"Going to the mountains is going home." John Muir

Upper Bear River Canyon, Amador County

Volunteer and Internship Opportunities

Since 1993 the Sierra Nevada Alliance has been protecting and restoring Sierra lands, water, wildlife and communities. Our mission is to protect and restore the natural resources of the Sierra Nevada for future generations while promoting sustainable communities. We are an alliance of conservation groups that are based or work in the Sierra Nevada region. There are over eighty-five member groups that span the entire 400-mile mountain range. The Sierra Nevada Alliance headquarters is located at 2489 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, Suite 5. Staff Openings: Development Director Internship Opportunities: Interns work side-by-side with our dedicated staff to learn about the conservation issues affecting John Muir’s famed ‘Range of Light,’ while gaining valuable work experience in the non-profit sector. Sustainable Sierra Communities Intern SNAP Media Outreach & Communications Internship Regional Climate Change Program Internship(s) Development/Marketing Internship Special Event Internship Communications Internship Weekly Intern or Volunteer Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour Intern Conservation Internship(s) –general organizational work Sustainable Sierra Communities Intern The Sustainable Sierra Communities (SSC) program encourages actions and local planning processes to increase the sustainability of vibrant rural Sierra communities. Through on-the-ground projects, model programs, publications, events and workshops, the SSC program focuses on local actions toward a sustainable future. The Sustainable Sierra Communities Intern will be an integral part of the SSC program at the Sierra Nevada Alliance. We are looking for an energetic intern who wants to learn about small non-profits, help us reach our program goals, conduct targeted market research, and assist with special events and general outreach practices that encourage sustainability in the Sierra. In turn, the Alliance hopes to provide our intern with the opportunity to gain experience and familiarity in the following areas: sustainability issues in the Sierra, event planning, project development, foundation research and grant writing. Intern(s) will be assigned to one or more of the following projects: SSC Projects (TBD with intern): Editing and completing sustainable community Case Studies and developing new Case Studies; updating and expanding Sustainability Inventory; developing webinar series with sustainability experts for educational series; developing sustainability metrics for Sierra Nevada communities; assisting with pilot project EmPower El Dorado, including developing a project website, developing educational programs for local community centers and conducting project outreach. Newsletter: Contributing relevant articles and assisting with the design and content of our monthly e-newsletter, Sierra Spokes. Event Planning: Planning and executing Sustainability Summit (April, 2013); researching and planning sustainability events including a monthly ‘Lunch & Learn’ series (ongoing), ‘Bike to Work Week’ Cleanup (June), assisting with the Great Sierra River Cleanup (September) and the Annual Sierra Nevada Alliance Conference (August/September). Foundation Research: Researching and tracking grant opportunities for the program and assisting in the writing of grant proposals. Website: Updating and maintaining the program website. General Support: Assisting the Sustainable Sierra Communities Program with miscellaneous other duties as they arise. Intern(s) may work on one or more of the aforementioned activities depending on experience and interest, with computer proficiency essential and Spanish language skills helpful. We are looking for an intern to work 15-40 hours a week in our South Lake Tahoe, CA office. Living in South Lake Tahoe offers a variety of outdoor activities within close proximity including walking and biking trails, hiking, rock climbing, high alpine lakes, pristine beaches and clear blue water. Start/end dates and hours are flexible. This intern position is unpaid. Application instructions: To apply, please submit your resume, contact info and cover letter expressing your interest in this position, what you hope to learn and what you will bring the Sierra Nevada Alliance to Evan Muchmore, Program Assistant at evanATsierranevadaalliance.org (replace AT with @). Please feel free to call at 530.542.4546 ext. 321 or email for more information. SNAP Media Outreach & Communications Internship The Sierra Nevada AmeriCorps Partnership (SNAP) Intern will work on different SNAP projects that will increase public awareness of the SNAP program. Internship opportunities include: Media Outreach: Help create media releases with AmeriCorps Members and sites to increase public knowledge of the Sierra Nevada AmeriCorps Partnership (SNAP) accomplishments. Assist with media outreach. Web Design: Help design and create a new stand-alone SNAP website. Web Social