Community Outreach and Programs Intern

Community Outreach & Programs Intern

Western Hills Garden
Occidental, CA (Hybrid)
10–15 hours/week, starting immediately 
10–12 weeks (seasonal; flexible timing; opportunity to extend)
 

Compensation: $17–$22 per hour, depending on experience. Academic credit available. Final rate will be determined based on relevant experience and skills.

About Western Hills Garden

Founded in 1959, Western Hills Garden is a three-acre naturalistic garden in Occidental, California, stewarding a globally significant collection of rare and endangered plants. Now operating as a public-serving nonprofit, Western Hills Garden is deepening its commitment to education, access, and community connection—linking people, plants, and place with possibility.

Western Hills Garden is committed to expanding access to nature-based learning experiences for diverse communities across Sonoma County and beyond. We believe public gardens are cultural and educational spaces, not private enclaves, and we actively seek to welcome students and visitors who may not otherwise have access to horticultural or environmental education.
 

Position Overview

The Community Outreach & Programs Intern provides coordination and communication support across Western Hills Garden’s public-facing work.

Working closely with the Executive Director and in collaboration with the horticulture and development teams, this role supports outreach to schools, hospitality partners, nonprofits, and community organizations; assists with program scheduling and visitor coordination; and provides light donor and administrative support as needed.

This is a support-focused role designed for someone who is organized, responsive, and interested in learning how nonprofit programs, partnerships, and community relationships are built and sustained.

Core Responsibilities

Outreach & Partner Support

• Assist with outreach to schools, educators, and youth-serving organizations
   
• Support relationship-building with local hospitality businesses and nonprofit partners
   
• Respond to inquiries and help maintain organized contact lists
   

Program & Visitor Coordination

• Help schedule tours, field trips, and special visits
   
• Prepare confirmation emails and basic orientation materials
   
• Support smooth communication between staff, volunteers, and visitors
   

Donor & Development Support

• Assist with donor visit coordination and simple follow-up communications
   
• Provide light support for events and membership tracking systems
   

Communications & Administrative Support

• Help draft and organize outreach emails and partner communications
   
• Maintain shared documents and tracking systems
   
• Provide light executive coordination support as needed
  
   

Qualifications

• Strong written communication skills and a warm, professional tone
   
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
   
• Comfort with Google Workspace tools
   
• Interest in nonprofits, community engagement, ecology, or arts-based work
   
• Ability to work independently within a small, collaborative team

What You’ll Gain

• Mentorship from nonprofit leadership
   
• Hands-on experience in outreach, partnerships, and program coordination
   
• Exposure to fundraising and visitor experience systems
   
• Insight into how a public garden operates and grows
   
• Time spent in a beautiful, living landscape
  
   

Equal Opportunity Employer

Western Hills Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and encourage applicants of all backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.