Peninsula Watershed Education Intern

Peninsula Watershed Education Intern

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Natural Resources and Land Management Division

About the Natural Resources and Lands Management Division 

The Natural Resources and Lands Management (NRLM) Division within the Water Enterprise of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) is responsible for the management of approximately 61,000 acres of Bay Area watershed lands under SFPUC ownership as well as 210 miles of utility right-of-way. NRLM Division is responsible for managing, protecting, restoring, and monitoring the ecological resources on these lands and environmental compliance for the operations and maintenance of the Hetch Hetchy Regional Water System which serves 2.7 million customers. We are committed to responsible natural resources management and providing high-quality drinking water to our customers. 

The SFPUC Peninsula Watershed is 23,000 acres of diverse and unique habitats ranging from oak woodlands and coniferous forests to serpentine grasslands is carefully managed to protect water quality in the reservoirs and an abundance of native plant and animal life, including many rare, threatened, or endangered species. The NRLM team is currently seeking an intern to support environmental education programs, community engagement, and trail events within the watershed. 
 

Description of Duties and Learning Objectives 

The Peninsula Watershed has 37 miles of trails accessible to the public. The intern will support the education coordinator in engaging schools and the public on trails, specifically those in the interior of the watershed, managing the Fifield-Cahill Ridge Trail Program, and developing environmental education programs for elementary school youth. The person in this role will also have opportunities to support other NRLM staff in their area of focus, including habitat restoration, species monitoring, watershed tours, and more. Work will primarily be on the Peninsula and occasionally supports staff in San Francisco. 

In this role, you will:

• Assist with developing and leading school programs, public programs, and special events
• Learn best practices in volunteer management and interpretive program principles
• Assist with volunteer trainings and supervision 
• Prepare materials for school programs, public programs, and events 
• Support online registration and data management system 
• Develop a working knowledge of local cultural and natural history and the Regional Water System

Minimum Qualifications:

• Completion of at least two years of college (60 semester units) from an accredited college or university. Must submit transcripts or copy of diploma to apply.
• Demonstrated interest in education, interpretation, volunteer management, and/or natural resources.
• Ability to research topics and engage the public in a meaningful way
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Valid CA driver’s license

Desirable Qualifications 

• Experience with outdoor education and/or interpretation for adults and/or school age children
• Knowledge of natural sciences, environmental education, and basic interpretive/teaching techniques 
• An academic background in the sciences, education, environmental studies, or cultural studies. 
• Strong organizational and time management skills; responsible, motivated, and able to work independently and in a team 
• Microsoft Office, CRM database, and internet proficiency 
• Certification or ability to become certified in CPR and basic first aid 

Additional Info:

• Deadline to apply: January 15th, 2026
• Schedule: Weekdays and availability to work occasional Saturdays for programs
• Length of position: up to three years 
• Schedule: Up to 20 hours per week.
• Compensation: $36.65 to $41.2375/hour, depending on experience 
• Reports to: SFPUC Office in Burlingame, CA; Millbrae Bart/Caltrain station approximately 1 mile away 

Physical and work requirements 

• Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, and/or wet conditions
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time while assisting with field trip programs; hike up to 5 miles
• Ability to work in areas with wildlife and poison oak
• Ability to lift 25 pounds

To Apply: Use the following link and follow instructions carefully: https://careers.sf.gov/role/?id=3743990010756229

• Note to applicant: Multiple positions within SFPUC are being hired under this recruitment. The description posted on the link above will reflect many possible opportunities.