Environmental Education Insturctor

Program Description: This internship opportunity is at Muir Woods National Monument, an old growth coast redwood forest just 17 miles north of San Francisco.  Muir Woods was declared a National Monument in 1908 through the generous donation of William Kent.  In 1972, Golden Gate National Recreation Area was established, with Muir Woods included within its boundaries.  The main feature of the Monument is the last old growth coast redwood forest in the San Francisco Bay Area and its associated plants and animals.  The park also commemorates the early history of conservation in the United States. Six miles of hiking trails in Muir Woods connect with other trails in surrounding state and national park lands.  Interns also may have duties in other parts of the Redwood Creek Watershed.

Muir Woods internships are designed to provide valuable work experience, primarily in Visitor Services, Education, and Interpretation.  Internships generally last a minimum of 3 months, and may continue up to one year. Weekend and shift work is required.


General Job Description: Intern duties are primarily in the Muir Woods area (Muir Woods, Muir Beach, Frank Valley, Homestead Valley), though the Intern may also work in the Main Headlands area. Work is usually outdoors in various types of weather. Intern wears approved uniforms and is provided with appropriate safety equipment and instructions. It is required to drive a government vehicle.

• Education:  The Intern will lead the classroom activities and site visit for the “Into the Redwood Forest” curriculum based education program.  The classroom portion is a one hour long inquiry based lesson preparing the class for their visit to Muir Woods National Monument.  The site visit is a three hour long inquiry based exploration of the communities of the redwood forest.  The Intern will also lead, conduct the curriculum based educational middle
  school program “Rocks on the Move” in the Marin Headlands.  The intern will also conduct 20 minute talks tailored to the curriculum of the K-5 “Nature’s Classroom” program.  Special projects may be assigned in developing new curriculum, expanding existing curriculum, and performing administrative task related to the programs.
• Interpretation:  The Intern researches, prepares and conducts 15 minute talks and one hour long tours on the natural and cultural history of the park. Special programs may also be developed on seasonal highlights, special park features or topics.
• Roving Interpretation:  The Intern provides interpretation on redwood ecology and special seasonal features while hiking park trails (and Muir Beach), provides visitor information, reports safety hazards, and explains park rules. First aid assistance may be provided according to his/her level of training.
• Resource Management: The Intern may perform non-native plant removal, propagating native plants, outplanting plants. The Intern may also obtain weather data, perform trail work, remove coins from the creek, or assist with resource monitoring projects (animal, plant or aquatic). Proper training will be provided on tools, safety equipment and instruction.
• Information Desk:  The Intern will greet and orient the public, provide park and area information, explain park rules and regulations, sell trail guides and foreign language brochures.
• Office Work:  The Intern will be assigned to specific tasks to support interpretive operations.  He/she will also answer phones, make group reservations, and perform various clerical duties on occasion.
• Uniform and Appearance:  The Intern will wear the National Park Service volunteer uniform while on duty.  The uniform will be worn according to the uniform standards, and will maintain a well-groomed appearance.
• Job Performance:  The Intern will strive for a high level of performance, through continuous learning about park resources. He/she will demonstrate professionalism in all communications with park staff and visitors.  He/she will arrive on time to work and will fulfill the obligations of the position.  Intern supervisors will provide feedback to help the intern improve his/her skills.
• Other duties as assigned:  Some other duties may be required of the intern, including but not limited to:  Driving a government vehicle, doing clerical work, performing interpretive duties at the Marin Headlands, assisting in responding to incidents and emergencies, attending and assisting at special park events.  The Intern will be provided appropriate training before he/she is asked to perform any of these duties.

Job Duration: School Year
Job Status: Full-Time

Qualifications:

• Mature judgement, ability to work independently
  
• Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time (accommodations
  may be possible)
  
• Ability to lead large groups of children with a diverse background.
  
• Good verbal and written communication skills
  
• Must enjoy working with the public
  
• Able to work with a small staff in a close office arrangement
  
• Able to provide reliable personal transportation.

Salary: $20/work day
Benefits: None
Housing: Provided Full Time
Meals: Not Provided
Comments/Explanation: Housing is in the Marin Headlands about 12 miles south of Muir Woods.  You have your own room and shared common areas.
Deadline for Application: September 15, 2008
Start Date / Job Period: September 15, 2008/May 31, 2009
Application Procedure: Complete on-line application at www.nps.gov/volunteers.  You may also email a resume with cover letter to Jim_MacDonald@nps.gov
Contact: Jim MacDonald
Address: Muir Woods National Monument Mill Valley, CA  94941
Phone: (415) 388-2596
Fax: (415) 389-6957
e-mail: Jim_MacDonald@nps.gov
Website: www.nps.gov/muwo