City Park Ambassador

Program Dates: 4/15/2024 - 11/08/2024

About us: 

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country. 

Program Description: 

Public Outreach Ambassadors
The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department is seeking highly motivated individuals to serve as public outreach ambassadors for the “LoveDolores" and Coyote Coexistence Campaigns. Ambassadors will work on projects related to Leave No Trace, environmental conservation, waste reduction, wildlife education, and park stewardship.   LoveDolores, a Leave No Trace (LNT) campaign located at Mission Dolores Park, one of the most iconic parks in San Francisco. Through on-site outreach, education, and events, the public outreach ambassador will work to reduce litter at Dolores Park and encourage park visitors to become better stewards.  Coyote Coexistence Campaign ambassadors will lead on-site education and community outreach efforts to inform park visitors about the local wildlife.  

Ambassadors may also be assigned to work in other parks, engaging with visitors, and building the connection between people and their parks. All work supports the Recreation and Park Department’s mission of providing enriching recreational activities, maintaining beautiful and safe parks, and preserving the environment for the well-being of everyone in our diverse community.
Under the guidance of the Policy and Public Affairs division:

General Duties
• Direct, public interactions at parks to educate and foster friendly relationships with park visitors at Dolores Park and other sites.
• Teach park users about Leave No Trace, coyote coexistence, and how to be become better park stewards.
• Collaborate with park staff to tackle issues and create a safe environment for everyone's enjoyment.
• Work closely with the Policy & Public Affairs team and other SFRPD divisions on various projects.
• Track and document weekend information to inform future outreach decisions.

On-Site Engagement
• Develop awareness and knowledge of local culture and history to understand the parks better.
• Conduct park-use surveys to determine behavior of park visitors and sources of trash.
• Collect data, create reports, presentations, and materials that promote Leave No Trace and coexistence ethics.
• Educate and engage park users with the environmental problems and conservation needs.
• Assist in the creation of collateral material to post at parks.

Social Media
• Oversee Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts to increase followers and engage users.
• Conceptualize and create eye-catching content for social media posts.
• Convey ideas in a creative and exciting manner, while still delivering important messaging.
• Respond quickly and appropriately to public inquiries and complaints.
• Provide information and education materials while navigating difficult questions.

Partnership & Community Building
• Establishing new connections with local business, non-profits, neighbors, and other stakeholders.
• Plan and coordinate restoration stewardship activities and events with community members.
• Train and facilitate groups of volunteers (up to 50 at a time).
• Help expand program to other city parks.

Member Benefits: 
$350/week Living allowance
$500/month housing allowance
Total: $23.75/hr @ 20hrs/week
26-week contract – Preferred start in mid-April

Member Qualifications: 
• Age 21+.
• Bay Area resident.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to approach and interact with diverse populations.
• Must have a genuine passion for community engagement, environmental conservation, and public service.
• Able to work weekends and outdoors in inclement weather.
• Able to stand for 3-4 hours at a time, lift heavy boxes, walk hills, and be physically active
• Positive attitude and willingness to be flexible.

Additional / Desired Qualifications:
• Detail-oriented, dependable, self-motivated. Can work both independently & collaboratively.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite).
• Graphic design skills using Adobe Suite and Canva highly desired.
• Ability to follow direction and take initiative as needed.
• Comfortable being in large crowds and talking one on one with park visitors.
• Able to respond to unforeseen challenges and address difficult situations.
• Creative and critical thinking skills.
• Currently obtaining or has a B.A. or B.S.
• Valid CA Driving License.
• Bilingual (Spanish or Chinese).
• Women, BIPOC and multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Schedule
•  20 hours/week – this job requires working in the parks on Saturday and Sunday, and in the office Wednesdays (additional days flexible/as needed).
Possible Schedule
Monday: OFF (except Memorial Day and Labor Day)
Tuesday: OFF
Wednesday: 10am-4pm (Golden Gate Park Office)
Thursday: 10am-4pm (Golden Gate Park Office)
Friday: OFF
Saturday: 12pm-4pm (Dolores or another park)
Sunday: 12pm-4pm (Dolores or another park)