Internship - Restoration and Volunteer Management
Are you excited about working in the outdoors and learning about natural resources management? Are you interested in engaging communities in the Golden Gate National Parks through volunteer programs and land management projects?
Working in some of the Bay Area’s most dramatic and beautiful landscapes, home to 36 rare and endangered plant and animal species, the Park Stewardship Program engages and sustains vibrant communities in the conservation of park lands. Established in 1993, the Park Stewardship Program is part of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, the non-profit support partner of the Golden Gate National Parks.
Overview of Internship
We have internship positions with all three of Park Stewardship’s regional teams- San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin. Through a one-year position on one of these teams, you will be a field ecologist, environmental educator, and community builder. As an intern, you will be introduced to many aspects of habitat restoration and help maintain climate resilient ecosystems by managing invasive plants, planting natives, and species monitoring. Throughout the year, you will also participate in various elements of land stewardship which include developing and running volunteer programs for youth, adults, school groups, corporate groups, and community organizations. Interns also have the opportunity to build a strong professional network, as well as benefit from considerable formal and on-the-job training.
Most importantly, you will be an integral part of a diverse and fun Park Stewardship team, and will obtain an in-depth understanding of the values of the park system through shared experiences, workshops, and ongoing dialogue.
Description of Duties
Lead and manage all aspects of a volunteer program and coordinate outreach. This includes:
- Plan and coordinate volunteer workdays
- Engage and inspire community involvement; communicate with visitors about park issues
- Develop and lead educational and interpretative walks and talks
- Create, edit, and produce educational and outreach materials
- Maintain the volunteer database and report on volunteer participation
Perform ecological restoration activities:
- Participate and lead field restoration activities such as removing invasive introduced plants, planting native plants, and monitoring restoration progress
- Prepare reports of restoration work performed
Desired Knowledge and Skills
- Enjoy being outdoors and learning about ecology
- Desire to work with a diverse group of people with different backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, ages, and viewpoints
- Enjoy writing newsletter articles, using social media, taking photos and videos
- Ability to work well within a team, as well as independently, with minimal supervision
- Excited to take initiative
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Basic computer proficiency
Physical requirements and Work Conditions
- Ready to work outdoors (in inclement weather, on steep slopes, and in poison oak)
- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds repeatedly
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
- Carpool will be provided during work hours (if housed in the Marin Headlands dorms) to the office location. Transportation to and from work sites will be provided. Personal vehicles are encouraged but not necessary.
Compensation and Benefits
- Weekly taxable per diem stipend of $225/week is provided with dorm-style housing OR $375/week without housing
- Gain extensive work experience in habitat restoration and community building at a highly respected non-profit organization
- Opportunity to engage with park staff from our two partner organizations, the National Park Service and the Presidio Trust
- Opportunity to take six professional development days to attend classes offered by the park
- Opportunity to live in and enjoy the scenery, wildlife and cultural resources of a spectacular National Park
- Opportunities to work with staff and volunteers to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in our parks
Terms
· Desired start date: October 1, 2019
· Length of position: one year from start
· Schedule: 40 hours/week, Tuesday through Saturday with flexibility of start and end times
· Driver’s license is required
· US Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number required
To Apply
- Please email your resume, a thoughtful cover letter and three references to ypoonawalla@parksconservancy.org; please indicate the position title in your subject line and how you heard about the position
- We are accepting applications through July 8, or until the position is filled. Interviews will begin third week of July
- No phone calls please
The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy strives to engage a workforce reflective of the community it serves. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, gender, national or ethnic origin religion, sexual orientation, or physical disability. We will consider qualified candidates with criminal history in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.