Description

Are you passionate about connecting people of diverse backgrounds and abilities into meaningful outdoor stewardship experiences?

The Volunteer Services Office (VSO) is seeking a driven intern interested in leadership, inclusive community engagement, environmental education, and data analysis. The Inclusive Park Volunteer Programs Intern will work within the Watershed Cleanups Volunteer Program on community service efforts across Montgomery County Parks, with a focus on youth, individuals from under-represented backgrounds, and volunteers with disabilities.

The intern will:

• Lead inclusive service projects, learn volunteer program administration skills in the office and in the field,
• Assist with surveys and program data analysis, and foster relationships with partner organizations.
• Utilize support from VSO staff and a high school summer intern from Liberty's Promise, a non-profit organization that serves immigrant youth. A successful candidate has experience leading outdoor service projects, has knowledge of environmental stewardship, has Microsoft & computer programming experience, and can work with volunteers from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• Additional duties include supply distribution, office administration, site evaluations, data reporting, supporting additional park programs, and other duties as assigned.

A successful candidate works well independently and as part of a team, is organized, and has interest and knowledge in one or more of the following fields:

COMPENSATION

Position will be filled at either the undergraduate (Intern I, pay rate $16.50-19.00/hour) or graduate (Intern II, pay rate $18.00-21.00/hour) level, dependent upon education and experience. The position is also open to candidates who are within 6 months of graduation.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered, please complete application with supplemental questions included and upload cover letter as part of the submission. Unofficial transcripts preferred but not required.

For more information, please visit our program’s websites at:

• https://montgomeryparks.org/support/volunteer/stream-park-cleanups/
• https://montgomeryparks.org/support/volunteer/.

THE VOLUNTEER SERVICES OFFICE:

The Volunteer Services Office (VSO) provides central coordination and management of volunteer service programs and opportunities across Montgomery Parks. The VSO supports staff in: planning volunteer events; recruiting, screening, and training volunteers; hosting volunteer appreciation events; managing and analyzing volunteer data; and ensuring compliance with policies and procedures. Volunteer participants include students, corporate partners, and community members. The Volunteer Services Office is a key liaison between Montgomery Parks staff and various volunteer and community-based groups countrywide. Additionally, the VSO plays a key role in meeting the public involvement and participation requirements of the Department’s stormwater permit.

Examples of Important Duties

The successful candidate will support the Volunteer Services Office and its Watershed Cleanups program as described in the above Job Description and is expected to:

1. Support the Montgomery Parks Watershed Cleanups Program by leading a series of meaningful, inclusive service-learning events in parks.
2. With a focus on youth, engage participants from under-represented communities into service projects and outdoor education opportunities.
3. Plan and facilitate summer internship projects and growth opportunities for one high school student from Liberty's Promise, a non-profit organization that serves immigrant youth.
4. Support park programs and events such as Stream Striders, Weed Warriors, Latino Conservation Week, adaptive paddling, biological monitoring and community outreach.
5. Support a data-driven project to capture inclusive programming and volunteer program data. Learn how to manage and present program data, conduct surveys, and evaluate program progress.
6. Work with participants from various backgrounds and abilities.
7. Provide excellent customer service when corresponding with volunteers and partner organizations by email, phone, or in person.
8. Utilize Microsoft, Adobe, Canva, GIS and/or Power BI to carryout program planning, promotion, and data reporting.
9. Assist with volunteer program administration, data analysis, site evaluations, research, supply distribution, and other duties as assigned.

Upon selection, the Inclusive Park Volunteer Programs Intern will discuss program specifics, project focus and scheduling with the intern supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Background and interest in community service, parks and recreation, environmental education, diversity, equity and inclusion, community engagement, public outreach, and/or data management/reporting.
2. Ability to complete tasks both independently under minimal supervision and as part of a team while following directions, paying attention to details, and working within deadlines.
3. Previous experience participating or leading outdoor volunteer projects.
4. General computer skills and proficiency using Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Word. Ability to learn GIS and/or Power BI is preferred.
5. Ability to learn and present information.
6. Ability to engage with Montgomery County’s diverse population of volunteers, park visitors and program participants; competency in Spanish or a second language is highly preferred.
7. Valid driver’s license preferred.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must be enrolled in an undergraduate program or be within 6 months of graduation.
2. Must be willing to undergo and successfully pass a background screening
3. Available for 10-20 hours/week from April to August with both weekday and weekend shifts.
4. Capacity to complete fieldwork as well as telework when requested. Equipment and instruction for teleworking will be provided.
5. Ability to work outdoors, under somewhat arduous field conditions, for up to 3 hours and walk 1-2 miles depending on the site. This includes working in streams with slippery and/or unstable substrate.
6. Must be able to carry items ranging from 5-30 pounds (2-14 kg); must be able to use plant cutting tools.
7. Minimum age: 18 years old.