Parks in Focus®(link is external) is a program of the Udall Foundation(link is external) that provides opportunities for middle school youth from underserved communities to explore and learn about nature through photography, environmental education, outdoor recreation, and creative expression.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Udall Foundation is looking for an organized and highly-motivated individual who is interested in working with youth in the setting of our National Parks. The successful applicant will lead summer Parks in Focus® activities with groups of underserved youth from the San Francisco Bay Area (particularly East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Redwood City). S/he will spend approximately three months (tentatively May 22 to August 25, 2017) organizing and leading local field trips as well as three 5-day camping trips to Yosemite National Park. S/he will train with other Parks in Focus® staff; be provided with program curriculum and resources; and work closely with staff from the Udall Foundation, the National Park Service, our partner youth organizations, and volunteers. Hours will vary from 15 during preparatory weeks to 70 during trip weeks (up to 430 hours for the summer). Position will be supervised by a program manager in Tucson.

PARKS IN FOCUS® DUTIES:

Training & Program Preparation

• Attend multi-day Parks in Focus® staff training in Arizona in late May 2017.
• Become familiar with Parks in Focus® mission, goals, curriculum, and resources.
• Visit Yosemite in early June for scouting and risk management planning.

Program Implementation:

• Host info meetings for parents, participants, and others to discuss roles/expectations.
• Finalize activity itineraries and handle all logistics (e.g., food and supply purchasing).
• Lead all activities (e.g., local field trips, Yosemite trips, and post-trip activities).
• Lead team of partner staff and volunteers effectively, efficiently, and positively.
• Ensure activities run smoothly and safely.
• Teach photography curriculum and meet educational goals for each activity.
• Work with participants to develop their photography skills.
• Lead games, songs, journaling, and other activities with participants.
• Facilitate and delegate camp tasks including set up, meal preparation, and clean-up.
• Ensure activities are well documented through photo and video.
• Ensure all participant forms and evaluation data are gathered.

Program Reporting & Wrap-Up:

• Provide scheduled updates and reports to the program manager in Tucson.
• Organize all photographs, video footage, evaluation data and other deliverables.
• Prepare photo highlights DVDs for all participants, staff and partners.
• Plan and host post-trip celebrations for participants and their families.
• Write and submit a brief final evaluation.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Love of the outdoors and ability to spark that love in others.
• Experienced and comfortable with camping, hiking, and being outdoors.
• Knowledge of the Bay Area and/or Yosemite National Park highly desired.
• Experience working with youth in outdoor and overnight settings.
• Ability to assess and manage risks associated with outdoor activities.
• Interest in photography and willingness to learn and teach basic curriculum.
• Positive, upbeat attitude and ability to be flexible and adapt to changing demands.
• Strong writing, communication, teaching, leadership, and teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated success of working independently and completing projects on time.
• Access to a reliable computer, internet connection, and manageable workspace.
• A valid driver’s license, clean-driving record and access to reliable personal transportation.
• Summer home base in/near Bay Area (housing is not provided).
• Must have current First Aid and CPR certifications prior to start date.
• Wilderness First Aid certification highly desired.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be willing to provide fingerprints for a criminal background check.

PAY & PERKS:

• $12/hour regular pay (approximately 340 to 370 regular hours anticipated)
• $18/hour overtime pay (approximately 60 overtime hours anticipated)
• Mileage reimbursement for personal vehicle use for pre-approved travel
• Food, campsites, and flight provided for staff training in Arizona
• Food, campsites, and rental vehicle provided during Yosemite trips
• DSLR digital camera to use for duration of internship
• College credit (if applicable)
• Opportunity to resume position in summer 2018 (if funding is available and performance is satisfactory)
• Opportunity to work closely with fun and enthusiastic staff from the Udall Foundation, the National Park Service and our partner youth organizations