Great Fall Internships with the Urban Resources Initiative

Urban Resources Initiative Internships for Fall 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 term:  180 hours; 10-12 weeks, 15-18 hours/week
• Most internships are unpaid; paid internships contingent upon funding
• Academic credit may be applicable; see your academic advisor or internship office.

For priority consideration, apply before July 15 (applications received until positions filled).

For information, contact Dr. Edward Orser, URI Program Manager:  info@parksandpeople.org

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

Fall Semester 2013 URI Internship Project Opportunities

Park User Survey:  Developing a Park Report Card
The intern will develop a standardized park “report card” for use in the system’s major parks and facilities, incorporating observational evidence and surveys of user and non-user opinion, as well as other appropriate methods, such as GIS mapping or census data review. The internship includes research and compilation of existing methods of analysis, including ways in which similar research has been used in comparable urban park systems to inform policy and funding decisions.  Evidence of experience in qualitative and quantitative research, data collection and analysis or survey development required.

Produce Park Maps
The intern will use GPS to produce park maps for use by the department’s Permits Division and Maintenance Staff, as well as by 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.

Urban Tree Planting Soil Analysis
Evaluation and recommendations regarding Baltimore’s sidewalk “tree pits.”   The intern will investigate current research on best management practices for pit construction and backfill composition – including the use of stratified soil layers, drainage material, and fabrics—and make recommendations on soil structure and pit construction options for future planting by Urban Forestry, TreeBaltimore, and their partners.  Skill and study in plant or soil science is preferred, especially relating to the establishment of woody ornamentals in an urban soil environment.  Work involves both office and field sites.

Park Land Soil Analysis and Turf Management
The project involves the evaluation of soil conditions in a variety of park settings, including ball fields, lawn, and food production sites.  The project will include both field studies and chemical soil analysis.  The intern will make recommendations for improvements to the soil through cultivation or nutrition relative to the usage of the area.  Skills in Soil Science and ability to analyze soil samples preferred, especially in relationship to horticultural applications.

Identifying Notable and Champion Trees
The project involves updating the city’s Notable Tree Register on behalf of the TreeBaltimore program.  Working with current TreeBaltimore partners and collecting additional data, the intern will develop narratives for each tree, with specific supplements for the trees found within Baltimore’s parks.  Skill or study in plant or environmental sciences as they relate to trees or urban forests is desirable, and proficiency in woody plant identification is important.  Work involves both office and field sites.

Green Special Events and Recycling Initiatives
The project involves developing “green” standards for events at the Vollmer Center at Cylburn Arboretum and for addressing recycling initiatives in other Baltimore parks.  The project involves adaptation of the park system’s existing ‘Green Events’ protocols and extending them to promote park system recycling.  Work may include field interviews with catering companies, event planners, and building and grounds staff.

Marketing/Promotions for Aquatic Programs
The intern will promote and participate in special programs at the large park pools as part of a planning process to develop a 5-10 year plan for park system aquatic facilities:  assist city-wide public meetings to discuss recommendations; update aquatic events listings on social media sites, web site, and calendars of events; develop flyers and promotional materials; research new avenues for promotion of department aquatic/recreational events, programs, and initiatives.  Desired skills include ability to write and design promotional materials, comfort with community outreach, familiarity with social media sites, and knowledge of marketing strategies.

Marketing/Promotions for Park Activities
The intern will assist with the promotion of Department of Recreation and Parks programs, including 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.  Skill and experience in writing and communications technology required.

Program Assistant for Outdoor Recreation Activities/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.

Administrative Intern
The intern will have the opportunity to learn about the administration of the department and undertake special projects, as assigned.  Opportunities may include shadowing managers to their meetings to observe and learn how administrative decisions are determined and how they are transmitted to staff in the development of new programs and work procedures; assisting with and learning about payroll, ordering, or budget processes; receiving special assignments related to the administration of the park system.

Deer Management Policy for the Baltimore Park System
The intern will formulate recommendations for a Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks policy on deer management.  The project will involve research on policies and programs in comparable urban park systems, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and other City agencies, including the Department of Public Works (for its policies or procedures regarding deer management in watershed properties).  The project also will require research on current city laws, rules and regulations that would impact possible deer management strategies in the city and a survey of Parks Friends groups for feedback on deer population issues at the community level.

Program Assistant for Volunteer Park Groups
The intern will assist the Volunteer Coordinator in developing ways to work more effectively with Friends of the Parks groups, which constitute an increasingly important resource in support of Baltimore’s overall park program.  The project will involve outreach to citizens involved in these volunteer support groups to conduct a needs assessment, development of guidelines and recommendations for effective organizations, assistance with selected volunteer events, and evaluation of the impact of the Partnership for Parks program grants received by many of these groups.

Park Historical Interpretation Assistant
Conduct oral history interviews with diverse users of Baltimore parks on topics which expand an understanding of the importance of parks in the history of the city and the experience of its citizens. The emphasis of the interviews is upon the personal stories and experiences of park users, past and present. The intern will use the oral history interviews, combined with other appropriate sources, to prepare short written and illustrated proposals for print and on-line publications of the Department of Recreation and Parks.  While experience in historical research methods is desirable, introductory training and guidance in oral history interview methods will be provided