Networking: Assist with the development of web social networking tools for the SNAP program to better network amongst current SNAP members, SNAP alumni, friends of the program, and for prospective applicants. Multi-media Outreach: Develop new forms of media outreach, including a YouTube channel and other forms of media to increase public information about the program and how to apply to the program. Newsletters: Assist with design and content of the quarterly newsletter and the annual alumni newsletter. SNAP Recruitment: Research and implement outreach methods to improve SNAP recruitment process. Trainings: Assist with trainings for AmeriCorps Members. Outreach Materials: Design SNAP media outreach materials such as info sheets, brochures, posters. Grant-Writing: Potentially assist with grant-writing opportunities. General Support: Assist the SNAP Program Director and Regional Coordinator in other general duties, representing SNAP at community events, and other office duties. Intern(s) may work on one or more of the aforementioned activities depending on experience and interest. Intern will work out of the Alliance headquarters in South Lake Tahoe. 5-10 hours per week minimum, flexible hours. This internship is unpaid. To apply, please submit your resume, contact info and cover letter expressing your interest in this position, what you hope to learn and what you will bring the SNAP Program to Morgan Fessler, SNAP Program Director at morgan@sierranevadaalliance.org. Please feel free to call at 530.542.4546 or email for more information. Regional Climate Change Program Internship(s) About the Regional Climate Change Program: Climate change and sprawling development are among the most significant threats facing the Sierra Nevada, one of the fastest growing regions in the state. Sprawl increases vehicle miles and greenhouse gas emissions, destroys rare habitat and agricultural lands, diminishes affordable housing options, removes investment resources from community centers, and strains public services. Climate change compounds these problems in addition to contributing to a new host of concerns for wildlife, snowpack levels, water management, and the frequency and severity of fires. To address these issues, the Regional Climate Change Program works to support and shape county and regional resource plans that reduce greenhouse gases and adapt to climate change to ensure the resilience of Sierra communities, watersheds, and wildlife. The Regional Climate Change Program also networks and educates Sierra stakeholders, builds the capacity of grassroots organizations and regional efforts, and advocates for sound statewide policies that support and encourage smart growth, sustainable resource management, and climate change adaptation and emission reduction efforts in the Sierra. Position Description: The intern will develop skills in policy research, resource management, written and verbal communication, community organizing, project management, and grant writing/fundraising. The intern will also be exposed to software programs including Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and the database managing software, Donor Perfect. The Intern will learn about Sierra land use, water, and/or climate change issues, grassroots environmental advocacy, and state and regional policy. Key duties may include: Assist Program Staff in shaping Sierra Land Use plans: Track the status of Land Use plans across the Sierra. Lead the update of the Sierra Conservation Directory by researching and contacting member groups throughout the Sierra. Assist Alliance staff on land use planning campaigns. Assist Program staff in supporting Integrated Regional Water Management Planning (IRWMP) across the Sierra: Arrange meeting logistics, research IRWM models, assist in developing policy statements. Support Program’s foundation outreach efforts: Track grant opportunities for the Regional Climate Change Program, research funding opportunities and assist with the writing of grant proposals. Assist in development of Program communication materials: Develop and update communication materials such as fact sheets, action alerts, and the program webpage. Compile local, regional, and statewide media articles and issue the Sierra Climate Change News and Sierra Land Use News monthly electronic newsletters. Help write and distribute quarterly Climate Change Case Studies. Lead on Program outreach for specific events: Arrange the logistics for Program meetings, workshops, and events including the Program’s Annual Grassroots Academy Provide General Support to the Alliance and the Regional Climate Change Program: Assist the Regional Climate Change Program in other general duties such as database maintenance, community organizing efforts, representation of the Alliance at workshops and conferences, and other projects as assigned. Intern(s) may work on one or more the aforementioned activities depending on experience, interest, and current project needs. Intern will work out of the Alliance headquarters in South Lake Tahoe, CA, for a