Rancho Sierra Vista-Satwiwa Culture Center Intern

Introduction

RSV/Satwiwa Culture Center is open on weekends. It provides information regarding public programs, workshops, and other events which take place at the center. Information is also provided about local plants, animals and trails. The intern will provide support to the RSV/Satwiwa Culture Center staff.

Major Duties

• Help open and/or close the Cultural Center building.
• Maintain brochure racks, straighten bookstore shelves and exhibit area.
• Provide park information and trail directions to the public.
• Set up seating area for the Sunday Guest Host Program and help with workshops or other events.
• May set up and conduct 30 minute porch talks on Saturdays, if desired.
• May conduct short informational hikes on local plants, animals or Native American topics.
• Additional duties may include garden maintenance or other plant related projects and programs.

Benefits

The intern’s work contributes to the effective operations of the RSV/Satwiwa Culture Center and influences the visitor’s opinions, attitude and enjoyment of the park. The intern has a direct effect on individual and group safety, comfort, appreciation of park values, and on protection of park resources.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Work will be performed at the RSV/Satwiwa Culture Center in Newbury Park. Work may be both inside and outside the center. Carrying and lifting moderately heavy items may be involved.

Requirements

Current high school student in a local school. The student should have an interest in plants, animals, outdoor recreation or Native American history.

Training Provided

In addition to general NPS and Satwiwa site orientations, the intern will receive general site safety training on snakes, ticks and poison oak. Information on local plants, animals or Native American culture will be provided by the ranger on duty or culture center staff. Other training opportunities may be provided, such as first aid/cpr training, program presentation training, visitor contact and radio contact skills. Supplementary trainings will either be on site, at park headquarters or at other convenient locations in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Time Requirements

The time commitment is 4 hours per week on weekends. The intern can select either 9am - 1pm, or 1pm – 5 pm on Saturday or Sunday during the traditional school year. The schedule is flexible with advance notice. The Saturday focus is primarily on recreational activities in the area, such as trail information and safety for hikers and mountain bikers, as well as answering questions about local plants, animals, and birds. Every other Sunday a Native American guest host presents morning or afternoon cultural activities, such as talks, stories, or songs, or craft activities. The focus on Sundays is on Native American cultures.

Supervision

Supervision will be by the Satwiwa Cultural Center ranger with on site supervision by the ranger on duty that day and the Satwiwa Culture center volunteer staff.

Uniform Requirement

The volunteer wears the approved SMMNRA volunteer uniform shirt.

To apply for this position

Send resume (include other volunteer work, high school currently attended, career goals, and areas of interest) via email to [e-mail].