Culturally Relevant Outdoor Education Internship

Project Title: Culturally Relevant Outdoor Education Pilot Program 

Project Type: Hybrid 

Duration: 32 weeks (6 months). March 2025 - September 2025 

Location: 7000 Del Valle Rd, Livermore, CA 94550 

This position may perform remote work and/or report to other park locations in the general geographic area. 

Housing: Must be secured by the intern/fellow. A housing stipend of up to $1,200 per month will be provided. 

Project Background: The East Bay Regional Park District (“Park District”) provides and manages the Regional Parks for Alameda and Contra Costa counties, a 1,400 square mile area that is home to 2.8 million people and forms the eastern shoreline of San Francisco Bay. The Park District’s mission is to preserve a rich heritage of natural and cultural resources and provides open space, parks, trails, safe and healthful recreation and environmental education. The park system comprises 73 parks, over 125,000 acres, 1,330 miles of trails, and 55 miles of shoreline. Over 90 percent of Park District lands are protected and operated as natural parklands. An environmental ethic guides the Park District in all of its activities. 

The Park District’s Interpretive & Recreation Department provides environmental interpretation, outdoor recreation, and community outreach at park visitor centers and surrounding parklands. The department provides educational programming on natural resource protection and natural and cultural history to school groups and a culturally diverse public. 

Del Valle Visitor Center is one of ten Park District visitor centers. The visitor center is located on Lake Del Valle’s west side and contains exhibits and information about the natural history of Del Valle Regional Park and surrounding wilderness. The centerpiece of Del Valle Regional Park is a lake five miles long with a variety of water-oriented recreation, from swimming to windsurfing and boating, surrounded by 4,395 acres of beautiful land for hiking, horseback riding, and nature study. 

Project Duties: Observe current outdoor education programming, research best practices, and develop culturally relevant outdoor educational materials, including mobile education kits. Pilot new educational materials with park users and make recommendations on new educational programming based on results. Research and make recommendations on development of additional educational exhibits related to biodiversity, resource conservation, and climate change. 

Fellows will work and communicate with a Hispanic Access Program Associate during their fellowship. Fellows will be expected to participate in scheduled conference calls, webinars, and meetings conducted throughout their term. Fellows will capture photos and/or videos for reporting purposes and submit 3-5 blog posts highlighting their experience and development. 

Desired Qualifications: Demonstrated interest in natural and cultural history; coursework in natural science or cultural history; knowledge of local flora and fauna; knowledge of the principles and practices of public speaking; ability to make presentations or conduct programs for small to medium-sized groups; strong verbal and written communication skills; knowledge of the principles of culturally responsive education; bilingual or multilingual skills; sound judgment, organizational and administrative skills.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in education, communication, recreation, or a closely related field. ● Must be available and willing to work unusual hours, including most weekends and holidays. ● US citizenship or permanent residency. Interns must undergo a government background check if selected.

Working Conditions: This internship requires providing educational programming in the field, which may require hiking on uneven terrain and surfaces; work may occur in adverse weather conditions, around stinging insects and other wildlife. 

Stipend + Benefits: 

• A biweekly stipend of $1,400 based on a 40-hour workweek
• Monthly housing stipend up to $1,200 per month
• Health insurance coverage
• Funds available to support professional development opportunities that align with role and goals (training, conference, etc.)

Application: 

Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is managing the recruitment for these positions. All applications should be submitted through Hispanic Access' MANO Project application page. A resume and two references will be required for submission. Your application or resume should include professional and educational experience, along with any awards, technical skills or volunteer activities. Application questions or issues may be directed to Carina Chavez, carina@hispanicaccess.org . 

Applications for this position are due on Friday, February 21, 2025 by 11:59 pm PT. 

Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement: 

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process should contact Hispanic Access Foundation directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. 

Org Mission: 

The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful parklands in Alameda and Contra Costa counties to the east of San Francisco. The system comprises 73 parks spanning across 126,809 acres; 1,330 miles of trails; 55 miles of shoreline. We manage and preserve natural and cultural resources for all to enjoy and protect. The regional parks are ideal for healthful recreation and environmental education. Learn about our Mission and Vision, History, and our contributions to the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. 

Hispanic Access Foundation Mission: 

Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that connects Latinos and People of Color to partners and opportunities improving lives and creating an equitable society. Hispanic Access’s vision is that all Hispanics throughout the U.S. enjoy good physical health, a healthy natural environment, a quality education, economic success and civic engagement in their communities with the sum improving the future of America.