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Internship Opportunities

Internship Program Overview

The Tree Foundation seeks interns who can work alongside us in improving Sacramento's urban forest. Opportunities are flexible according to program needs and seasonal needs of trees. Because of the independent nature of our work, we seek interns that can

  1. Accomplish tasks independently with training and some supervision,
  2. Communicate clearly with staff and other agencies/citizens,
  3. Commit to quality work, and
  4. Work with a diverse group of staff and community members.

Current Opportunities

The following internships are unpaid, but rich in experience and opportunities for education and growth. All internships can be used to complete hours if they meet the standards set by the course outline.

Acorn Harvesters Needed

The Tree Foundation is currently recruiting volunteer Acorn Harvesters to assist with the Fall 2010 acorn harvest. The Tree Foundation is committed to maintaining the natural heritage of the Sacramento region by growing locally adapted, genetically appropriate native trees. In October and November 2010 we will be collecting 50,000 acorns to be grown for tree planting efforts throughout the Sacramento region.

Acorn Harvesters are asked to:

  • Commit to a 3-hour classroom training on September 25, 2010.
  • Gather and sort a minimum of 2,000 acorns (about 2 5-gallon buckets full) with their family, friends, school group, etc.
  • Attend an optional field training session either October 23 or October 30, depending on when the acorns fall!

Acorn Harvesters will receive:

  • Specific training in oak biology, acorn gathering, conservation. and genetics.
  • All materials required for acorn collection and temporary storage.
  • Special recognition, goodies, and take home materials regarding native oaks.

Harvester Training will be held on Saturday September 25, 2010 from 9am to Noon at the Tree Foundation office.

RSVP to Zarah Wyly, 916-924-8733 x 125 or nature@sactree.com.

Community Planting Leader

If you enjoy being with groups of engaged community members who are ready to do some good for our local environment, then this may be the internship for you! This year the Tree Foundation will be depending on interns to lead plantings on our behalf from October through December.

The Community Planting Leader (CPL) organizes and manages volunteers to safely and correctly plant trees at schools, parks, and other public locations. The CPL is responsible for making sure that each volunteer planter is warmly received and engaged through the entire course of the planting.

The CPL will:

  • Manage all aspects of the planting day
  • Professionally and responsibly manage volunteers at plantings, including warmly receiving volunteers at the outset and seeing that they are having a positive and productive experience throughout the day.
  • Demonstrate to volunteers the proper techniques and methodology for planting trees, both #5 and # 15 in size.
  • Use the planting demonstration as an opportunity to educate volunteers about the importance of properly planting and maintaining trees.

The Tree Foundation will provide:

  • All training on how to properly plant varying tree sizes, communications training, general tree identification, and more
  • Materials to be used at planting events
  • Recognition and goodies for hours given to the Tree Foundation

Please contact Meredith King for additional information and a job description: volunteer@sactree.com or 916-924-8733 x122

Outreach Intern

  • Assist with all areas of outreach and volunteer support
  • Attend planting and outreach events
  • Broaden outreach of the Tree Foundation by making community contacts
  • Manage volunteer sign-ins and support at events
  • Develop new outreach opportunities and trainings

Biological Monitoring Intern

  • Visit sites and monitor trees for health and habitat enhancements for various biological indicators.
  • Use GIS and GPS technology.
  • Would require basic knowledge of local tree and shrub species (can be learned on the job).
  • Some biological monitoring or surveying knowledge would be helpful but not required.
  • This internship would be 2-5 hours a week and would require the intern to have a car.
  • This is preferably a longer term commitment.
  • Would require working alone at various locations throughout the county.

NATURE Docent

  • Docent would adopt a NATURE site.
  • Duties would include gathering people together to weed, mulch and care for trees, pick up trash and assist maintenance team in ensuring the trees thrive.
  • Depending upon site, docent could also plan a habitat enhancement project and implement it on their own.
  • The docent would also be available for monthly nature walks through the site to increase visibility and local buy in.
  • This position would be excellent for someone who is more of an all around naturalist and is interested in community building and public ownership of shared spaces.