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?

Working in some of the Bay Area’s most dramatic and beautiful landscapes, 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 wear many hats - you will be a 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. Throughout the year, you will also participate in various 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, 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:

o   Participate and lead field restoration activities such as removing invasive plants, planting native plants, and monitoring restoration progress

o   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 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 skills
• Basic computer proficiency

Physical requirements and Work Conditions

• Desire and ability to work outdoors (in inclement weather, on steep slopes, and in proximity to 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 from the dorm (if in the Marin Headlands) 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 $150/week is provided with dorm-style housing OR $275/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 professional development days to pursue Park Academy classes
• 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, who share a common interest in preserving and protecting our natural lands

Terms

·                     Desired start date: early October 2016

·                     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

To Apply

• Please email your resume and a thoughtful cover letter to ypoonawalla@parksconservancy.org; please indicate the position title in your subject line
• We are accepting applications through August 9 or until the position is filled. Interviews will begin in the second week of August.
• No phone calls please

The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy endeavors to build a staff which reflects the diversity of our Bay Area community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Thank you,

Georgia

Georgia Vasey

San Mateo Community Programs Manager

Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy

Building 201, Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA 94123

tel: (650) 619-1790

email: gvasey@parksconservancy.org

The nonprofit support partner for the Golden Gate National Parks www.parkconservancy.org