/videos of featured locations for content
- Promote interpretive events as time allows
Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Education: Open to recent graduates as well as current undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an accredited educational program such as History, Museum Studies, Library Sciences, Journalism, Natural Resources, Communications, Environmental Studies or a related area of study, as well as other applicants who feel they possess the necessary qualifications for the role. We’re looking for someone who thrives at the intersection of storytelling, cultural preservation, and visitor engagement.
Experience: Demonstrates interest or experience with a combination of the following skills:
- Interpretive storytelling, content development, or related fields such as journalism, museum education, heritage tourism, nonprofit communications, or social media content creation.
- Research and documentation, including conducting research, synthesizing complex information, and capturing oral histories or cultural narratives. Working with diverse communities, including multigenerational audiences, Tribes, or other stakeholders with varied perspectives.
- Organizing and managing cultural or historical materials, such as databases, photo collections, curated archives, or historic documents.
Licenses or Certifications: There are no licenses or certifications required to apply for this position. A current driver’s license and access to reliable transportation is required to travel to sites throughout the Greenway that may be inaccessible via public transit.
Technical Skills and Knowledge:
- Proficient user of Microsoft Office products and experience with major social media platforms.
- Familiarity with platforms like WordPress, Drupal, or Squarespace for publishing and updating content.
- Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Basic skills in capturing and editing high-quality images or short videos with ability to complete basic graphic design projects
Personal Characteristics:
- Enthusiastic about the Greenway Trust’s mission and exemplar of Greenway Trust values.
- Passionate about history, heritage and environmental topics.
- Well-organized, focused on achieving goals and making an impact.
- Flexibility, adaptability, and a positive attitude toward work.
- Self-directed and motivated individual who is comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
- Confidence to meet and speak with professionals inside and outside the organization via phone, Zoom, or in person at locations throughout the Greenway NHA.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Compensation for this role is $23/hour. The Interpretation Intern will accrue Paid Time Off at a rate of 1.5 hours per 40 hours worked.
SCHEDULE: The Interpretation Intern is a part-time, temporary position. This position is for the 2026-2027 academic year (projected: mid October 2026 – early June 2027)
During school sessions, work hours will be scheduled to complement class schedules (10-15 hours per week). Work is normally performed between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday unless otherwise arranged with your supervisor. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required for special events.
Work Location: This position is based at the Greenway Trust’s Seattle office (2701 First Ave, Suite 240, Seattle, WA 98121). This position will also require occasional visits to the field within the Greenway NHA. The Greenway Trust has adopted a hybrid work model in which each employee works with their supervisor to set a schedule of in-office and remote work based on job responsibilities, meeting and event schedules, and other responsibilities. It is anticipated that the Interpretation Intern will meet with the Communications Manager in-person in Seattle one day per week.
Physical Requirements: Office work involves sitting or standing for long periods while working on a computer and participating in meetings. Other meeting locations and occasional fieldwork in local parks and wilderness locations within the Mountains to Sound Greenway NHA may involve walking (at time for more than one mile) across uneven terrain. The office work requires consistent computer and meeting time (sitting and standing) and occasional site visits require work in all types of weather and walking (at times for more than one mile) across uneven terrain.
EQUIPMENT: The Greenway Trust will provide a laptop computer and cell phone. The Interpretation Intern must have access to a personal vehicle or alternative transportation when needed for travel. While employees are allowed to work remotely, the Greenway Trust does not reimburse for expenses such as internet or home office setups.
TO APPLY: Please send the following to apply@mtsgreenway.org and include Interpretation Intern in the subject line:
- College/university’s unofficial transcript (an official transcript will be required at time of hire), if applicable
- Cover letter describing your interest in this internship; any specific experiences or skills that you think are relevant and valuable for this position; and an example of how you’ve worked with diverse communities in your personal or professional life (not to exceed two pages)
- Resume clearly identifying how you meet qualifications and summarizing your educational progress and plans, any work experience, and any other training, experiences, or activities that you think are relevant to this position
- Two project examples that are relevant to this role – school, work, and personal projects are all welcomed
Finalists will be asked to provide two references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Equal Opportunity Provider
The Greenway Trust is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, ancestry, genetic information, use of a service animal, honorably discharged veteran, military status, political ideology, personal appearance, family responsibilities, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law. Each person is evaluated on the basis of personal aptitude and merit.