Job Type: Paid Internship
Salary Details: $15 – $20/hour
Duration: March – November 2023
Work Days: Part-time, 20 – 25 hours/week

High Line Canal
An extraordinary feat of engineering now nearly 140 years old, the 71-mile-long Canal is outliving its historic function as an irrigation utility and has taken on new life as a recreational resource and green stormwater infrastructure. As the Canal transitions from its historic purpose, the High Line Canal Conservancy (Conservancy) is faced with an urgent need to move forward with critical enhancements and stewardship that bolster community resiliency and environmental health.

High Line Canal Conservancy
The Conservancy is a nonprofit organization with the mission to preserve, protect and enhance the High Line Canal in partnership with the public. Since its formation in 2014, the Conservancy has partnered with the Canal’s owner, Denver Water, and the 11 jurisdictions it traverses to lead an unprecedented outreach and planning initiative that has led to the current focus to improve the Canal through capital projects and community programs. With engagement from over 5,000 stakeholders and invaluable initial support from GOCO, the Conservancy created the nationally award-winning Community Vision Plan for the High Line Canal (The Vision Plan, 2017) and The Plan for the High Line Canal (The Plan, 2019).

The Plan lays out clear guidance for re-purposing the historic Canal, improving the health of people and the environment, and increasing accessibility and enjoyment for generations to come. With over 100 recommended projects, The Plan is guiding the work of the Conservancy and the local governments along the Canal to prioritize work in under-resourced neighborhoods with less access to quality park space. In support of this work, the Conservancy also leads a series of volunteer, stewardship and environmental education programs that support the development of young and diverse environmental leaders with over 600 unique participants to date.

The Conservancy’s trail stewardship programs are completed by members of the Canal Conservation Corps (CCC). This dedicated coalition measurably improves the Canal’s ecosystem and the region’s climate resilience by significantly enhancing the Conservancy’s ability to care for the Canal through stewardship programs such as trash, weed and brush removals, tree plantings and other ecological restoration projects. The Conservancy also hosts recreational, educational and community science programs along the Canal, such as community walks, nature play pop-ups, and birding programs that engage local community members to learn more about the Canal and Conservancy.

Position Summary
This position provides the opportunity to work with the Conservancy staff, partners, volunteers, and community members to support our on-the-ground programs and events. The Programs and Events Intern (Intern) will primarily assist with executing on-the-ground community programs throughout the spring, summer, and fall, including recreational, educational and stewardship programs. This position involves both outdoor work as well as administrative work in the office in Centennial. The Intern will report to the Programs Coordinator and work closely with the Community Engagement and Programs Manager. This position has the opportunity to lead and complete a specific project related to Conservancy work as determined by interests and career goals. The following lists potential tasks required of the Intern:

Stewardship, Community Outreach and Engagement Programs

  • Engage communities along all 71-miles in improving the health and biodiversity of their surrounding environment through trash/weed/brush removal and planting projects
  • Act as staff lead for Canal Conservation Corps Leaders and volunteers of all ages to complete trail stewardship projects
  • Lead set-up and break-down processes before and after events including collecting and organizing supplies, tools and paperwork
  • Assist in maintaining and organizing program supplies
  • Lead the Independent Cleanups program through coordinating with community groups to schedule, get supplies for, and execute independent trash cleanups
  • Support recreational, educational and community science programs along the Canal, such as community walks, nature play pop-ups, and birding programs
  • Set up a table at multiple locations along the Canal to engage with Canal users and the local community to spread awareness about the Conservancy.
  • Engage with community members through environmental education
  • Participate in jurisdictional and community events to engage with Canal communities and share our work
  • Assist with outreach at private and public community events to connect with community members, share project and program updates, and recruit supporters and volunteers
  • Recruit community members to participate in all programs and provide input for trail projects
  • Disseminate trail use and enhancements surveys
  • Distribute flyers and install signs as needed to promote events or Canal happenings
  • Support one-time fundraising events such as a run on the Canal or Dine for the High Line
  • Contribute to social media and blogs

Administrative and Other Responsibilities

  • Support other departments as needed including Planning, Natural Resources, Development/Fundraising, Marketing and Admin
  • Meet regularly with Conservancy staff, volunteers and other partners as needed to coordinate logistics for programs and events
  • Track post-event metrics for stewardship, recreational and outreach events
  • Record event registration, participation and key volunteer information (contact info, volunteer shifts, hours, etc.) in Raiser’s Edge database
  • Assist with general administrative support, such as proofreading materials, printing, scanning and emailing documents
  • Assemble and mail event registration packets to event participants
  • Complete errands, such as food pick-up, deliveries, post office runs, and office supply purchases

Qualifications

  • A High school diploma with 2+ years of relevant work experience or pursuing a bachelor’s degree with an educational focus in environmental education, conservation, natural resources, community development, diversity and inclusion, communications, and/or urban planning strongly desired
  • Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to the long-term mission and value of the Conservancy
  • A passion for connecting people in diverse communities to nature and to each other
  • An understanding of or desire to learn about the importance of community involvement in designing and enhancing public open spaces
  • Adaptability: Demonstrates a willingness to be flexible, versatile and/or tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency
  • Ability to work independently and cooperatively with colleagues in a small-team environment, to anticipate and solve problems. Works efficiently to meet deadlines and maintain accurate records
  • Self-motivated and highly organized with tremendous attention to detail and an ability to multi-task
  • Excellent communication and writing skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and the Adobe Suite
  • Not required, but desired: research skills, writing skills, and photography
  • Fluent Spanish speaker highly preferred
  • Available to work during evenings and weekends as needed
  • Access to a vehicle (required)

HOW TO APPLY
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply by sending a resume and cover letter addressing the applicant’s interest in and qualifications for the position. Please send both documents as one PDF attachment in an email to employment@highlinecanal.org. No phone calls, please.

Application Deadline: Open until filled