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Urban Resources Initiative Internships for the Spring

Priority Deadline- November 15th

Urban Resources Initiative Internships for the Spring Semester 2013       
URI is a partnership of the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks, the Parks & People Foundation, and area universities and institutions.

URI internship expectations:
    Fall semester:  10-12 weeks, 15-18 hours/week
    Internships are either paid or unpaid; paid internships contingent upon funding.
    Academic credit may be applicable; see your academic advisor or internship office.

For priority consideration, apply before November 15.

For information, contact Dr. Edward Orser, URI Program Manager (orser@umbc.edu)

Please submit the following:
    --a cover letter of interest, addressing your skills and experience relevant to the internship;
    --your resume;
    --the name and e-mail contact information for the faculty academic advisor from whom we will request a reference

Send your application either electronically to jobs@parksandpeople.org;
Or by mail to URI Internships, Parks & People Foundation, 800 Wyman Park Drive, Suite 010, Baltimore, Md. 21211

Spring Semester 2013 URI Internship Opportunities with the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks

Athletic Field Maintenance and Analysis
Investigate the location and usage pattern of athletic fields under the jurisdiction of DRP; gather and organize data into a format usable for GIS and mapping; work with park department staff to develop a basis for better management and maintenance of field conditions.  GIS skills required.

Produce Park Maps
Produce park maps for use both by the Permits Division and the general public; the maps follow a design standard established by the department and should identify park amenities, names and locations of athletics fields and other park facilities.  GIS mapping skills required.

Research of Pool Facilities, Cost Recovery and Pool Utilization Rates in Other Cities

Research pool systems in cities similar to Baltimore to determine how they are structured in terms of their facilities, operations, cost, and revenue generation; provide a written summary of the findings  as part of a public planning process to develop a plan for DRP aquatic facilities.

Marketing/Promotions for Park Activities
Assist with updating park events listings, social media sites, web site, and calendar of events; develop flyers and promotional materials; research new avenues for promotion of department events, programs, and initiatives.

Green Events Program
Research the incentives employed to encourage “green” events on park land in other cities; work with department staff to design a pilot project in Baltimore parks; develop a program description, parameters, and “how to” brochure. 

Food Waste Recycling
Establish protocols for recycling food waste and other material from special events catering, including feasibility, number and type of receptacles, removal schedule, outsourcing options, requirements for on-site recycling and cost of implementation.

Cylburn Usage Survey
Data collection and analysis on visitors to the Cylburn Arboretum; conduct visitor surveys; collect traffic data (pedestrian and vehicle) and on such variables as daily usage, factors related to weather or season, and mode of transportation.

Urban Garden Site Selection
Locate vacant properties with potential to become urban gardens following the existing City Farm model; the project will include research into available vacant lots, site surveys and interaction with community associations and churches to determine the suitability of sites and potential garden tenants.

Woody Plant Collection Mapping
Update existing maps of the living plant collections and gardens at Cylburn Arboretum using an ESRI ArcGIS enabled computer; train naturalist staff and volunteers with updated and editing skills.  Requires familiarity with ArcView10 software with Publisher extension; horticultural knowledge helpful but not essential.

Energy Audit of DRP Facilities
Continuation of an ongoing project to locate and conduct on-site review of electric meters serving park and recreation facilities (park lights, recreation centers, park buildings, etc.) and make recommendations on follow-up actions to assure energy efficiency and accountability for the department. Add these facilities to the department’s GIS-based list of properties and map their location using GIS tools. GIS skills required.

Review and Implement a Plan for Sustainable Disposal of Biomass Waste
Continuation of an ongoing project to review and begin to implement the plan for sustainable ways to dispose of the organic waste (dead trees, wood chips, etc.) gathered in the department’s operations, based upon best practices in other comparable jurisdictions and institutions and with special consideration of entrepreneurial opportunities.

GIS Mapping for the TreeBaltimore Program
Continuation of an ongoing project to assist in building a data base tracking system for the TreeBaltimore program and conduct research on comparable municipalities on the relationship between the tree canopy, the maintenance of existing trees, and the planting of new trees.  GIS skills required.

Program Assistant for Outdoor Recreation Activities and Healthy Baltimore Initiative
Continuation of an ongoing project to assist in the development and implementation of outdoor activity programs in Baltimore parks, with a special emphasis upon assessment of their health benefits as part of the Mayor’s Healthy Baltimore 2015 initiative. Organize and provide leadership for outdoor activities; conduct surveys and disseminate information to participants on the health benefits of outdoor activity. 

Posted: October 31, 2012, 11:35 AM