California (Yosemite) Summer Trip Leader
2013 Summer Position Announcement
Parks in Focus is a program of the Udall Foundation that provides opportunities for middle school youth from underserved communities to explore and learn about nature through photography, outdoor education and creative expression.
Position Overview
The Udall Foundation is looking for an enthusiastic, organized and highly-motivated individual to lead summer Parks in Focus activities with groups of underserved youth from the Bay Area (particularly East Palo Alto, Menlo Park and Redwood City). S/he will spend 8 weeks (June 3 – August 2, 2013) organizing and leading local field trips and two five-day camping trips to Yosemite National Park. S/he will train with other Parks in Focus staff in Tucson (May 24 – 27, 2013); be provided with program curriculum and resources; and work closely with staff from the Udall Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula and the National Park Service. Hours will vary from 30 during preparatory weeks to 70 during trip weeks (300 hours). Position will be supervised by program manager in Tucson.
Detailed duties include:
Training & Program Preparation
Become familiar with Parks in Focus mission, goals, lessons and resources.
· Attend Parks in Focus summer staff training in Tucson, Arizona (May 24-27, 2013).
· Visit Yosemite (prior to program activities) for scouting, risk management planning and training with NPS staff.
· Finalize activity itineraries, risk management plan and logistics (e.g., food and supply purchasing).
· Host information meetings for parents, participants, BGC staff and volunteers to discuss roles/expectations.
Program Implementation
· Facilitate all Parks in Focus activities (e.g., info meetings, local outings, Yosemite trips and post-trip activities).
· Make decisions (often quickly) to the best of your ability and clearly communicate expectations to youth and staff.
· Ensure activities run smoothly and safely (i.e., oversee everything but delegate tasks to adult staff as appropriate).
· Lead team effectively, efficiently and positively.
· Ensure that the trip is well documented (e.g., take lots of photos/videos of the kids and collect anecdotes/quotes).
· Ensure all important information (e.g., participant/staff release forms, evaluation data) is gathered.
Program Reporting & Wrap-Up
· Submit weekly progress reports to, and participate in weekly calls with, program manager in Tucson.
· Organize all photographs, video footage, evaluation data and other deliverables to return to the Udall Foundation.
· Plan and implement post-trip celebration at BGC for kids and their families to share trip highlights.
· Prepare photo highlights DVDs for all participants, staff and partners.
Desired Qualifications
· Demonstrated success of working independently and completing projects on time
· Experience camping and working with youth in outdoor and overnight settings
· Ability to assess and manage risks associated with outdoor activities
Knowledge of the Bay Area and/or Yosemite National Park highly desired
Skilled and efficient organizer with the ability to juggle multiple tasks with limited stress
Love of the outdoors and ability to spark that love in others
Strong writing, communication, teaching, leadership and teamwork skills
Experience and/or interest in photography
Summer home base in/near Bay Area (housing is not provided)
· A valid driver’s license, clean-driving record and access to reliable transportation for visits to Boys & Girls Clubs
· Access to a reliable computer, internet connection and manageable workspace (home is fine)
· First-Aid, CPR training and/or Wilderness First Aid certification highly desired
· Must be willing to have a background check
Bonus: Interest in resuming position in summer 2014 (if funding is available and performance is satisfactory)
Pay + Perks
You mean spending nearly three weeks in Yosemite National Park—one of the most beautiful places in the world—isn’t enough? Additional perks of the internship include:
· $10/hour (up to 300 hours)
· Mileage reimbursement up to $500 for personal vehicle use
· Week of July 1 – 5, 2013 off (unpaid)
· Food, lodging (campsites), rental car and gear provided during Yosemite trips
· Food, lodging (hostel) and flight provided for summer staff training in Tucson
· America the Beautiful: Annual National Park Pass
· DSLR digital camera to use for duration of internship
· Point-and-shoot digital camera to use and keep
· College credit (if you are interested in working with your school to make it happen)
· Opportunity to work closely with fun and enthusiastic staff from the Udall Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula and the National Park Service
Interested?
Please submit a cover letter (describing your interest in the position and relevant qualifications), current resume, and two professional references via e-mail to:
Bret A. Muter, Program Manager
Udall Foundation • 130 S. Scott Ave. • Tucson, AZ 85711
520.901.8569 • muter@udall.gov
Deadline for receipt of materials is 5 p.m. (EST) on Thursday, February 28, 2013.
For more information, visit http://pif.udall.gov.