URI-Urban Resources Initiative
Internship Program
Area Universities
Spring 2016 URI internships in Baltimore
The Urban Resources Initiative Internship Program is a partnership of the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks, the Parks & People Foundation, and area universities and institutions.
For priority consideration, apply before November 15
(applications considered until positions filled)
Application and expectation information at bottom
PROJECTS WITH THE BALTIMORE CITY DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND
PARKS
(See below for project descriptions)
Promotional Plan for a Major Baltimore Park
Documenting Property Values and Community Perceptions Near Major Parks
Develop Plans for a Memorial Bench and Tree Program
Park and /or Recreation Center User Survey
Docs in the Park Programs
Outdoor Recreation Activities/Healthy Baltimore Initiative
Weed Warriors Program Tracking & Outreach
Administrative Policy and Planning Intern
Recreation Center or Aquatics Program Assistant
TreeBaltimore GIS Intern
Baltimore’s Notable Tree Program Tracking & Outreach
Conservation and Archiving of the Records of the Recreation Division
PROJECTS WITH THE PARKS & PEOPLE FOUNDATION
(See below for project descriptions)
Gwynns Falls Trail Outreach & Program Promotion
Growing Green Initiative: Power in Dirt Program Vacant Lot Assessment
Community Greening Resource Network Research Project
Community Forestry
Urban Environmental Education
Green Event & Outreach Promotion
Green Resource Mapping
Urban Ecology Education (Baltimore Ecosystem Study)
PROJECTS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS
Promotional Plan for a Major Baltimore Park
The intern will develop a promotional plan for the facilities and programs in Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park and help to establish a model for similar efforts in other major Baltimore City parks. Working with the partners who have formed the Gwynns Falls Collaborative, the intern will review existing promotional materials, solicit additional information, and create a pilot comprehensive marketing and promotional strategy for the various activities related to the park. Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park is the largest woodland park in an East Coast city. Preferred expertise includes experience in graphic arts, marketing, and communications.
Documenting Changes in Property Values and Community Perceptions near Major Parks
The goal of the project is to compile quantitative and qualitative evidence to show the economic and community revitalization benefits of public investment in parks and recreation resources through a study of the Patterson Park or Druid Hill Park vicinity for the period 2002-2015. Research sources may include city/state property financial records (assessment, tax), land use, maps, and community plans. The study may be used to evaluate the City’s continued investment in recreation and parks spaces as an important tool to generate economic development and community revitalization. Desired skills: Ability to write, undertake research and analysis, engage in problem solving, and work independently.
Develop Plans for a Memorial Bench and Tree Program
The intern would conduct research on the memorial tree and bench programs of other recreation and parks departments, then meet with department staff to present those findings as a basis for making recommendations on the parameters for a new Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks program. Based on the research and discussions, the intern would write a draft of the proposed new program. The project would also involve identifying possible memorial bench and tree sites in Baltimore parks.
Park and /or Recreation Center User Survey
The intern will develop assessment tools 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.
Docs in the Park Programs
Park “prescription” programs are growing across the U.S. Baltimore’s program, called Docs in the Park, brings pediatricians and families together in a park to demonstrate the fun and healthy activities that will get children moving and exploring their local public city parks. The intern will help update and improve a survey to measure the success of these events. The intern will also research park prescription programs in other cities that follow children’s health outcomes from the doctor’s office visit to programs in parks and recreation centers. The project is especially recommended for students with interest in public health.
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 Initiative. The intern would organize and provide leadership for outdoor activities; conduct surveys; and disseminate information to participants on the health benefits of outdoor activity.
Weed Warriors Program Tracking & Outreach
The intern will assist the Forestry Division’s Weed Warriors Program Coordinator in taking invasive removal tracking data and continuing work on an interactive web map displaying progress in high priority management areas. The web map will also provide a way for requesting priority work areas and for seeking volunteer assistance. The intern will help to develop promotional and educational materials and other means to enhance the program’s outreach and marketing to community groups. Knowledge of GIS (ArcGIS online or other mapping technologies) required, and knowledge of invasive plants is a plus.
Administrative Policy and Planning Intern
The intern will have the opportunity to learn about the administration of the Bureau of Recreation and undertake special projects, as assigned. Opportunities may include shadowing managers and/or directors at recreation centers to observe and learn how administrative decisions are determined and transmitted; assisting with and learning about evaluations of recreation center programming, ordering, or budget processes; receiving special assignments related to the administration of recreation center operations. The specific project assignment will vary from semester to semester.
Recreation Center or Aquatics Program Assistant
The intern will have an opportunity to assist a Recreation Center Director or Aquatics Coordinator with responsibility for a wide variety of activities for the Department of Recreation’s Enrichment Programs, important priority programs for the city. Required are experience with and ability to conduct recreational sports and activities, plus evidence of effective work with children and young people.
TreeBaltimore GIS Intern
TreeBaltimore has developed a GIS database of tree planting locations around the city to study
survivability of the different tree species over the first several years after planting. The intern will use GPS tablets to capture tree locations and attributes at planting sites; revisit planting sites to assess changes in the health of the trees; process and analyze data to produce reports and maps. Requirements: basic experience using ArcGIS; familiarity using mobile devices (tablets/phones); interest in trees and in learning to identify different species.
