Environment and Community Steward Internship

~ The Tamalpais Lands Collaborative (TLC) is an innovative new partnership made up of the National Park Service, California State Parks, Marin County Parks, Marin Municipal Water District and the Parks Conservancy. ~

The TLC combines the expertise and resources of its partners to ensure the long-term health of Mt. Tamalpais by advancing efforts to restore ecosystems, improve trail corridors, enhance visitor services, expand education and stewardship programming, and inspire community support through volunteerism and philanthropy. 

• Are you passionate about understanding our natural resources through ecological restoration and community science?
• Would you like engage local youth and community members in protecting and restoring the incredible landscape of Mt. Tam? 

We are looking to hire interns who are excited about working on habitat restoration and community science projects while engaging the local community in the conservation of Mount Tamalpais. This work is a part of the the One Tam initiative of the Tamalpais Lands Collaborative. 

Overview of the Internship 

As a One Tam Intern you will help support both the Youth and Community Engagement and Habitat Restoration and Citizen Science Stewardship Programs.

You will participate in all elements of land stewardship, gaining valuable experience in developing and running volunteer programs for youth and adults including school groups, corporate groups, and community organizations. You will support a variety of activities to connect local communities to Mt. Tam, including tabling at festivals, staffing our mobile trailhead truck and attending various community events.

You will also be introduced to a variety of habitat restoration programs and practices which include mapping and monitoring, management of invasive plants, seed collection, trail rehabilitation. You will help further our understanding of this unique ecosystem by working with multiple land management agencies and the general public in our community science programs. You will also have the opportunity to build a strong professional network, and benefit from considerable formal and on-the-job training with multiple partners.

Responsibilities 

The successful candidate will support the One Tam Programs Managers in the following duties:

• Plan and implement volunteer work projects. This includes scheduling, site scoping, program facilitation, and data reporting.
• Engage the local community by leading volunteer workdays, hosting educational school programs and leading interpretive field walks.
• Engage in habitat restoration activities including monitoring, planting, invasive plant management and trail work.
• Collect and maintain volunteer and work performed data; as needed assist with preparation of reports.
• Develop and maintain a social media presence.
• Assist with planning and help to lead the LINC Summer Program, engaging high school students in a six-week long summer program that integrates service, job training, with exploration of the Mt. Tam.
• Develop volunteer trainings and educational materials for the Marin Wildlife Picture Index Project (WPIP) and other community science projects.
• Service wildlife cameras in the field, and process and manage photos.
• Support resource and community engagement goals of partnering land managers.
• Maintain good communication and working relations with agency staff and other partners.
• Time allowing, support fundraising activities.
• Maintain tools and equipment, and other miscellaneous duties. 

Desired Qualifications: 

• Strong commitment to community participation and stewardship in parks and open space.
• An interest in working with and leading diverse youth audiences; experience running service-learning programs that involve youth a plus.
• Demonstrated interest in ecology, wildlife, resource management, and/or park stewardship.
• Comfortable with speaking in front of a crowd, OR strong desire to gain more experience public speaking.
• Energetic, flexible, self-motivated, and a sense of humor
• Ability to take work independently and assume a leadership role as needed.
• Desire to work in a team and to work with a diversity of people with different backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, ages, and viewpoints.
• Strong organizational and group management skills.
• Basic computer literacy, Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience with database operations or Photoshop/ InDesign a plus.
• Bilingual in Spanish or other language not required, but a plus.
• A valid driver's license, clean driving record, and willingness to obtain a Class B commercial driver's license. This position will also be required to pass a LiveScan background check.
• Ability to work Saturdays and attend overnights trips (6-7 per year). Frequent local travel will be necessary (vehicle provided). 

Physical Requirements and Work Environments 

• This position is part field work and part office work. It requires the ability to work outdoors during all weather conditions and walk on varied and uneven terrain. It also requires the ability to maintain concentration and focus in an office setting for prolonged periods of time.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Ability to lift, carry and position objects weighing up to 35 pounds. 

Compensation: A stipend of $30/day ($150/week) with dorm-style housing OR $55/day ($250/week) without housing. Housing is limited. 

Benefits: 

• Gain real-world work experience and fantastic networking opportunities in youth development, habitat restoration and park management at a highly respected non-profit organization with a partnership between four land management agencies.
• Potential to gain special hiring status for federal jobs through the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority.
• Opportunity to take six personal/professional development days to pursue an interest, including training and education opportunities in various departments within the One Tam footprint.
• Opportunity to attend Park Academy Classes on 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 work and enjoy the scenery, wildlife and cultural resources of a spectacular natural area.

Terms

• Applications due by Friday, July 29 th, 2016. Earlier applications will be given first consideration.
• Desired start date: Monday, August 10, 2016 (negotiable).
• Length of position: August 2016 through August 2017.
• Schedule: 40 hours/ week, generally Tuesday - Saturday, full-time with need to occasionally work weekends and evenings.
• Based out of Sky Oaks Ranger Station, Fairfax, CA and 1600 Los Gamos, San Rafael, CA. 

To Apply 

• Please use the meail address below to send a resume and thoughtful cover letter to William Hough.
• Please indicate whether you need housing.