Planning Intern

About the Position: The Planning Department is seeking two interns whose responsibilities include travelling to field sites, hiking trails, following data collection protocols, entering and organizing data in spreadsheets and databases, implementing data collection equipment, conducting a focus group in the field, and engaging with members of the public. The internship will include on-the-job training in data collection techniques and tools. 

 

About Midpen: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) manages a regional greenbelt system in the Santa Cruz Mountain region comprised of nearly 65,000 acres of land in 26 open space preserves, protected for public enjoyment and recreation. Midpen is a growing organization with a focused mission that guides our work, and where every employee makes an impact. It’s an exciting time to be part of Midpen’s team! If you are looking for a challenging opportunity to contribute to the legacy of open space preservation and recreation, we invite you to apply for this position. To learn more about Midpen, visit our website, OpenSpace.org, and view our “Working for Midpen” video on our Jobs page.

 

Benefits: This is a temporary position working 20 – 40 hours per week, which will extend up to a total of 950 hours over a 6-9 month period. This is a non-benefited position.

 

Basic Requirements: Internships are open to applications from current students or recent graduates (within the last 12 months). Successful candidates will have a background in the natural sciences, park/open space management, GIS/geography, biology, ecology, environmental studies, or another related field; and experience with field data collection techniques. This internship requires strong organizational and analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and with a team. Experience with ArcGIS software, GPS equipment, Microsoft Excel, Apple iPads, and familiarity with Midpen preserves/trails as well as local flora, fauna, and natural history are a plus.  Possession of or ability to obtain a valid California driver’s license is required. Must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

 

Working Conditions: This position will be divided between at home office work and field visits to collect data. During this time of COVID-19 restrictions and care for our employees’ health, most Midpen employees are working remotely. However, once restrictions are lifted this position will operate in the Planning Department at Midpen offices in Los Altos, California. Fieldwork is conducted in rural or mountainous Midpen open space areas, which may involve working alone or with another intern in wildland areas, traversing rough difficult terrain sometimes with poison oak and dense vegetation, and carrying equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.