Ecological Restoration and Volunteer Management Internship

~ The mission of the Parks Conservancy is to preserve the Golden Gate National Parks, enhance the park visitor experience, and build a community dedicated to conserving the parks for the future. We are a community-supported nonprofit organization transforming places—and people—through conservation and improvement of these remarkable national parks. ~

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.   

• Are you excited about working outdoors and learning 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 be a field ecologist, environmental educator, and community builder.

As an intern, you will be introduced to many aspects of habitat restoration - managing invasive plants, planting natives, monitoring, and maintaining climate resilient ecosystems. 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. 

Responsibilities

Description of Duties

• Lead 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
• Perform 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

Qualifications

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 (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 $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 2017
• 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 click "Apply" below to  email your resume and a thoughtful cover letter; and please indicate the position title in your subject line and how you heard about the position.
• We are accepting applications through July 15, or until the position is filled. Interviews will begin mid-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. ~