Internship Opportunity: Sustainable Forest Economy Intern
Duration: April – June 2026 (with start date flexibility and potential to extend if desired)
Hours: 3-5 hrs/wk minimum with more hours possible.
Availability: Flexible work schedule with weekly check-in; office space available. Ideally open to attending the occasional evening or weekend event as personal schedule allows.
Type: Unpaid/Academic Credit
Application deadline: March 20, 2026
About RE Sources:
RE Sources is a non-profit environmental education and advocacy organization located in Bellingham, WA. Our mission is to promote sustainable communities through science, education, advocacy, and action. RE Sources’ Healthy Watersheds program is centered around protecting and restoring the natural function of our watersheds through smart land use policies that build climate and community resilience. We are currently looking for a spring intern to assist with our Future Forests Initiative work, focused on advancing the use of Ecological Forest Management (EFM) practices at a landscape scale in NW Washington.
Job Description:
RE Sources seeks a motivated intern who will assist in a variety of activities that support current and future Future Forest campaigns related to climate-resilient forest management, forests as natural climate solutions, and sustainable local wood economy, as well as engage community members. Work will be conducted with RE Sources staff, community members, or independently.
Main Responsibilities:
Support “Whatcom’s Forest Land Base” Project
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- Help to research and compile data and background information on Whatcom County forest land ownerships, regulatory frameworks, and history to build upon existing documents such as Whatcom County’s Forest Resilience Plan.
- Collaborate with RE Sources staff and community partners to make information available to local policymakers, staff, and advisory committees.
Support “Outlining Whatcom’s Forest Products Economy” Project
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- Help to research and compile information about the flow of wood and wood products locally from harvest to consumer.
- Connect with community partners, stakeholders, and land managers to conduct information interviews and fill knowledge gaps.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with Communications and Engagement staff to translate key findings into educational content for existing or future campaign activities
- Attend or watch trainings and educational seminars
- Attend optional meetings/events (e.g. Whatcom Women in Timber tour in June, field visits, forest-related county and city meetings)
Education benefits:
Interns will gain the following knowledge and/or experience in:
- Ecological Forest Management (EFM) as a climate-informed land management toolkit
- Local land use and forest management topics and policy impacting watershed health, climate, and community resilience in NW Washington
- Relationship-building and stakeholdering to build political will for innovation
- How to turn data into action through behavior change, policy, and other means.
Required Qualifications:
- Ability to work independently and in group settings
- Confident and engaging interpersonal skills
- Ability to meet deadlines and pay attention to detail
- Willingness to learn and problem solve.
Desired Qualifications:
- Interest in land use policy and forest management topics
- Interest in Indigenous and rural timber community perspectives on land use and forest management
- Background/Coursework in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or other relevant field
- Driver’s License and good driving record
To apply, please submit a resume and optional cover letter detailing your interest by March 20, 2026 via email to Kaia Hayes, Land & Water Policy Manager, at kaiah@re-sources.org.
This internship description is available in a PDF format here.