Aquatic Ecology Resource Intern – Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Start/End Dates: November 6, 2025 – November 6, 2026
Compensation: $520 per week + housing on park grounds
Application Due: September 19, 2025

Program Overview

The Golden Gate Internship Program seeks to engage young professionals in natural resource careers. This internship offers hands-on experience in aquatic ecology, water quality, and wetland restoration and monitoring within one of the most ecologically diverse urban parks in the world.

A personal vehicle is not required. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license to drive a government vehicle.

position description

The Aquatic Resource Intern will work with the Natural Resource Division at Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), supporting a wide range of field-based and analytical tasks related to aquatic ecosystems. The intern will assist with:

Water Quality & Hydrologic Monitoring

• Deploying, calibrating, and maintaining water quality and water level sensors
• Downloading, managing, and QA/QC of hydrologic datasets
• Conducting streamflow and low-flow water quality monitoring
• Supporting harmful algal bloom monitoring in Rodeo Lagoon (in partnership with USF)

Biological Monitoring

• Amphibian breeding surveys
• Snake and western pond turtle monitoring (including trapping and nest surveys)
• Herpetofauna camera trap image processing
• Salmonid and fisheries monitoring
• Night-time California grunion surveys (recruiting, training, and leading volunteers)

Habitat & Restoration Support

• Restoration project support (e.g., photo monitoring, planting, wildlife pre-surveys)
• Physical habitat surveys of beaches, streams, and wetlands
• Topographic surveys using optical level, RTK GPS or total station (training provided)

Data & Program Support

• Data entry, mapping, and documentation
• Tool and equipment maintenance
• Public outreach and communication
• Occasional cross-disciplinary work with other Natural Resource Division projects

Work Products

• Program summaries: Occasional written summaries with photos and graphics of aquatic resource activities.
• Data Collection and Management: Collect and maintain hydrologic and biological datasets with clear documentation
• Volunteer coordination and training materials
• Program Support: Tool cleaning and maintenance, coordinating schedules and events, attending relevant meetings and trainings
• Maps and visualizations using ArcGIS (if applicable)

Qualifications

Required

• U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident (green card holder)
• Age 18–30 (veterans up to 35)
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Comfortable working in aquatic environments and handling wildlife
• Physically fit (able to carry up to 30 lbs and work in variable weather)
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills
• Basic computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel)
• Interest in aquatic ecology, restoration, and stewardship
• Ability to work independently and with diverse teams

Desired

• Coursework or degree in Ecology, Biology, Hydrology, or related field
• Experience with GIS, water quality instrumentation, or field data collection
• Familiarity with ArcGIS (desktop or AGOL), total station, or RTK GPS
• CPR/First Aid or Wilderness First Aid certification
• Passion for protecting native ecosystems on public lands

Mentoring & Learning Goals

Interns will receive regular mentoring and guidance, with opportunities to:

• Develop technical skills in aquatic resource monitoring
• Improve time management, planning, and critical thinking
• Learn about field safety, data quality assurance, and equipment troubleshooting
• Gain exposure to rare species and diverse habitats within GGNRA
• Participate in professional development opportunities through EFTA and NPS

About Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Spanning over 80,000 acres across Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties, GGNRA is one of the largest urban national parks in the world. It is part of the California Floristic Province, a global biodiversity hotspot, and home to 37 federally threatened or endangered species. The park includes 91 miles of shoreline and a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial habitats.

EEO Statement

Environment for the Americas provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination of any kind. This policy applies to all aspects of employment.