Tom and Killian Smith Arabia Mountain Stewardship Interns Program: 2019-2020 Applications Open

Tom and Killian Smith volunteered at Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve for two decades. They recently relocated to North Carolina.

Application window: Oct. 8 – Oct. 31. Priority deadline: Oct. 18.

The Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve (DAMNP), in partnership with the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance, is seeking an intern to lead stewardship and park maintenance projects at DAMNP during the winter of 2019-2020. Interns will receive a stipend, materials budget, and the opportunity to engage in hands-on park projects. This internship is ideal for driven, self-directed workers who are comfortable outdoors in all weather.

For almost 20 years, Tom and Killian Smith donated their time, energy and knowledge to make Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve a more welcoming place for everybody. Due in no small part to their efforts, Arabia Mountain has become a beloved jewel of the DeKalb County park system. The Tom and Killian Smith Stewardship Interns Program will continue their work of caring for this precious greenspace.

Site: The Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve is a 2,500-acre greenspace operated by DeKalb County. The Nature Preserve sits within the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, a nationally significant landscape located approximately 15 miles from downtown Atlanta (30 minute drive). DAMNP is home to a diverse assemblage of plants and animals, granite outcrops, forests and wetlands, as well as historic quarry and farm ruins. The Nature Preserve has both paved and soft trails, including part of the 30+ mile multi-use Arabia Mountain PATH.

Length: 2 consecutive weeks between December 2019 and February 2020 (exact dates flexible, depending on intern availability).

Duties: Intern will participate in a variety of park maintenance and public outreach activities. Projects may include, but are not limited to:

  • Locating and repainting the boundary of the Nature Preserve
  • Repainting/reblazing hiking trails on trees and rocks
  • Removing graffiti, trash and garbage
  • Expanding the pollinator garden
  • Designing/building trail bridges or other infrastructure to enhance the visitor experience as well as address erosion and aesthetics
  • Providing customer service for visitors
  • Performing clerical and administrative tasks in support of the park office and operations

As part of the selection process, interns must also propose their own idea for a park stewardship project at the Nature Preserve; this project is modified and incorporated into the internship scope of work. Applicants do not need to include a proposal in their cover letter. If selected, proposals will be discussed as part of the interview process.

Interns will report to Park Manager Robby Astrove at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, with some interaction with staff at the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance.

Minimum Qualifications: Program is designed for undergraduate and graduate students in the fields of: environmental studies, natural resources, recreation management, education, natural sciences and sustainability. Previous parks and recreation experience preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this internship.

To apply, please send a resume, cover letter and two references to rlastrove@dekalbcountyga.gov.