Community Garden and Compost Intern

~ In partnership with the National Park Service and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, and at no cost to taxpayers, the Presidio Trust brings alive the unique historic, natural, and recreational assets of the Presidio for the inspiration, education, health, and enjoyment of all people. ~

The Presidio of San Francisco is managed by two federal agencies in partnership: 300 acres along the coast are managed by the National Park Service, while the rest of the Presidio, 1,191 acres, is managed by the Presidio Trust. Both agencies work in close collaboration with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, a non-profit organization that provides indispensable philanthropic and programmatic support.

Internship Overview

This internship primarily supports the Presidio Trust’s Community Garden Program, dedicated to creating community and teaching and learning about organic urban gardening. The intern will also help support the Presidio’s mid-scale composting program, Native Plant Nursery, and Sustainability Programs.

Length of Position: 6 month commitment

Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday schedule with 1-2 Saturdays/month required

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Learn and implement all aspects of vegetable gardening from planning, seed starting, planting raised beds, maintenance, harvesting, record-keeping, and cooking
• Assist with neighborhood community garden program: garden maintenance, education, and site visits; communicate about gardening with garden members
• Learn and conduct garden maintenance including basic landscaping tasks and light construction
• Assist with community garden projects, volunteer groups, and special events
• Lead, teach and motivate volunteers during weekly drop-in volunteer programs and scheduled community, youth, and corporate groups
• Learn to build, water, and monitor compost piles; record data, and make compost tea
• Collect coffee grounds and maintain vermicompost system
• Occasional participation in seed collection, propagation, and ecological restoration
• Participate in Presidio Trust public events and programs

Benefits

Stipend: $400 every two weeks

Transportation Benefit: $50 monthly parking permits for car owners or $50/month for non-car owners

Housing: Interns are provided a single occupancy (one person) room in dormitory-style housing in the Presidio with basic accommodations including a furnished private room, shared kitchen, and common areas. Interns must sign a housing contract, abide by the residential rules and contribute to the maintenance of the household. Interns must reside in the housing provided to be eligible for the internship. We cannot accept non-residential interns.

Why Apply

• Gain professional development in a team setting.
• Learn valuable skills in park management, sustainable practices, and community engagement.
• Develop leadership and public speaking skills.
• Attend a range of classes through the Park Academy.
• Great opportunity to live in a national park and work with staff and volunteers from diverse backgrounds who share a common interest in engaging the public and preserving the natural and cultural history of the Presidio.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, natural sciences, horticulture, agriculture, or ecology is desired; and/or equivalent work experience in a related field.
• Ability to work independently in a motivated manner, with good organizational and time management skills.
• Enthusiasm for engaging and leading the community, including volunteers, community groups, and school groups.
• Comfortable working both outdoors and indoors.
• Ability to perform manual work.
• Competency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to work safely with gardening tools; experience with power tools is a plus.
• Must be a US Citizen and be at least 21 years old.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State driver’s license.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email a cover letter, resume and contact information (including full name, title, phone number and email address) and at least two references by email to Jean Koch. PDF format is preferred but Microsoft Word versions are acceptable.
• Your cover letter should provide a brief explanation of your interest in the position relative to your future educational and/or career goals. The strongest applicant will communicate what they will contribute to the Presidio Trust and how this internship can help them to achieve their future goals with specific reference to the position description. If you have any special skills or interests, please include them.
• The resume should outline the applicant’s relevant experience and include contact information for two references familiar with the applicants’ previous work or academic experience.