Trail Stewardship Internship

We are looking for an individual who is excited to learn about trail and landscape management and work with a broad range of audiences in the Golden Gate National Parks through trail restoration projects and community-based volunteer programs.

Trails Forever, a park wide initiative, and the Park Stewardship program engage and sustain a vibrant community of stewards in the restoration of trails within the Golden Gate National Parks. With over 80,000 acres of parkland scattered throughout three counties, the Golden Gate Trail Crew plays a vital role in the park visitor experience. Interns help maintain a world-class trail system, with the understanding that active engagement in the parklands leads to a deeper appreciation of their value.

Overview

Trail Stewardship Interns will work with National Park Service trail staff by assisting in the construction and maintenance of park trails in Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties. In addition, interns lead community volunteers on projects and provide education on importance of trails and park resources; together helping to obtain the trail goals of the park.

Description of Duties

• Assist park staff with the construction of erosion controlled structures, routine maintenance duties such as brushing trails, outsloping tread and clearing drainage structures.
• Lead volunteers safely and properly in basic trail work and enjoy working and communicating with a diverse community of people.
• Complete work tasks as instructed by park staff, keep daily work log and demonstrate proper work procedures and methods while working in the field with other volunteer groups.
• Make safety a priority; responsible for use of personal protective gear and insuring that all tools, equipment, vehicles and other co-workers are working safely in all related conditions.
• Follow instructions from all park staff, understand and respect all park regulations and policies.
• Work with a professional demeanor as a part of a team. 
• Attend all required trainings.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity and/or desire to learn how to operate tools to perform trail work including, but not limited to: power drill, rock bar, single jack, shovel, rake, axe, brushing sheers, weed trimmers and other trail maintenance tools.
• Ability and/or desire to experience trail maintenance work, including but not limited to: turnpikes, drainage dips, swales, installation of water bars, retaining walls, removal of brush and vegetation.
• Previous experience working with volunteers.
• Enthusiasm and experience with public speaking and community contact.
• Familiarity with and/or desire to learn natural and cultural history of Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the role of trails in protecting these resources.
• Desire and ability to work outdoors, at times in inclement weather and terrain.  Willingness to perform strenuous physical activity such as frequent bending and lifting and caring heavy weights.

Physical Requirements and Work Conditions

• Ability to work in inclement environments where exposure to poison oak and ticks are possible
• Indoor work is performed in a typical office setting
• Ability to lift, carry, and position objects weighing up to 50 pounds

Benefits

• Gain a working knowledge of trail construction and maintenance with a highly respected non-profit organization, with a model partnership between two Federal agencies.
• Opportunity to attend personal/professional development days to pursue an interest, including training and education opportunities in various departments within the National Park Service, The Presidio Trust and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. 
• 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

Terms

• Application deadline:Multiple positions open until filled, hiring on rolling basis
• Desired start date:  June 17, 2013
• Length of position:6-months with possible extension
• Schedule:  40 hours per week, Tuesday thru Saturday, 4-ten hour days
• Must be 21 years or older
• Driver’s license required
• Transportation provided to and from trails shop and housing in Marin

Compensation

• Weekly out-of-pocket expenses  of $125 per week  is provided
• Dorm-style housing is provided in Marin County, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge

To Apply

• Please email your resume and a thoughtful cover letter to gseeger@parksconservancy.org [1] 
• We are accepting applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

 No Phone Calls Please.