Sustainability Volunteer Internships-Compost, Community Gardens, IPM

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) is the one of the world's most extensive urban parks, spanning over 80,000 acres on both sides of San Francisco's Golden Gate. Much of the park's land was once under military or private use.

Today, a thriving community-based stewardship program is working throughout the GGNRA to rehabilitate the park's natural areas. The Presidio is a 1491-acre park site comprised of landscaped, natural and built environments. The Presidio Trust manages the Presidio, in conjunction with the National Park Service and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

Position Overview:

We are offering two full-time 10 to 12 month Sustainability Internships that aim to introduce you to all aspects of managing a mid-scale compost operation, building and running community gardens, and working in a native plant nursery.

You will also gain valuable experience in volunteer management, while participating in volunteer programs and a series of "Park Academy" trainings on everything from Plant Physiology, Nursery Pests and Soil Science to Tool Maintenance and Computer Training. Housing is provided on-site in a gorgeous, urban National Park.

These volunteer internships are part of the Trust's Sustainability Program, dedicated to reducing waste, reusing resources, and promoting environmentally-responsible pest management and gardening practices.

There is an anticipated start date of January 2013 - and applications are due by December 7, 2012.

Responsibilities:

• Learn and perform all facets of compost production including building, watering, and monitoring compost piles, recording data, and making compost tea.
• Assist with community garden projects, help lead quarterly workdays (weekends), plan and help implement garden expansion. Work with volunteers on landscape projects.
• Support volunteer and education programs: lead, teach and motivate volunteers during weekly volunteer programs, and help lead occasional environmental education programs.
• Learn and share information about seed collection, propagation, ecological restoration, by participating in and leading community-based volunteer programs.
• Participate in West Nile virus response program: monitoring and identification of mosquito species, preparation of samples for submission to state lab.
• Database creation and management (Access and Excel): pesticide use data, mosquito monitoring data, golf course turf health and pest occurrence data, tree disease data.
• Monitoring tree disease occurrence: Sudden oak death, pitch canker, and others.
• Conduct an independent project - determined by program priorities and intern's interest.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in environmental studies, natural sciences, horticulture, agriculture, or ecology; and/or proficiency in ecology and sustainability issues.
• A self starter - ability to work independently, in an organized and motivated manner.
• Ability to work and lead activities with diverse groups of people.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Willingness to work outdoors in inclement weather and around heavy equipment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to lift at least 30 lbs.
• Able to work safely with hand tools; pitchfork, hand pick, and shovel; experience with power tools is a plus.
• Valid driver's license.
• Excitement and curiosity about plants and the natural world.

Compensation: In-park housing, small stipend ($250 every 2 weeks) and substantial professional training opportunities are provided.

To Apply:

Please email or send resume and cover letter to:       

Christa Conforti, The Presidio Trust
1216 Ralston Ave.
San Francisco, Ca. 94129