Waste Management and Wildlife Conflict Reduction

Project Title: Waste Management and Wildlife Conflict Reduction 

Project Type: Hybrid 

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

Location: 2950 Peralta Oaks Ct, Oakland, CA 94605 

This position is mostly office-based (80-90%) with some field-based work (10-20%). Most of the office-based work can be performed remotely. Intern must provide their own vehicle for required local work-related travel. Mileage reimbursement will be provided by Hispanic Access Foundation. 

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 Stewardship Department works collaboratively to help manage and enhance natural resources and provides science-based solutions that comply with environmental regulations and support recreational activities. 

The Park District’s many parks, picnic areas, and corporation yards provide recreational and operational purposes. But within these areas, garbage cans and dumpsters also allow wildlife an opportunity to forage on abundant sources of anthropogenic food. The Stewardship Department is working to understand wildlife interactions at garbage cans and dumpsters and determine recommendations for improved management practices. 

Project Duties: Work with staff in the Park District’s Stewardship Department analyze data regarding wildlife interactions at garbage cans and dumpsters within the parks. Utilize data collected to better understand which wildlife species are using garbage cans and dumpsters and investigate potential interactions between animals at these sites. Research and develop recommendations for waste management practices that reduce the impact on wildlife. 

Duties may include coordination with Park staff, installation and maintenance of trail cameras, upload of images and/or videos, cataloguing of images, behavioral scoring of videos, data analysis, research, and development of recommendations. 

Project deliverables are flexible, and the project scope can be tailored to fit the skills and interests of the intern. 

This project will include an in-depth analysis of trash/wildlife interactions at Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach located in Alameda, CA, as well as other potential locations. 

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 land management, ecology, and wildlife identification; coursework in biology, zoology, ecology, statistics, or related fields; good technical and computer skills, ability to learn how to use GPS/GIS mapping software to collect quality data in the field; excellent work ethic and attention to detail; and strong interpersonal and communication skills. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• US citizenship or permanent residency. Interns must undergo a government background check if selected.
• Valid Driver’s License, clean driving record, and available personal vehicle required for travel to different parks.

Working Conditions: The majority of the internship will be performed remotely or in an office setting. Tasks include some field work requiring bending, stooping, kneeling, and hiking on uneven terrain and surfaces; work may occur in adverse weather conditions and in noxious vegetation including poison oak; 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.