Be like John Muir
Be A Park Hero
Muir Woods Interpretive Internship
Do you aspire to be like John Muir? Do you enjoy sharing your knowledge about the natural wonders of Redwoods? Do you enjoy the serene tranquility just north of San Francisco where visitors from all over the world come to experience? Then consider interning as an interpreter at Muir Woods National Monument.
Activities: Tour Guide/Interpretation, Visitor information, Visitor safety, General Assistance, Botany, Conservation/Environmental Education, Science, History, Soil/watershed, & Historical Preservation.
Situated 11 miles North of San Francisco in Mill Valley, California is tucked a very impressive old growth stand of trees. Muir Woods National Monument is a major destination for locals and tourist alike. It is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area that spans over 85,000 acres of land in Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo countries. Muir Woods and the surrounding area had a rich natural, cultural, and historical story. Intern would assist ranger staff by providing visitors information, giving interpretive talks and tours, roving trails to ensure resource and visitor protection as well as assist with day to day activities and special projects.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
- Develop knowledge of historical and natural resources of Muir Woods and the surrounding area
- Interact with visitors providing basic and/or in depth information that many include but is not limited to coastal redwood ecology, history of Muir Woods, plant and animal life and the surrounding area.
- Rove trails ensuring safety of visitors and resource as well as engages visitors about the site
- Provide interpretive talks and tours to our thousands of visitors each day
- operate NPS radio in accordance with NPS regulations
- Present introduction education programs for groups or assist with curriculum education programs.
- Perform non-native plant removal
- obtain weather data, perform trail work, and assist with resource monitoring projects. The intern is trained, provided with tools, safety equipment and instruction.
- Answer phones, make school reservations and support interpretive office operations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work 40 hour per 5 day work week (8 hours a day). Schedules include weekends and shifts may vary.
- Work as a member of a team as well as independently on program, projects and research.
- Assist in the event of emergencies and provide first aid assistance to her/her level of training.
- Jr. Ranger duties such as stocking Visitor center with Jr. Ranger badges and booklets, issuing Jr. Ranger certificates, and assisting with changes in the program and needs for the program as they come along. Participant will also be a lead assisting with the Jr. Ranger Camp during the summer months.
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS DESIRED
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Comfortable speaking front of groups of people.
- Willingness to learn about Muir Woods National Monument, and the resources in and around the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
- Self starter who can work alone as well as in groups.
- Knowledge of other languages is beneficial, but not required.
- Ability to walk at least 2 miles, working under occasionally adverse conditions (wind, fog rain and cold) often standing for periods of an hour or more.
- You will be required to wear an official National Park Service Volunteer uniform that will be provided to you.
BENEFITS
- A weekly out-of-pocket expense of $125 may be available as well as housing.
- Full uniform provided
- As a National Park Service volunteer you will be provided with information and training about Muir Woods National Monument and the surrounding area.
- You will have the opportunity to learn about the National Parks!
- Experience communicating with people of diverse cultures and interests.
- Walk amongst the tallest living organism, Coastal Redwood trees, and share your knowledge with the visiting public
- Intensive rewarding hand on experience in a National Park
GOAL
QUALIFICATIONS
- Applicants should demonstrate an interest in and knowledge of the environment, history, education, and/or interpretation and posses a sincere desire to work hard. A bachelor’s degree is preferred.
- Reliable transportation is a must due to no public transit to the site