Sustainable Recreation Ambassador Intern

Issued by: Sierra Nevada Alliance, in partnership with Friends of the Inyo and Winter Wildlands Alliance is subcontracting Ambassador interns to support a sustainable recreation study.
Service Areas: Various recreation site locations on the Stanislaus and Inyo National Forests
Timeframe: Spring through Summer 2026
Deadline to Apply: Position open until filled, with an expected start date between March 1st and 15th, depending on applicants.
Compensation: $25/hour, around 20 hours per week, mileage reimbursement and field equipment are provided.

Project Overview

Sierra Nevada Alliance, in collaboration with Friends of the Inyo and Winter Wildlands Alliance, is seeking independent subcontractors, “Ambassadors,” to support a sustainable recreation behavior study. Ambassadors will support data collection efforts that inform long-term job creation in the sustainable recreation sector within the Stanislaus and Inyo National Forests.

Ambassadors will be contracted by Sierra Nevada Alliance and work under the guidance of either Friends of the Inyo or Winter Wildlands Alliance, depending on location. Subcontractors will engage with the public, model good stewardship, and collect field data throughout high-use recreation areas during peak visitation periods in the winter and summer. 

Tribal members are highly desired for these subcontract positions in order to give Tribal members an opportunity to explore sustainable recreation jobs and share their priorities for these recreation sites. We honor the tribal approach to time-tested stewardship approaches that think seven generations ahead, prioritizing long-term ecological resilience over short-term gains. This project respects Tribal sovereignty and operates within traditional Indigenous governance structures.

Scope of Work

Interns will be responsible for the following services:

Public Engagement

• Interact with visitors at trailheads and recreation areas to share information about responsible recreation, natural history, and safety practices.
• Encourage environmental stewardship and promote awareness of conservation issues specific to the region.

Education & Outreach

• Share information on local recreation opportunities (hiking, biking, etc.) and visitor etiquette.
• Provide resources such as pet waste bags and model Leave No Trace principles.

Data Collection

• Collect a set number of daily data points related to recreation usage and visitor interactions.
• Use a specialized mobile application to log observations and interactions.

Reporting

• Submit data taken and site observations through established reporting systems.
• Assist in data analysis and reporting.
• Communicate regularly with program staff and meet reporting deadlines.

Required Qualifications

Subcontractors must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Familiarity with the Stanislaus and Inyo National Forests is a plus
• Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge, place-based stewardship experience, and local cultural connections to these landscapes are highly valued.
• Self-directed with the ability to independently engage the public and meet data collection goals
• Comfortable initiating respectful, inclusive conversations with a diverse public
• Punctual and responsive to communication, including timely email and phone correspondence
• Experience with Gmail, Google Drive, Excel, and mobile applications (camera use required) is desired.
• Able to work outdoors for up to 6 hours in varying weather conditions, such as low temperatures, snow, and sun exposure
• Must have reliable transportation to and from assigned sites, with 4WD/AWD for the wintertime

Location

Subcontractors will operate within either the Stanislaus or Inyo National Forests. Assignments will include a variety of popular recreation sites, primarily during peak visitor times and on weekends. Sites on the Inyo and Stanislaus National Forests include, but are not limited to: Lake Alpine and Round Valley SNO Parks, Pinecrest, Herring Creek, Sherwin Meadows, Shady Rest, Obsidian Dome, and more.

Contract Term and Compensation

This is a seasonal subcontract opportunity that begins with winter data collection and continues into summer public engagement.

• Compensation: $25/hour
• Weekly Hours: Approximately 20 hours per week
• Contract Length: Intermittent weeks between March-August 2026
• Mileage reimbursed at federal rate
• Weather-appropriate uniform will be provided