EKO Intern takes a group of students on a hike and points out a feature.
Interested in outdoor education? A career with a public land agency, or an opportunity to try something different?
30-Week Internship
September 2024 - May 2025
Join California State Parks and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreations Area joint education team! Engage with students from Los Angeles and Ventura counties about local natural and cultural resources. Develop your skills with virtual and in-person instruction. Gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the role of public lands and the opportunities it can present.
Interns demonstrating an activity about the wildlife crossing at the City of STEM event.
Requirements
Must be 18 years or older.
Must be enrolled in a university or college, or within two years of graduation date.
Enthusiastic about being outdoors and working with elementary school students. Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team, be detail-oriented and organized.
Good oral and written communication skills and ability to follow oral and written directions.
Fluency in Spanish and English preferred.
Intern must wear provided uniform shirt.
Duty stations will be assigned and may include the following areas: Encinos, Malibu, Newbury Park, Pacific Palisades, and Whittier.
Must have a valid driver’s license, good driving record and appropriate insurance coverage.
Interns must have their own computer and reliable internet to conduct virtual learning programming and attend virtual meetings. Basic word processing computer skills.
Major Duties
In Person
Leading in-person and virtual programs, including conducting educational activities and hikes.
Development of outdoor educator skills.
Interactions with teachers, students, parents and the general public while facilitating and leading programs at park sites.
Assist with program planning and management such as developing and preparing program materials, cleaning/repairing equipment, entering data, photographing events, uploading photos, and reviewing program materials.
Attend professional development opportunities and workshops.
Virtual Learning
Moderate and lead distance learning programming for students on learning management platforms such as Zoom, TEAMs, GoogleMeets, etc (training offered).
Use and maintain hardware for distance learning.
Develop downloadable content and interactive activities for students on platforms such as Kahoot, Prezi, Canva, Padlet, etc (training offered).
Work with staff to gather information on teacher needs and document.
Film, edit, and record media content for education purposes.
Work with 508 compliances (Government-wide accessibility program) to create accessible experiences (training offered).
Professional development opportunity to learn more about the parks flora and fauna.
Learning Objectives
Through structured training and coaching by outdoor education professionals, and on-the-job learning interns will increase their knowledge of outdoor education programming and practice for both virtual and in person learning. Interns will learn skills and techniques in program presentation for youth, and how to effectively engage students in outdoor activities and dialogue.
Interns will learn and experience public lands stewardship, mission comprehension, and career opportunities. Additionally, they will learn about the local flora, fauna, human history, and recreational opportunities during set Professional Development sessions.
Interns will have the opportunity to seek out specific professional development to support career development withing public lands.
Interns will increase their interpersonal skills working daily with a cohesive team of park rangers, interpreters, volunteers and other agency interns from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Interns will learn useful employment-ready skills such as working with the public, group collaboration, and public speaking which could apply to a range of future careers.
Work Site and Conditions
Interns will have to report to one of the following areas: Los Encinos State Historic Park, Rancho Sierra Vista-Satwiwa, Pio Pico State Historic Park, Leo Carrillo State Park, and other park sites in the greater Los Angeles Area.
Work is primarily outdoor with frequent indoors assignments. Outdoor temperatures may range from 40°-105° F.
Work may involve physical activity, including hiking up to 1-mile, walking, bending, and lifting equipment up to 20 lbs. There may also be periods of time when interns will be sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Interns maybe physically active for up to 5 hours.
Interns will follow strict safety protocols of their reporting location.
Potential college credit by request.
Stipend may be available.
Apply
Please email a cover letter and resume to National Park Service Ranger, Adali Olivares, at samo.schoolprograms@gmail.com by August 5, 2024.
*Interviews will be held between August 20th to August 23rd
This is a stipend-paid internship. To apply, you must email a cover letter and a resume to samo.schoolprograms@gmail.com by August 5, 2024. Please use "EKO Internship Applicant_Your Name" in the subject line. Interview dates are from August 20 through August 23. Share this opportunity with a friend!
