Internship positions available to assist with environmental education on the forest and urban interface between Reno, Nevada and the Sierra Nevada mountains, with special emphasis on the unique ecology of Galena Creek Park for 3-9 month durations. 

Individuals and students with a background in Environmental Science and Ecology can apply.

The Project

Internship positions available

Visitor Center Host interns will have the primary responsibility of welcoming visitors to the center and providing information about the natural and cultural significance of the region, with special emphasis on the unique ecology of Galena Creek Park. This position will work with the Great Basin Institute, and collaboratively with the US Forest Service and Washoe County.

Project Details

Interns will be involved with several tasks, including:

• Staff the information desk at the Galena Creek Visitor Center;
• Interact positively with the public and provide information about the surrounding area;
• Provide daily center upkeep;
• Operate the gift store register;
• Coordinate with Great Basin Institute staff in the implementation of community programs; and
• Other responsibilities as requested.

Positions are for 30 hours per week. Housing and full utilities are provided.

Galena Creek Recreation Area
The Galena Creek Recreation Area is located on public forest land between Reno and Lake Tahoe, in Nevada, USA. Facilities include a Visitor Center, an 87-bed lodge, picnic areas, and several smaller buildings. Trails are maintained for hiking and biking in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter.

Requirements:

• Experience interacting with all ages in a customer service capacity; park and/or visitor center experience is desirable;
• Knowledge of biology, ecology and/or conservation is highly desirable;
• Knowledge of the natural and cultural history of the Reno-Lake Tahoe area highly desirable;
• Motivated, self-starter who is detail oriented;
• Flexibility to handle competing and changing priorities;
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse public in a variety of forums;
• Ability to speak English conversationally; conversational ability in Spanish desirable but not required;
• Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments.

Furthermore, all interns are sponsored through the J-1 Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Be currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a foreign degree or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States, or;
• Have graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to his or her exchange visitor program start date and;
• Possess a valid passport throughout any time spent in the United States.

Lodging & Food

Volunteers are provided with lodging and utilities – free of charge.  The lodging facilities are located in and around Reno, Nevada. Whether across the street from the University of Nevada and in walking distance to downtown Reno, or 8,000 feet (about 2,500 m) above sea level on Mount Rose, ICVE housing facilities offer limitless opportunities for exploration and recreation.

The provided lodging is similar to a dormitory as it contains multiple bunk beds per room, shared living areas, a kitchen and bathroom facilities. The lodging environment creates a great atmosphere in which participants are immersed with cultures from all over the world.

Transport
Volunteers are responsible for their transport to and from the United States. You can fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport or San Francisco International Airport. If you choose to fly into San Francisco, you can fly or take a bus or train to Reno. The bus or train will take more time but is usually the cheapest. Pickup for volunteers will be arranged. Once in Reno, all transportation during work projects is provided by the programme. 

Airfare to Nevada (or San Francisco), travel/medical insurance, and personal expenses are not included in the programme price. It is mandatory for you to take out travel and medical insurance for the duration of the project. Please note that all J-1 visas are subject to additional U.S. government visa processing fees (up to 300 USD).

Weather
Southern Nevada's winters are mild, with an average temperature of 45 Fahrenheit. Summer temperatures can exceed 100 Fahrenheit. Northern Nevada enjoys four distinct seasons. Winter temperatures can dip below freezing, while summer temperatures range from 75 - 100 Fahrenheit. The Lake Tahoe area boasts over 300 days of warm sunshine and 396 inches of annual snowfall.

Additional details

For more information regarding this opportunity, please visit the main project page here, or contact Aaron here. The application form can be found here, though it is advised that applicants express interest before applying, in order to discuss personal situations.