Park Planning and Design Member

Park Planning and Design Member 

Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking one member to contribute to the park planning and design team at Golden Gate National Recreation Area in San Francisco, CA.

For more information about ACE, please visit our usaconservation website.

Estimated Start Date: 1/15/2025 
Estimated End Date: 8/15/2025
*a 30-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Golden Gate National Recreation Area encompasses multiple park sites such as Muir Woods National Monument, Alcatraz Island, Marin Headlands, Fort Point National Historic Site, and Crissy Field in the San Francisco area. The position will be located at Fort Mason, along the northern bayfront of San Francisco. Fort Mason is a former army post that is now the headquarters for Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The site is a beautiful oasis nestled between neighborhoods with plenty of amenities (restaurants, grocery stores, and recreational activities). 

Position Overview: The Planning and Design branch of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area prepares a variety of planning, design, and environmental documents to help guide management of park resources and visitor experience. The staff provide planning, project management, and project implementation expertise across a rich suite of projects that address site development, visitor access, trail connectivity, alternative transportation, and climate resiliency.

The Park Planning Member will work with project managers to advance planning projects and field work on projects at locations that may include Muir Woods, Rancho Corral de Tierra, Stinson Beach, and Ocean Beach.  Major duties may include:

• Performing research, data collection, mapping, and site analysis
• Trail and bike facility gap analysis and priority setting 
• Creating landscape and site design concepts
• Assisting with project coordination and communication such as note taking and newsletters
• Participating in stakeholder coordination and community engagement efforts

Schedule: This is a part-time position (approximately 20 hours per week) intended for an individual who already has housing in the San Francisco Bay Area. The schedule is flexible, depending on the needs of the member, but will occur within the Mon-Fri, 9:00am – 5:00pm (Pacific time) window. Depending on the schedule and workload of the ACE member, there may be potential for a full-time schedule in Summer 2025.

Much of the work will be done in an office setting, with periodic field work. There is some flexibility for telework from home.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~20 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $400/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. If the ACE member opts for a full-time schedule in Summer 2025, the ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $800/week.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online on our usaconservation website.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or NPS.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training may include required training for government computer users.

Qualifications 

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. 
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part criminal history check 
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation. 
• The Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement, please visit our website usaconservation website.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in Community Planning, Environmental Design, Landscape Architecture, or similar, and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such urban and regional planning and civic engagement. 
• Knowledge of planning or landscape architecture principles and practices is encouraged but not required.
• Ability and willingness to engage in research and site analysis and synthesis, and/or experience with communication and outreach. Interest in learning more about park planning and design. 
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work independently, be accountable, and ask questions to supervisor when they arise. 
• Excellent communications skills; organizational skills; enthusiastic demeanor while working with the public and colleagues. 
• Computer experience with any or all of the following: Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel; Basic graphic design skills a plus:  Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint. Familiarly with collection, management, and application of GIS data also a plus.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions: 

Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. 

Vision Requirements: Requires close and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus. 

Environmental: Mainly indoor, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is generally good, and temperature is controlled.

Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.

Travel: This position does not require unique travel.

Equipment: A government-furnished laptop will be provided.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards:  The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources. 

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety:  If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the NPS or ACE.  Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the NPS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the NPS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it.  Strict adherence to NPS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required. 

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position on our usaconservation website. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact ACE EPIC NPS Western Member Manager, Bee Garcia.

EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.