Seasonal Boater Outreach Intern

Solano Resource Conservation District (Solano RCD) is a special district to the State of California who works closely with a variety of local and regional partners to restore and protect Solano County watersheds through strategic restoration activities, water education and outreach programs, and by offering conservation planning and watershed coordination services to local residents and landowners. Solano RCD staff and its Board of Directors strive towards excellence, equity, collaboration, and appreciation in the work performed and welcomes candidates who share these same values.

Job Overview

Organization
Solano Resource Conservation District (Solano RCD) is a special district to the State of California who works closely with a variety of local and regional partners to restore and protect Solano County watersheds through strategic restoration activities, water education and outreach programs, and by offering conservation planning and watershed coordination services to local residents and landowners. Solano RCD staff and its Board of Directors strive towards excellence, equity, collaboration, and appreciation in the work performed and welcomes candidates who share these same values.

Position Summary

The employer is the Board of Directors of the Solano Resource Conservation District. Day to day supervision is provided by the Education Program Director. This position is approximately 25-50%% of full time equivalent (FTE) in the months of May-September. Required hours will be Saturday and Sunday from approximately 7:30AM to 5:00PM at Lake Berryessa and Monday or Friday meetings at Dixon Field Office from 9AM to 1PM. Interns are expected to work all holidays and holiday weekends (including Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day). Internship duration and schedule may be flexible depending on student availability. This position is seasonal, non-exempt, with no benefits. Employment at the Solano RCD is employment at-will. Employment at-will may be terminated with or without cause and with or without notice at any time by the employee or the District.

The Boater Outreach Interns are responsible for providing boater outreach at a various Solano County locations and/or Lake Berryessa.

Location

Solano RCD office is located in Dixon, California. Interns are expected to provide outreach in Benicia, Rio Vista, Suisun City, Vallejo and/or Lake Berryessa. Approximately 80% of position will be in the field and 20% in the office. Interns will be required to drive to their primary reporting locations, and mileage will be provided for work-related driving.  A work vehicle will be provided on most occasions.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Administer surveys and distribute information on watersheds and “clean and green” boating practices to boaters and day-users; deliver one-on-one outreach on water quality issues.
• Organize and maintain an inventory of program materials and supplies.
• Create, organize, and manage data and photos collected each week.
• Prepare weekly and final summaries of the data collected.
• Compose newsletter articles about watershed protection and boater programs.
• Enthusiastically wear the “Bilgee” costume to inform boaters of Lake Berryessa’s bilge pad program as well as keeping watersheds clean and healthy; serve as an assistant to others wearing the Bilgee costume while simultaneously conducting surveys.
• Help analyze and create a final report on data collected; present findings to partner agencies at the end of the program.
• Support the development of existing program activities by providing feedback and ideas.
• Participate in weekly staff meetings.
• Other duties assigned as needed.

Special Benefits

• Resume and cover letter development.
• Enhanced presentations skills.
• Professional growth in teamwork, leadership, data management and public relation

Minimum Requirements

• Students in the process of attaining undergraduate/graduate degree or a recent college graduate.
• Focus of study or declared major in: environmental science, environmental planning, watershed science, biology, ecology, horticulture, geology, hydrology, public relations or similar field.
• Experience in Microsoft Office.
• Prior experience in customer service preferred but not required.
• Excellent communication skills, organizational and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work closely with a small team as well as independently.
• The ability to work in an outdoor setting, ability to adapt to extreme heat/inclement weather.
• Either 1) a valid California Driver’s License, clean driving record and an insured vehicle, or 2) the ability to reliably arrive at the desired program location.