Youth and Community Engagement Internship

Are you passionate about working with youth, building community and restoring open space?

We are looking for a Youth and Community Engagement Intern that is excited to work with a broad range of audiences, especially youth, in the Golden Gate National Parks through a variety of service and learning opportunities.

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 youth 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, especially youth, 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:

Working as part of a team, the intern will develop and lead service and learning programs that support the stewardship goals of the Park. 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 and educational programs for youth:

• Lead high school service-learning programs
• Assist with regular Wednesday workday at Oceana Native Plant Nursery
• Develop and perform in-classroom presentations to promote conservation and habitat restoration
• Organize and plan student reunion events and field trips
• Assist with facilitation of in-depth summer youth programs  

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

• Plan for and assist with weekly habitat restoration volunteer workdays
• Recruit, coordinate, train and retain volunteers
• Develop 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 environmental education, and for working with youth and community members
• A love of nature, outdoor work, and getting your hands dirty
• Interest in ecological restoration and community stewardship
• 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
• Good communication skills; treats others with respect; 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 youth leadership 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!
• Opportunity to live in and enjoy the scenery, wildlife and cultural resources of a spectacular National Park.
• Opportunities to work with staff and volunteers from diverse backgrounds that share a common interest in preserving and protecting our natural lands while engaging the next generation of park stewards.
• 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: 40 hours per week, Tues-Sat schedule, ability to work weekends and occasional overnight trips 

To Apply: 

To apply for this position, please send a resume and cover letter to Eddie Araujo. Please indicate the position title in your email subject line. We are accepting applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. No phone calls please.

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