Community Programs Internship

Are you passionate about working with people of all ages and backgrounds, building community and restoring open space?

We are looking for Community Programs Intern that is excited to work with a broad range of audiences in the Golden Gate National Parks through service and learning opportunities and community-based volunteer programs.

The Park Stewardship Program engages and sustains a vibrant community of park stewards in the restoration of priority parklands within the Golden Gate National Parks. Engagement of local people in the care of these parklands is a key component of this work. With an understanding that active engagement in the care of parklands leads to a deeper appreciation of their value, the Park Stewardship Program works to educate the community about the value of public lands, and provide meaningful service learning opportunities on active restoration projects. In addition, the program works to foster and nurture partnerships with local community groups and has developed numerous long-term educational partnerships.

Position Overview:

The internship position will support the outreach, volunteer management, and service-learning components of the restoration program. This involves organization and coordination of educational programs and specialized volunteer workdays for youth, adults, school groups, corporate groups, and community organizations.

Responsibilities: 

Organize and facilitate service-learning, volunteer and educational programs. This includes:

• Organize and lead high school service-learning programs
• Assist with facilitation of regular Wednesday workday at Oceana Native Plant Nursery
• Develop and perform in-classroom presentations to promote conservation and habitat restoration
• Plan and organize special student recognition events
• Assist with facilitation of Summer Youth Programs 

Assist with all aspects of managing a volunteer program and coordinating outreach. This includes:

• Plan for and run habitat restoration volunteer workdays
• Recruit, coordinate, train and retain volunteers
• Develop and distribute flyers and outreach materials to promote participation in the Park Stewardship Program and protection of park resources
• Develop, edit and produce monthly electronic newsletter
• Enter volunteer program records into database
• Import and organize digital images

Time provided, assist other team members with habitat restoration activities including removal of invasive plants, planting of natives and other site maintenance activities. 

Qualifications: 

Desired Qualifications:

• Enthusiasm for working with local communities, environmental education, and youth
• A love of nature, outdoor work, and getting your hands dirty
• Interest in community stewardship and ecology
• Familiarity with biological and ecological concepts
• Energetic, flexible, self-motivated, and a sense of humor
• Desire to work in a team and to work with a diversity of people with different backgrounds, ethnicity, races, genders, sexualities, ages, and viewpoints
• Ability to work independently and take on a leadership role as needed
• Excellent communication skills; speaks and writes clearly and effectively
• Basic computer literacy, Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience with database operations or Photoshop/ InDesign a plus.
• A valid driver's license, clean driving record, and willingness to obtain a Class B commercial driver's license.
• Bi-lingual skills are a plus. 

Physical Requirements and Work Environments:

• This is a field based position with a day (or 2) of office time per week. Must enjoy working outside in various weather conditions while maintaining a sense of humor.
• Ability to lift, carry and position objects weighing up to 40 pounds

Compensation: 

Benefits:

• Gain leadership, community programming and restoration experience at a highly respected non-profit organization with a model partnership between 2 Federal agencies
• Opportunity to take 6 personal/professional development days to pursue an interest, including training and education opportunities in various departments within the National Park Service and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
• 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!
• Weekly food and transportation allowance of $125 a week
• Dorm-style housing is provided

Terms:

• Desired Start Date: September 2012
• Length of Position: 10 - 12 month commitment
• Schedule: 20 or 40 hours per week, Tues-Sat schedule, ability to work weekends and occasional overnight trips 

To Apply: 

For more information and/or to apply for this position, please send a resume and cover letter to Price Sheppy. Please indicate the position title in your email subject line. We are accepting applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

The Parks Conservancy is committed to diversity in the workplace. Minorities and people of color are encouraged to apply.