Description of Organization
Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC) is an established and respected nonprofit, community-based organization that makes the joy and challenge of outdoor adventures accessible to people with disabilities and under-resourced youth, inspiring self-confidence, connection to nature, and stewardship of the environment. ETC’s sea kayaking, whitewater rafting, cross-country skiing, and Youth LEAD programs annually enable over 3,000 participants to enjoy educational and transformational outdoor adventures.
Position Description
The Field Intern position is a seasonal 3- to 6-month position. The Field Intern will be trained as an adaptive sea kayak guide on one- to five-day sea kayak trips on the San Francisco Bay and Tomales Bay for people with disabilities and youth and adults from under-resourced backgrounds. The Field Intern may also assist the Sea Kayak Program Manager with administrative projects as needed.
The Field Intern works closely with the Sea Kayak Program Manager, Operations Manager, 1-2 other seasonal Field Interns, and ETC’s volunteer Trip Leaders and Guides.
Duties & Responsibilities
• Provide meaningful, educational, and fun outdoor experiences for ETC participants
• Work within a team of guides to ensure trips are operated in a safe manner
• Take initiative to facilitate activities focusing on group development, kayak instruction,
environmental education, and human and natural history
• Aid with trip logistics including but not limited to food buys and preparation, equipment
preparation and maintenance, and cleaning/organizing storage facilities and overnight locations
• Occasionally assist with administrative tasks including trip preparation/follow-up and
communication with agencies, participants and volunteers
• With the help of the Program Manager, develop and carry out an Intern Project to help improve the Sea Kayak Program
Qualifications
• Enthusiasm for sharing the outdoors with people of all abilities
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Experience working with youth or people with disabilities a plus
• Experience with environmental education or leading outdoor trips preferred
• CPR and First Aid Certified, or willingness to get certified before starting the position
(Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder are preferred)
• Previous experience with sea kayaking preferred
• Reliable transportation to Sausalito, CA and Inverness, CA for trips
Training
• Participation in ETC’s Sea Kayak Guide School
April 6-7 in Tomales Bay
April 20-24 in Sausalito/Angel Island
April 3, April 17, May 1- Virtual Evening Sessions
• Participation in ETC’s Inclusion Training
May 18-19 in at ETC’s river camp, Coloma CA
• Individual training from Sea Kayak Program Manager and Operations Manager
• Ongoing skills development and mentorship throughout employment
Term & Commitment
• 3-6 month term starting April/May 2024 (potential to start later) – all are strongly encouraged to apply, slight preference to applicants who can complete all portions of Guide Training and those who can complete a full 6 month term
• Sea kayak season runs through November
• Field Intern works 12 days per month, scheduled at the beginning of each month. Interns will be asked to work on weekday and weekend days and on overnight trips. We can work with you to accommodate your schedule and availability around existing program trips.
Reports To
• Sea Kayak Program Manager
Compensation
• Monthly stipend DOE starting at $960/month
• Use of ETC sea kayak equipment for personal use (subject to ETC boat use policy)
• Access to ETC’s pro purchase programs with various outdoor equipment manufacturers
HOW TO APPLY
To Apply: Please submit your cover letter, resume, and application (available at etctrips.org/join-our-team) by email to Gracie Oliva, Sea Kayak Program Manager: kayak@etctrips.org