This is a paid part-time six-month internship program specifically designed for individuals who are either early in their careers or graduating college. The internship provides an immersive work-based learning experience and professional development opportunities in the park. A high school degree or equivalent is required and the minimum age qualification for this position is 18 years.
Organization Description:
Since 1981, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy (Parks Conservancy) has served as the nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, collaborating with the Presidio Trust, partners, donors, and the community to support the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). The GGNRA stretches across three Bay Area counties, north and south of the Golden Gate Bridge, and includes iconic places such as Muir Woods National Monument, Fort Point National Historic Site, Alcatraz Island, Crissy Field, Mori Point, Lands End, and the Presidio of San Francisco.
The Parks Conservancy engages at the intersection of national park sites, local communities, social justice, and climate resilience. Collaborating with partners, our staff are dedicated to enhancing public awareness and providing volunteer and educational opportunities in the parks. We are park builders, caretakers, ambassadors and educators, all working to connect people to parks, in support of our vision Parks for All Forever. Join us.
Department Description:
The Community Stewardship and Engagement Department is passionate about science, land, and people. We seek to connect people to the parklands by engaging new voices, building trustful relationships, and creating impactful programs that provide opportunities for stewardship, learning, recreation, exploration, and wellness. We work to remove historic and systemic barriers and offer space for safe engagement and authentic dialog through park experiences and offerings.
With passion and commitment, our Community Stewardship team offers programming that connects people to the parks and works to restore and sustain the integrity of natural areas. Our work centers on a variety of priority park sites in all three counties with a focus on habitat restoration, climate adaptation and hands-on support for the sensitive species that reside within these park areas. Volunteer and partner programs connect the community to the critical care of these areas. In addition, our team provides relevant, fun, and informative programming, like wildflower walks, cultural celebrations, and programs specifically geared to youth. Staff also create tailored individual experiences in community science, and mentor and develop the next generation of conservationists via internships, fellowships, and workforce development opportunities.
As a department, we are deeply committed to bringing science, land and people together. We believe it is the synergy between these elements that creates energized and informed communities invested in the health and future of parklands, people, and the planet.
Position Overview:
This internship will focus on supporting our community stewardship programs for local community groups, community colleges, and high schools. Our programs include habitat restoration (ex: weeding and planting), hands-on experiential learning, and community building activities. These activities typically take place in national park sites during after school hours and on Saturdays. We are looking for someone excited to connect park visitors with nature, and to learn and practice skills in land stewardship and inclusive volunteer program management.
This is a part-time internship, three days a week for a total of 20 hours for a six-month term.
Start Date: January 17, 2024
End Date: June 15, 2024
Schedule: Part-time, 20 hours a week, Wednesday (9:30 AM-6:00 PM), Saturday (8:00 AM-4:30 PM), and four floating hours (floating hours are flexible; to be scheduled with supervisors)
Work Sites: Fieldwork takes place in Marin, San Mateo, and San Francisco counties.
Transportation will be made available from the Conservancy office at Fort Mason in San Francisco.
Due to the nature of program delivery, this position will be mostly in-person. Office work (which will be minimal) may be completed remotely upon approval.
Reports To: Community Stewardship Program Managers
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Volunteer Management and Program Delivery
- Gain introduction to volunteer management skills with emphasis on training, supervision, and leading volunteer groups in planned activities and safe practices.
- Develop communication skills to connect park visitors to the natural world
- Collaborate with program managers to build and deliver inclusive, accessible, joyful programming to inspire curiosity about the natural world and teach skills in habitat restoration
- Track volunteer attendance and accomplishments data
Ecological Restoration
- Assist in the maintenance of native plant landscapes through weeding, planting, watering, and mulching
- Learn local ecology and share that knowledge with visitors and volunteers in engaging ways.
Public Engagement
- Represents the Conservancy and other partners to the public in a positive and professional manner. Responds to inquiries from the public in a helpful and friendly manner.
- Assist at community outreach events as needed
- Take photos for social media
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Interest in learning about the natural world, community programming, and ecological restoration
- Enjoys being outdoors
- Interest in building a safe environment for park visitors who may have little experience in the outdoors
- Interest in developing public speaking and visitor engagement skills
- Energetic and self-motivated; ability to work independently once provided direction; willing to ask questions or for support
- Good communication skills and respect for others. Responds to texts and emails in a timely manner
- Enthusiasm for working with a diversity of people with different backgrounds, ethnicity, races, genders, sexualities, ages, and viewpoints
- Reliable and punctual
- Ability to learn basic computer skills
- Multi-cultural/multi-lingual skills are a plus
Education and/or Experience:
- High school degree or equivalent
- Current and valid drivers’ license, with strong driving skills and a clean driving record