Ecological Restoration and Volunteer Management Internship

Are you passionate about nature, do you love working outdoors and are you excited to learn about ecological restoration? Are you interested in working with a broad range of audiences in the Golden Gate National Parks through land management projects and community-based volunteer programs?

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 wear many hats - you will be a steward, field ecologist, environmental educator, youth leader, and community builder. As an intern, you will be introduced to many aspects of habitat restoration - managing invasive plants, planting natives, monitoring, and maintaining healthy coastal environments. You will also participate in all elements of land stewardship, gaining valuable experience in 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, as an intern, you will be an integral part of the 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

• Assist with all aspects of managing a volunteer program and coordinating 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

• Assist with ecological restoration activities

• • Participate and lead field restoration activities such as removing invasive plants, planting native plants, and monitoring restoration progress
  • Prepare reports of restoration work performed

Desired Knowledge and Skills

• Love of the outdoors and curiosity about ecological restoration
• Desire to work with a diverse group of people with different backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, ages, and viewpoints
• Enjoy writing and speaking with members of the public
• Ability to work well within a team, as well as independently, with minimal supervision
• Excited to take initiative
• Strong organizational skills
• Basic computer proficiency

Physical requirements and Work Conditions

• Desire and ability to work outdoors (at times in inclement weather, on steep slopes, and in proximity to poison oak)
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
• Indoor work is performed in a friendly office setting and offices are located in San Francisco
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record

Compensation and Benefits

• Weekly out-of-pocket expenses of $125/week is provided with dorm-style housing OR $250/week without housing
• Gain real-world work experience in habitat restoration at a highly respected non-profit organization with a model partnership between two federal agencies
• Opportunity to take six personal/professional development days to pursue Park Academy classes or pursue an interest, including training and education opportunities in various departments within the National Park Service and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. Park Academy Classes cover a variety of topics including resume building and interview skills, park orientation and history, flora and fauna, mapping and monitoring, computer skills, and much more!
• Opportunity to live in and enjoy the scenery, wildlife and cultural resources of a spectacular National Park
• Opportunities to work with staff and volunteers from diverse backgrounds that share a common interest in preserving and protecting our natural lands

Terms

• Desired start date: early October, 2013
• Length of position: one year from start
• Schedule: 40 hours/week, Tues thru Sat with occasional early, late or overnight days
• Driver's license required

Details:

Location: Fort Mason, Bld 201, 3rd floor, San Francisco, California, 94123, United States

Start date: October 1, 2013

End date: September 30, 2014

Application deadline: July 22, 2013

Hours per week: 40

Compensation: Unpaid

Stipend/Wage: $25/ day with dorm-style housing and for locals: $50/day without housing

How to apply:

• Please email your resume and a thoughtful cover letter to mstafford@parksconservancy.org; please indicate the position title in your subject line
• We are accepting applications through July or until the position is filled