One Tam Intern: Restoration

Are you passionate about working outdoors and learning about natural resource management?  Would you like to engage the community in protecting and restoring the incredible landscape of Mt. Tamalpais?

We are looking to hire interns who are excited about working on habitat restoration while engaging the local community through volunteer events, school programs, and more. This work is a part of the One Tam initiative of the Tamalpais Lands Collaborative. The Tamalpais Lands Collaborative (TLC) is an innovative partnership made up of the National Park Service, California State Parks, Marin County Parks, Marin Municipal Water District and the Parks Conservancy. The TLC combines the expertise and resources of its partners to ensure the long-term health of Mt. Tamalpais by advancing efforts to restore ecosystems, improve trail corridors, enhance visitor services, expand education and stewardship programming, and inspire community support through volunteerism and philanthropy.  

Overview of the Internship
You will be introduced to a variety of habitat restoration practices which include mapping, management of invasive plants, planting, and seed collection.  You will help further our understanding of this unique place by working with multiple land management agencies and the public through volunteer programs. You will also have the opportunity to build a strong professional network, and benefit from considerable formal and on-the-job training with multiple partners.

You will have the chance to support community science and land stewardship programs, gaining valuable experience in field biology and developing and running volunteer programs. You will support a variety of activities to connect local communities to Mt. Tam, including tabling at festivals, staffing our mobile trailhead truck and attending various community events.  

During this one year internship, 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 year, 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. You will work with other agencies and parks, and learn a variety of professional and technical skills within the scope of ecology and career advancement.

Description of Duties
The successful candidate will support the One Tam Restoration Program in the following duties:

•    Lead and manage all aspects of volunteer programs. This includes scheduling, site scoping, outreach, program facilitation, and data management.
•    Engage in habitat restoration activities including invasive plant removal, planting native plants, and monitoring restoration projects.
•    Collect and maintain records on restoration activities as well as volunteer attendance; assist with preparation of reports.
•    Develop and maintain a social media presence.
•    Work with partnering land managers and support their resource and community engagement goals
•    Maintain good communication and working relations with agency staff and other partners.
•    Maintain tools and equipment, and other miscellaneous duties.
•    Time allowing, support other One Tam work, including wildlife monitoring, high school programs, trail work, tabling, and community outreach.

Desired Qualifications
•    Enjoy working outdoors.
•    Strong commitment to community participation and stewardship in parks and open space.
•    Demonstrated interest in ecology, resource management, and/ or park stewardship.
•    Comfortable speaking in front of a crowd, OR strong desire to gain more experience public speaking.
•    Energetic, flexible, self-motivated, and a sense of humor.
•    Ability to work independently and assume a leadership role as needed.
•    Desire to work in a team and to work with a diversity of people with different backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, ages, and viewpoints.
•    Strong organizational and group management skills.
•    Basic computer literacy, Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience with database operations or Photoshop/ InDesign a plus.
•    Bilingual in Spanish or other language not required, but a plus.
•    A valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and ability to pass a LiveScan (fingerprint) background check.
•    Ability to work a Tuesday through Saturday schedule.

Physical Requirements and Work Environments
•    This position is part field work and part office work. It requires the ability to work outdoors during all weather conditions and hike on varied and uneven terrain.  It also requires the ability to maintain concentration and focus in an office setting for prolonged periods of time.
•    Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
•    Ability to lift, carry and position objects weighing up to 35 pounds.

Compensation
•    Weekly taxable stipend of $150/week is provided with government housing OR $275/week without housing. Housing is limited.
•    A vehicle for commuting will generally be provided if living in government housing.
•    Will likely qualify for government food vouchers.
•    Gain real-world work experience and fantastic networking opportunities in natural resources, habitat restoration and park management at a highly respected non-profit organization with a partnership between four land management agencies.
•    Potential to gain special hiring status for federal jobs through the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority.  
•    Opportunity to take six personal/professional development days to pursue an interest, including training and education opportunities in various departments within the One Tam area of focus.  
•    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 work and enjoy the scenery, wildlife and cultural resources of a spectacular natural area.

Terms
•    Desired start date: October 2018
•    Length of position: One year
•    Schedule: 40 hours/ week, generally Tuesday – Saturday, full-time, with need to occasionally work different days of the week.
•    Must be over 21 years old (per vehicle insurance requirements).
•    Based out of 1600 Los Gamos Drive, San Rafael, CA.
•    Limited public transportation available to reporting location.
•    US Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number required

To apply
•    Please send a resume, thoughtful cover letter, and three references to Erin Lacour, elacour@parksconservancy.org. Please indicate whether you need housing.
•    Applications received by August 27 will receive first consideration.

The Parks Conservancy seeks to increase diversity in the workplace and reflect our Bay Area community. People of color and of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.