Education Aide Volunteer

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Are you passionate about parks and public lands? Do you love sharing your passion for the outdoors with youth? Then the education aide volunteer position is right for you! Join the Education Team at Golden Gate NRA in welcoming students from local schools and connecting them to the history and ecology of their National Parks. The education team provides curriculum-based programs for K-12th grade students. Education programs are designed to meet state standards and enhance student learning through an inquiry and place-based approach.

Education aide volunteers primarily help rangers with supervision of youth on park field trips. Aides play an important role in fostering a safe and welcoming environment by supporting student management and improving social emotional learning by chatting with the students. You’ll have the flexibility to engage at a level that suits your comfort and skills--whether that means walking and conversing with students, guiding small groups, or leading segments of program lessons. Education rangers will provide an orientation covering educational approaches, park resources, and the assigned park sites.

Bilingual candidates of all levels are strongly encouraged to apply. We serve a wide range of culturally diverse students in the Bay area and language skills are a powerful tool in bridging cultural gaps and enriching the experience for youth. Join us in making nature and culture accessible and engaging for all!

• Work location : Alcatraz Island, Marin Headlands, Muir Woods, Presidio and Fort Point

• Time commitment : 2-4 days a month required (more days welcomed): 4-7-hour shifts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays (site dependent)
  • Preferred commitment from December 2 - June 1 (excluding school holidays)

• Major duties of the volunteer position : Education Aides will work alongside park staff, volunteers, and interns with facilitation of field programs for local school audiences. Volunteers will help students connect with the park and resources through inquiry-based education programs. Volunteers will be instrumental in building relationships with local school audiences and creating inclusive environments for all students.
  • Facilitate education programs with other park staff and interns
  • Engage with students from diverse backgrounds through guided tours and interactive activities.
  • Support the safety and emotional wellbeing of students
  • Foster a welcoming environment for youth, helping them build lasting connections to our parks.

• Safety considerations : Volunteer will be provided with NPS protocol information about safety guidelines.
  • Potential risks may include
    • Slipping or tripping
    • Dark conditions
    • Sharp or slippery surfaces
    • Unruly visitors
    • Exposure to heat, cold, wind, and rain

• Health and physical condition requirements :
  • The work involves a combination of activities ranging at each site. Activities involve walking, standing, bending, lifting, twisting, and reaching when helping facilitate programs. Typically, long periods of time are spent either walking, and/or talking.

• Benefits to volunteer :
  • Help engage the next generation of environmental and cultural stewards by facilitating meaningful and engaging learning for students in the Bay area
  • Gain experience and develop skills in inquiry and place-based learning
  • Enjoy the scenery, wildlife and cultural resources of a spectacular national park unit
  • Practice your language skills
  • Opportunities to participate in training and education in various departments within the National Park Service and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
  • Opportunities to work with staff and volunteers from diverse backgrounds that share a common interest in preserving and protecting our cultural resources while engaging students

• Qualifications (knowledge, skills, experience, ability) :
  • Passion to learn and share knowledge!
  • Desire to assist people and especially youth, experience in teaching or working with youth is a plus.
  • Basic knowledge of park resources and services would be helpful but not necessary.
  • Bi-lingual skills in Spanish or Cantonese (strongly desired).
  • Committed to creating an inclusive environment for students.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with ethnically diverse K-12 students, park staff, interns, volunteers, visitors and park partners.
  • Ability to work on site keeping in mind inclement weather and limited parking.
  • Ability to anticipate and recognize problems and communicate with staff.

• Required training or certifications : Participates in sessions/workshops and completes assignments, training, and presentations required for delivering education programs at national park sites. Some workshops may take place virtually.
  • Attend virtual orientation/information session on December 5th
  • Attend 4 hour in person training on December 13th in the Presidio of San Francisco
  • Attend site orientation (flexible date)
  • Shadow 1 education program (flexible date)

Volunteers will be provided with all tools and training required of the tasks. Volunteers will be provided with appropriate uniform items. Volunteers are encouraged to bring lunch, snacks, water and anything else they might need to feel comfortable. Volunteers must provide their own transportation to/from the park.

Start Date - 2024-12-02

End Date - 2025-06-01