Baltimore’s Notable Tree Program Tracking & Outreach
This internship continues a project to use GIS to upgrade the Forestry Division’s Notable Tree map to show the locations of living champion and distinctive trees—exemplary specimens and unusual species--and to help increase interest in tree canopy expansion in Baltimore City. This internship would involve community outreach to engage citizens in helping to identify Notable Trees and become more involved in the TreeBaltimore program by meeting with neighborhood groups, naturalist networks, and historical societies to identify tree candidates for enhancing the interactive Notable Tree map.
Conservation and Archiving of the Records of the Recreation Division
As the Recreation Division embarks on a major long-range strategic plan for the conservation and development of facilities which will benefit the youth and families of Baltimore, a priority is the preservation of documents from the past which may help to inform those decisions. The collection
consists of such materials as newspaper articles, event flyers, photos, and other documents, which have been accumulated over an extended period of 50-70 years. The intern will assist in planning and implementing the process to archive, preserve, and scan the materials into a high resolution format. Experience and skill in archival processing, paper and photograph conservation techniques, and digitization best practices desirable; especially recommended for advanced undergraduate or graduate students in such fields as library science or museum and historical studies.
PROJECTS WITH THE PARKS AND PEOPLE FOUNDATION
Several partners are working together to increase awareness and plan for future activities to attract a broader audience to the Gwynns Falls Trail. The project would involve compiling survey results and other data to help inform decisions for possible activities on the Trail. Further, the intern will help reach out to communities to publicize the Trail and help develop programs and resources for Trail users. Preferred skills include familiarity with survey data analysis and strong communications skills. Also, an appreciation for nature and outdoor recreation is preferred. Flexible hours; must be able to work occasional weekend days and evenings
Growing Green Initiative: Power in Dirt Program Vacant Lot Assessment
Each year Parks & People conducts site assessments of city-owned adopted lots through the Power in Dirt program, which serves as an avenue to transform empty spaces into gardens, play areas, art sites, or parks. The intern will compile the data from the site assessments and create a report based on the findings. The report will be utilized by Parks & People and the Baltimore Department of Housing and Community Development to determine the future of currently adopted spaces and assist neighborhoods in better maintenance and support. The ideal candidate will be proficient in GIS, Google Maps, Google Earth, Cartography, and Publisher.
Community Greening Resource Network Research Project
The Community Greening Resource Network (CGRN) intern will assist the staff from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future (CLF) in conducting a study to address soil safety in the city’s vacant lot edible gardens. The intern will communicate with members of the network of community gardens, organize educational materials and workshops about soil safety, select sites for soil testing to be conducted by city youth, and, in cases of high soil contamination, assist in plans for remediation and raised bed construction. The ideal candidate will have an interest in environmental education and research; proficiency in Microsoft Office; and strong organizational, communication and event planning skills. Some evening work is required.
Community Forestry
The intern will work with the Community Forestry Coordinator and Community Greening team to assist in greening efforts and reporting. The tasks include performing outreach and assistance for a neighborhood tree steward program, updating databases that will be used to report past and present greening projects, and using a USDA Forest Service program to calculate the numeric benefits of the trees planted Baltimore.
Urban Environmental Education Program
The intern will help to develop a place-based urban environmental education curriculum module appropriate for high school students participating in P&P’s BRANCHES program. Potential focus areas include addressing environmental and related social problems in Baltimore, using the urban setting to facilitate learning science and developing an understanding of the city as a social-ecological system. BRANCHES is a youth workforce training, employment and educational experience for youth ages 14 – 21. The ideal candidate will have proficiency in Microsoft Office; knowledge of Baltimore City’s historical, cultural and natural resources; and some experience in environmental education. Some evening and weekend work and reliable transportation required.
Green Event & Outreach Promotion
Parks & People seeks an intern to assist with developing & implementing volunteer and educational events. The intern will assist with event planning (creation of flyers, outreach, and communications) and with event day responsibilities. Programs include Environmental Education and Community Greening Events, such as volunteer restoration events (like tree plantings or rain garden plantings) and the annual Community Greening Celebration. The candidate would have an interest in environmental education and restoration; experience in media outreach and use of the Microsoft Office suite, including Publisher; and ability to work well with the public.
Green Resource Mapping
The intern would assist with creating an interactive map showing where Parks & People’s resources are being focused in Baltimore City to ensure that they are being directed to areas that have the greatest need. The project involves compiling data for where resources are being invested, including locations of tree plantings, community greening grant awards, CGRN member sites, afterschool sports programs, and other such programs. This information would be used to compile a report on where and how the city is receiving “green resources” for use in future program development. The candidate will need to have experience with GIS.
Urban Ecology Education
The Baltimore Ecosystem Study (BES), a National Science Foundation Long Term Ecological Research site, seeks an intern to assist the BES Education Team with planning and delivery of ecology education activities in the Baltimore region. Specific tasks might include: 1) assist in planning and recruitment for the 2016 Baltimore Data Jam Competition; 2) plan and deliver professional development programming to teachers; 3) revise and update curriculum or develop new materials; 4) update BES education webpage; 5) participate in assessment and evaluation of BES educational programming; 6) conduct research into student and teacher thinking and learning about environmental science.
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URI INTERNSHIP EXPECTATIONS AND APPLICATION INFORMATION
--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 November 15 (applications received until positions filled).
For information, contact Dr. Edward Orser, URI Program Manager: info@parksandpeople.org
Please submit the following: (1) a cover letter of interest, addressing your skills and experience relevant to the internship; (2) your resume; (3) 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,
2100 Liberty Heights Avenue, Baltimore, Md. 21217
