Individual Placement Nurseries - Golden Gate National Park Conservancy

Conservation Begins Here

Nurseries Individual Placement - Golden Gate National Park Conservancy

Position Summary

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country.

The Golden Gate Parks Conservancy engages at the intersection of national park sites, local communities, social justice, and climate resilience. Collaborating with partners, our staff are dedicated to enhancing public awareness and providing volunteer and educational opportunities in the parks. We are park builders, caretakers, ambassadors and educators, all working to connect people to parks in support of our vision Parks for All Forever. Join us.

As part of a community-based restoration nursery program, the Park Nurseries Interns will gain hands-on experience in growing plants, collecting seeds, and leading volunteer programs. Interns practice leadership skills during volunteer and community programming for participants of all ages. Additionally, the internship includes workshops and discussions about job readiness, professional skill building, conservation, climate change, social and environmental justice, plus the opportunity to work at other park sites within the GGNRA.

Applications will be open until filled, applicants encouraged to apply by March 9, 2025

Schedule

April 14, 2025 - October 13, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Plant and Nursery Work: Interns receive training to assist with growing native plants for restoration, which includes:

• Identifying native plants and collecting seeds and cuttings in the field
• Processing, storing, germinating, and sowing seeds
• Transplanting seedlings and upsizing plants in pots
• Performing routine plant care such as watering, weeding, pruning, and fertilizing
• Conducting basic facility maintenance, repairs, cleaning, and improvements
• Following best management practices for nursery sanitation
• Participating in testing plants for Phytophthora pathogens
• Caring for on-site native garden areas

Volunteer and Community Programs: Interns receive training to assist with volunteer programs, which includes:

• Co-leading recurring weekly volunteer programs
• Supporting one-time community events
• Educating new volunteers, students, and seasonal youth crews in nursery practices
• Speaking in front of groups to provide instructions on nursery tasks and information about the nursery
• Building relationships with and ensuring quality of work completed by volunteers

Marginal Duties

Record keeping: Interns receive training to keep detailed, accurate records of propagation, seed collection, and plant inventory. This includes:

• Entering data into spreadsheets and online databases
• Accurately recording information and self-checking work
• Recording seed collection data using ArcGIS
• Training and Leadership development; Initial trainings will be held for all types of service activities: AmeriCorps 101 and Prohibited Activities, suspension and termination policy; AmeriCorps Members Service Agreement- Drug Free Workplace, Code of Conduct, Grievance Procedures, Disability Inclusion, Non-Discrimination; Life After AmeriCorps- resume building, applying for jobs etc.; SCA Professional Development; Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion; Sexual Harassment and Maintaining a Positive Workplace; Risk Management 101; Other training opportunities when available

Required Qualifications

• Interest in working with plants in an outdoor setting. Interest in native plants, nursery work, habitat restoration, or another related field.
• Interest in volunteer programs and community access: Interest in working with and leading volunteers and youth groups.
• Interest in working with our team to make programs accessible and meaningful to people from a wide range of communities, including those historically excluded from environmental experiences.
• Able to work in a focused manner, whether alone or in a team.
• Able to build effective working relationships with a variety of people, inclusive of different backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, ages, and viewpoints.
• Supports fellow team members.
• After initial guidance and training, can work on projects independently.
• Either a high school degree (or equivalent) OR work experience (in any field)
• AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:
• This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements;
  • Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;
  • Being at least 18 years or older;
  • Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete;
  • Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks conducted after position is offered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid CA Driver's license and clean driving record

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Member responsible for own housing

Compensation

• Living Allowance - $600/week
• Housing Allowance - $800/month
• Eligibility for 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of service valued at $3,697.50
• AmeriCorps Member Assistance Program
• Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps
• Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans
• Access to a national network of professional resources and a peer group

• All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Personal Vehicle is Not Needed

Additional Benefits

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

Professional Development

• Gain skills in nursery management and community engagement at a respected non-profit organization, within a beautiful park and biodiversity hotspot.
• Opportunity to attend workshops on a variety of topics including resume building and interview skills, park history, and much more.
• Opportunity to work with staff and volunteers from many different backgrounds who share a common interest in working in parks.

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer.

It is our strong belief that equal opportunity for all members is central to the continued success of our programs. We will not discriminate against an applicant because of race, religious creed, religion, color, sex, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, physical disability, mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity characteristics or expressions in selections, terminations and or recommendations. Opportunity is provided to all applicants on the basis of qualifications and program requirements. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants during the selection process and to members during service.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.