Our workplace is an exciting and challenging environment, where everyone is encouraged to learn and contribute. We are a committed team who supports each other and works together to make a real impact on communities and the environment.
Acterra Executive Director (paid)
Arastradero Preserve Project Director (paid)
Environmental Restoration Internship (college level)
Acterra’s board is seeking a strong leader with a passion for environmental sustainabiltiy to lead the organzation. Acterra’s board and staff share a sense of urgency about the need to increase organizational impact given the rapid pace of climate change. The executive director, with guidance from the board, will lead the staff in broadening Acterra’s reach and strengthening its impact through program growth and increased philanthropic support. [VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT] 
Acterra is seeking a Project Director for the Pearson-Arastradero Preserve in Palo Alto. Acterra is the Preserve Steward for this 622-acre open space and works with the City of Palo Alto to improve habitat and provide environmental education of the local community.
Responsibilities
- project manage the Stewardship program at Pearson-Arastradero Preserve
- develop workplan to meet specific outcomes
- design and oversee scientific based research projects at the preserve
- develop and refine restoration techniques
- guide volunteers in community workdays
- develop and oversee youth educational programs
- create grant proposals for funding of program
- monitor and report on activities
Skills Required
- minimum BA or BS
- experience working with volunteers and managing people
- experience with restoration techniques, especially grassland and riparian systems
- experience managing large project with multiple deliverables
- demonstrated interpersonal skills and comfortable presenting in front of large groups
- experience providing education to others, especially youth
- knowledge of botany
- valid CA driver's license with clean driving record
How to Apply: To apply, please send resume and cover letter to Alex Von Feldt, alexv*acterra.org. This is a full time exempt position. Salary depends on experience. Please, no phone calls.
Deadline to apply: May 30, 2013.
Are you looking for work experience in the environmental field? Do you love the outdoors and spending your summer working to restore California’s native habitats? Then this is the internship for you!
Our program offers personal and professional development opportunities through hands-on work experience guided by Acterra’s knowledgeable staff. Interns assist our Project Directors with a variety of activities including vegetation mapping and monitoring, invasive species eradication, erosion control, and native plant ID and propogation. Independent research is encouraged though not mandatory. These are not paid positions; arrangements for academic credit are happily accommodated. For more information, please email Joan Dudney, joand*acterra.org.
Interns will gain knowledge of various California habitats by participating in our three project areas: Pearson-Arastradero Preserve, Redwood Grove and San Francisquito Creek. The majority of the time, however, will be spend on Arastradero Preserve, which is a 622-acre open space preserve in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The expansive oak woodlands and grasslands house an abundance of wildlife, including deer, bobcats, coyotes, various species of birds, and increasingly more native plants.
Since 1998, Acterra has collaborated with the City of Palo Alto to act as stewards of the land. Thousands of dedicated volunteers, together with Acterra staff, restore the habitat, install native plants, remove invasive species, and work together to increase biodiversity on the preserve.
Individuals must be self-motivated, passionate about the environment, and enjoy working in groups. Some college or undergraduate degree is highly recommended. Fieldwork is often physically and mentally demanding, so good physical health and a positive attitude are essential!
The internship runs from mid June through mid August and hours can be flexible, usually ranging between 15-25 hours per week.
To apply, please send resume and cover letter describing your interest in ecological restoration to Joan Dudney, joand*acterra.org. Application deadline: May 15
“I absolutely loved my internship with Acterra because the people were warm and welcoming, and the work was both physically and intellectually satisfying. I learned about the trials and tribulations of large-scale habitat restoration project and it has given me a new appreciation for how people can come together and combat environmental issues.”
"My internship at Acterra has introduced me to the joys of ecological restoration. From a simple day spent outside in the sun creating brush piles, to developing a plan for invasive species control, I have gotten great exposure to the many sides of restoring a habitat. I've used big power tools, planted natives, pulled weeds, and been part of numerous fun activities, all while hanging out with great people. "
“Through Acterra’s internship, I learned methods for managing and monitoring plants including scything, mow plotting, and GIS/GPS. With the help of Acterra's knowledgeable staff, my research partner and I were able to gather the basic information necessary for developing our own experiment. The experience has provided me with a wide variety of skills and has given me the opportunity to connect with others of similar interests.”