minimum of 20 hours per week (hours are flexible). This internship is unpaid. While no prior experience in these issues or policy is required, we are looking for interns with the following qualities: Passion for the Sierra and its unique issues. Interest in resource management and planning. Ability to work with a diverse group of people. Strong writing and verbal communication (including telephone) skills. Experience working in an office environment. Flexibility in taking on new challenges. Positive attitude, personal integrity, and sense of humor. Familiarity with a personal computer and the internet. To apply, please submit your resume, contact info and cover letter expressing your interest in this position, what you hope to learn and what you will bring to the Regional Climate Change Program to gavinATsierranevadaalliance.org (replace AT with @). To find out more about specific projects and duties you could be working on as an intern, please contact Gavin Feiger, 530-542-4546 ext. 302. Communications Internship(s) The Sierra Nevada Alliance is seeking a dynamic intern to provide a wide range of communication and research support to the Development Program. The communications intern will work directly with the Associate Director and the Development Program Staff to achieve the goals of the committee. In turn, the Alliance hopes to provide our intern with the opportunity to gain leadership skills and experience and familiarity in the following areas: communications (web, media, email and traditional correspondence), philanthropy, fundraising and donor relations. We are looking for an intern to work 10-20 hours a week in our office in beautiful South Lake Tahoe. Start/end dates and hours are flexible. Internship opportunities include: Web Design: Develop white paper on best practices for updating the Alliance’s current website, email and e-newsletters. Research and non-profit websites using updated technology such as RSS feeds, widgets, video & sound. Web and Social Networking: Assist with the development of web social networking tools. Newsletters: Assist with design and content of quarterly newsletter and monthly e-newsletters. Outreach Materials: Design outreach materials such as flyers, posters, invitations. Media Outreach: Assist with media outreach. Help create media releases to increase public knowledge of the Sierra Nevada Alliance accomplishments, events and workshops. General Support: Assist the Development Director in other general duties. Intern(s) may work on one or more of the aforementioned activities depending on experience and interest. We are looking for an intern to work a minimum of 15 hours per week in our South Lake Tahoe office. Start/end dates and hours are flexible. This intern position is unpaid. We are looking for interns with the following qualities: Passion for the Sierra and its unique issues. Interest in Communications and Outreach. Ability to work with a diverse group of people. Strong writing and verbal communication (including telephone) skills. Experience working in an office environment. Flexibility in taking on new challenges. Strong computer skills. Experience with InDesign and Photoshop required. Application instructions: To apply, please submit your resume, contact info and cover letter expressing your interest in this position, what you hope to learn and what you will bring the Sierra Nevada Alliance to Kay Ogden, Associate Director at kayATsierranevadaalliance.org . Please feel free to call at 530.542.4546 ext. 304 or email for more information. Start/end dates and hours are flexible. Weekly Intern or Volunteer The Sierra Nevada Alliance is seeking a volunteer or intern to lead The Weekly project. The Sierra Nevada Alliance Weekly is an electronic compilation of news articles, resources, events and tidbits regarding conservation and sustainability issues happening in, or relevant to, the Sierra and sent through a digital marketing service via email every Wednesday to subscribers. We are looking for a volunteer or intern to work 5-10 hours per week remotely after a one-day training and orientation here at the Alliance office in South Lake Tahoe. Start date preference is no later than August 15, 2012 with a one year commitment. Hours are flexible; with deadline of review on Tuesdays and distribution on Wednesday mornings. Internship opportunities include: Passion for the Sierra and its unique issues. Interest in Communications and Outreach. Knowledge of Sierra issues helpful. Flexibility in taking on new challenges. Positive attitude, personal integrity, and sense of humor. Strong computer and internet skills. Experience with Vertical Response or other digital marketing services helpful but not required. Interest in increasing “open rate”, clicks and readership. This volunteer or intern position is unpaid. Application instructions: To apply, please submit your resume, contact info and cover letter expressing your interest in this position, what you hope to learn and what you will bring the Sierra Nevada Alliance to Kay Ogden, Associate Director at kayATsierranevadaalliance.org . Please feel free to call at 530.542.4546 ext. 304 or email for more information. Start/end dates and hours are flexible. Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour Internship(s) The Wild and Scenic Film Festival On Tour combines award winning environmental and adventure films with the energy and local activism. The Sierra Nevada Alliance is excited to host this inspiring event, and we are looking for an energetic and dynamic intern to help make the 8th Annual our most successful Film Festival yet! We are seeking a talented and hardworking intern to provide a wide range of special event organizing support to help achieve this goal. The Film Festival intern’s primary responsibility will be to assist in planning, coordinating and implementing the 8th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour held on March 8, 2012 in South Lake Tahoe, California. We hope Film Festival Attendees will be inspired to take further action regarding issues that impact our environment, ourselves and our world! In turn, the Alliance hopes to provide our intern with the opportunity to gain experience and familiarity in the following areas: special event planning and coordinating, media and outreach, budgeting and financial record keeping, sponsorship and leadership training. We are looking for an intern to work a minimum of 10 hours a week in our office in beautiful South Lake Tahoe. Start/end dates and hours are flexible. Internship opportunities include: Event Planning: Responsible for supporting the planning, coordinating, and implementing of the 8th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival On Tour, including community outreach, marketing, PR and a Silent Auction. Outreach Materials: Assists with the design, production, distribution and maintenance of correspondence related to the 8th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival On Tour. Media Outreach: Coordinate publicity for events and coordinate publicity and the creation of related materials for events General Support: Support the Development Program staff in other general duties such as making phone calls, database management, representing the Sierra Nevada Alliance at meetings or community events, and other office duties. Intern(s) may work on one or more of the aforementioned activities depending on experience and interest. We are looking for an intern to work 10-20 hours a week in our South Lake Tahoe office. Start/end dates and hours are flexible. This intern position is unpaid. While prior experience in Special Events is not required, we are looking for interns with the following qualities: Passion for the Sierra and its unique issues. Interest in Special Events. Ability to work with a diverse group of people. Strong writing and verbal communication (including telephone) skills. Experience working in an office environment. Flexibility in taking on new challenges. Positive attitude, personal integrity, and sense of humor. Strong computer skills Application instructions: To apply, please submit your resume, contact info and cover letter expressing your interest in this position, what you hope to learn and what you will bring the Sierra Nevada Alliance to Lynn Baumgartner, Outreach and Development Program Associate at lynnATsierranevadaalliance.org. Please feel free to call at 530.542.4546 ext. 305 or email for more information. Special Event Internship(s) The Sierra Nevada Alliance is seeking an energetic and dynamic intern to provide a wide range of special event organizing support to the Development Program. The Special Event intern’s primary responsibility will be to assist in planning, coordinating and implementing the Alliance’s special events, specifically our Annual Conference Auction held in September. In turn, the Alliance hopes to provide our intern with the opportunity to gain experience and familiarity in the following areas: special event planning and coordinating, media and outreach, budgeting and financial record keeping, sponsorship and leadership training. We are looking for an intern to work a minimum of 15 hours a week in our office in beautiful South Lake Tahoe. Start/end dates and hours are flexible. Internship opportunities include: Event Planning: Responsible for supporting the planning, coordinating, and implementing of special events, including Annual Conference and Auction, Film Festival, Major Donor events and community outreach. Outreach Materials: Assists with the design, production, distribution and maintaining of correspondence related to events. Media Outreach: Coordinate publicity for events and coordinate publicity and the creation of related materials for events Member Group Support: Support the Development Program with Member Group related tasks such as event related outreach to Member Groups, create the Member Group Slideshow and other related tasks. General Support: Support the Development Program staff in other general duties such as making phone calls, database management, representing the Sierra Nevada Alliance at meetings or