Restoration and Volunteer Management Internship

Park Stewardship Program – Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy

Are you excited about working in the outdoors and learning about natural resources management?  Are you interested in engaging communities in the Golden Gate National Parks through volunteer programs and land management projects?

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.

Overview of Internship

Through a six-month internship in Marin county, you will be a field ecologist, environmental educator, and community builder. As an intern, you will be introduced to many aspects of habitat restoration and help maintain climate resilient ecosystems by managing invasive plants, planting natives, and species monitoring. Throughout the internship, you will also participate in various elements of land stewardship which include 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 a 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

Lead and manage all aspects of a volunteer program and coordinate 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

Desired Knowledge and Skills

• Enjoy being outdoors and learning about ecology
• 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 and communication skills
• Basic computer proficiency

Physical requirements and Work Conditions

• Ready to work outdoors (in inclement weather, on steep slopes, and in 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 extensive work experience in habitat restoration and community building at a highly respected non-profit organization
• Opportunity to engage with park staff from our two partner organizations, the National Park Service and the Presidio Trust
• Opportunity to take three professional development days to attend classes offered by the park
• Opportunity to live in and enjoy the scenery, wildlife and cultural resources of a spectacular National Park
• Opportunities to work with staff and volunteers to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in our parks

Terms

• Desired start: March 2019
• Length of position: 6 months
• 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