Trail Construction and Maintenance Internship
Trail Construction and Maintenance Internship
Are YOU excited to learn how build and maintain trails in the Golden Gate National Parks?
If so, join the crew!
Overview
The Golden Gate National Park’s Trail Crew and Park Stewardship program work with Trails Forever, a park wide initiative, to engage and sustain a vibrant community of stewards in the maintenance and construction of trails within the Golden Gate National Parks. With over 80,000 acres of parkland scattered throughout three counties, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is a place that is both unique and fascinating, where trails play a vital role in the park visitor experience. Trail Construction and Maintenance 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.
Trail Construction and Maintenance Interns work with a diverse and inclusive National Park Service trail crew and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy staff by assisting in the construction and maintenance of park trails in Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties. As a team and as a public-serving program, we are committed to equity and inclusion. We seek individuals who reflect the diversity of our Bay Area community, all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
Terms
- Application deadline: Friday, October 4th, 2019
- Desired start date: Wednesday, December 4th, 2019
- Length of position: 6 months
- Schedule: 40 hours per week. Four crews work Monday-Thursday, 4-ten hour days; one crew works Wednesday-Saturday, 4-ten hour days
- Government vehicle provided for transportation to and from the trail shop and housing in the Marin Headlands: must have a valid driver's license, or work on obtaining one during the internship.
Description of Duties
- Assist park staff with the construction of erosion controlled structures, such as wood and rock retaining walls, steps/staircases, post and cable and split rail fences.
- Assist park staff with routine maintenance duties such as brushing trails with power equipment, clearing out water drains and outsloping to reduce erosion on trails.
- Keep and complete a detailed weekly work log of all projects and work accomplished in the field.
- Make safety a priority; responsible for use of personal protective gear and ensuring that all tools, equipment, vehicles, and other co-workers are working safely.
- Follow instructions from park staff, understand and respect all park regulations and policies.
- Work with a professional attitude as part of a team, and occasionally help lead volunteer groups.
- Attend, develop, and lead weekly safety meetings.
Desired Qualifications
- Familiarity and/or desire to learn how to operate hand and power tools to perform trail work including, but not limited to: power drill, rock bar, shovel, hedgers, and other trail maintenance tools.
- Ability and/or desire to experience trail maintenance and construction work, including but not limited to: installation of trail features (benches, fences, bridges, etc.), removal of brush and vegetation, and re-direction of water on trails drainage dips, swales, installation of water bars, retaining walls, removal of brush and vegetation.
- Desire to learn natural and cultural history of Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the role of trails in protecting these resources.
Physical Requirements and Work Conditions
- Desire and ability to work outdoors for hours, at times in inclement weather and terrain. Willingness to perform strenuous physical activity such as frequent bending, lifting, and carrying heavy weights.
- Ability to work in inclement environments where exposure to poison oak and ticks is likely.
- Indoor work is occasionally 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 develop a federal and non-profit resume
- 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
Compensation
- If your permanent residence is more than 50 miles from San Francisco: Dorm-style housing provided in The Marin Headlands at Fort Cronkhite; a taxable stipend of $45/day ($225/week); and transportation to work sites is provided (no animals allowed in dorms, with the exception of trained service animals)
- If your permanent residence is less than 50 miles from San Francisco: A taxable stipend of $75/day ($375/week) is provided (housing will not be provided)
To Apply
- Please email your resume and thoughtful cover letter to Katie Teschler, Trail Stewardship Manager, at kteschler@parksconservancy.org. Please save in a pdf format labeled FirstNameLastName.CoverLetter and FirstNameLastName.Resume
The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Recruitment, placement and promotions are conducted without regard to an individual's race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical handicap, veteran status or sexual orientation, or any other classification protected by Federal, State, and local laws & ordinances.