community events, and other office duties. Intern(s) may work on one or more of the aforementioned activities depending on experience and interest. We are looking for an intern to work 10-20 hours a week in our South Lake Tahoe office. Start/end dates and hours are flexible. This intern position is unpaid. While prior experience in Special Events is not required, we are looking for interns with the following qualities: Passion for the Sierra and its unique issues. Interest in Special Events. Ability to work with a diverse group of people. Strong writing and verbal communication (including telephone) skills. Experience working in an office environment. Flexibility in taking on new challenges. Positive attitude, personal integrity, and sense of humor. Strong computer skills Application instructions: To apply, please submit your resume, contact info and cover letter expressing your interest in this position, what you hope to learn and what you will bring the Sierra Nevada Alliance to Lynn Baumgartner, Outreach and Development Program Associate at lynnATsierranevadaalliance.org . Please feel free to call at 530.542.4546 ext. 305 or email for more information. Development and Marketing Internship(s) We are looking for an energetic intern who wants to learn how small non-profits achieve budget goals, target market research and marketing, special events and general outreach practices that cultivate relationships with donors. In turn, the Alliance hopes to provide our intern with the opportunity to gain experience and familiarity in the following areas: philanthropy, fundraising, donor relations, and leadership training. We are looking for an intern to work 10-20 hours a week in our office in beautiful South Lake Tahoe, California. Start/end dates and hours are flexible. This intern position is unpaid. Internship opportunities include: Membership Outreach Create communication pieces to donors to increase knowledge of Alliance programs and accomplishments through Direct Mail, Email, invitations, special events and brochures. Event Marketing Organize and promote fundraising and educational events, including House Parties, Major Donor events, Annual Auction and Film Festival. Target Market Research Plan a campaign for greater collaboration and opportunities with businesses and companies. Foundation Research Research potential funding sources for the Development Program through foundation research. General Support Assist the Development Program staff in other general duties such as making phone calls, database management, representing the Sierra Nevada Alliance at meetings or community events, and other office duties. Intern(s) may work on one or more of the aforementioned activities depending on experience and interest. We are looking for an intern to work 10-20 hours a week in our South Lake Tahoe office. Start/end dates and hours are flexible. This intern position is unpaid. While prior experience in Development or Marketing is not required, we are looking for interns with the following qualities: Passion for the Sierra and its unique issues. Interest in Development and Marketing. Ability to work with a diverse group of people. Strong writing and verbal communication (including telephone) skills. Experience working in an office environment. Flexibility in taking on new challenges. Positive attitude, personal integrity, and sense of humor. Familiarity with a personal computer and the internet. Application instructions: To apply, please submit your resume, contact info and cover letter expressing your interest in this position, what you hope to learn and what you will bring the Sierra Nevada Alliance to Lynn Baumgartner, Outreach and Development Program Associate at lynnATsierranevadaalliance.org . Please feel free to call at 530.542.4546 ext. 305 or email for more information. Conservation Internship(s) –general organizational work Sierra Research Intern: Research issues for upcoming reports such as climate change impacts, water pollution in the Sierra, and water policies. Interns work out of the Alliance headquarters in South Lake Tahoe. Sierra Policy Intern: Track Sierra related state legislation, write legislative updates, and help organize lobby days. Review requests for comments on Environmental Impact Statements, Timber Harvest Plans, and other policy proposals. Draft responses to inform government agencies and be a voice for a healthy Sierra environment. Sierra News Clipper: The Alliance issues a weekly update of articles, events and other announcements related to Sierra conservation. Read your local paper and email to the Alliance any conservation stories relevant to conservation efforts in the Sierra. Intern(s) may work on one or more the aforementioned activities depending on experience and interest. Intern will work out of the Alliance headquarters in South Lake Tahoe. 5-10 hours per week minimum, flexible hours. To apply for any of our internships, please call 530.542.4546. Internship Program Sierra Nevada Alliance PO Box 7989 South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150