Sustainability Volunteer Internships – Compost, Community Gardens, and IPM
(2 – 10-12 month, Full-time positions with housing and stipend provided)
Background:
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) is the one of the world’s
most extensive urban parks, spanning over 80,000 acres on both sides of San
Francisco’s Golden Gate. Much of the park’s land was once under military or
private use. Today, a thriving community-based stewardship program is working
throughout the GGNRA to rehabilitate the park’s natural areas. The Presidio
is a 1491-acre park site comprised of landscaped, natural and built
environments. The Presidio Trust manages the Presidio, in conjunction with the
National Park Service and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. This
volunteer internship is part of the Trust’s Sustainability Program, dedicated
to reducing waste, reusing resources, and promoting environmentally-
responsible pest management and gardening practices.
This internship aims to introduce the incumbent to all aspects of managing a
mid-scale compost operation, building and running community gardens, and
working in a native plant nursery. The volunteer intern will also gain
valuable experience in volunteer management, while participating in volunteer
programs and a series of “Park Academy” trainings on everything from Plant
Physiology, Nursery Pests and Soil Science to Tool Maintenance and Computer
Training. Housing is provided on-site in a gorgeous, urban National Park.
Responsibilities include:
Learn and perform all facets of compost production including building,
watering, and monitoring compost piles, recording data, and making compost
tea.
Assist with community garden projects, help lead quarterly workdays
(weekends), plan and help implement garden expansion. Work with volunteers on
landscape projects.
Support volunteer and education programs: lead, teach and motivate volunteers
during weekly volunteer programs, and help lead occasional environmental
education programs.
Learn and share information about seed collection, propagation, ecological
restoration, by participating in and leading community-based volunteer
programs.
Participate in West Nile virus response program: monitoring and
identification of mosquito species, preparation of samples for submission to
state lab.
Database creation and management (Access and Excel): pesticide use data,
mosquito monitoring data, golf course turf health and pest occurrence data,
tree disease data.
Monitoring tree disease occurrence: Sudden oak death, pitch canker, and
others
Conduct an independent project - determined by program priorities and
intern’s interest.
Desired Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, natural sciences, horticulture,
agriculture, or ecology; and/or proficiency in ecology and sustainability
issues.
A self starter – ability to work independently, in an organized and motivated
manner.
Ability to work and lead activities with diverse groups of people.
Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and Word.
Willingness to work outdoors in inclement weather and around heavy equipment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Able to lift at least 30 lbs.
Able to work safely with hand tools; pitchfork, hand pick, and shovel;
experience with power tools is a plus.
Valid driver’s license.
Excitement and curiosity about plants and the natural world.
Terms:
Full-time (40 hrs per week); Monday- Friday schedule
10-12 month commitment
In-park housing, small stipend ($250 every 2 weeks) and substantial
professional training opportunities are provided
Anticipated start date of January 2013 – Applications due December 7, 2012.
To apply, please send resume and cover letter to:
Christa
Conforti
The Presidio Trust
1216 Ralston Ave.
San Francisco, Ca. 94129
Or email resume and cover letter to: cconforti@presidiotrust.gov [1]