ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

Parks California, created by the State of California, helps expand the reach and impact of its parks system, strengthens our public lands and inspires all people to experience these extraordinary places.  As a public-private partner, we work alongside California State Parks, public lands agencies, tribal nations, community and nonprofit organizations to design solutions that make these spaces more inclusive, climate-resilient and sustainable. Together, we’re advancing a new partnership model that supports healthy communities and ecosystems to meet the needs of a changing California.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Tribal Community Engagement Fellow will play a key role in synthesizing best practices and approaches to strengthen relationships with California Native American Tribes. This paid fellowship is designed to enhance these relations by supporting the development of a long-term tribal community engagement strategy for Parks California. This effort will be informed by facilitating outreach and listening to California Native American communities, engaging and coordinating with partners including California State Parks, researching case studies and consulting with experts and advisors. Additionally, the fellow will assist with other efforts, such as facilitating grants and stipends and supporting tribal sovereignty, communities, histories and knowledge. Through this work, the fellow will actively coordinate projects that promote shared stewardship, cultural understanding and environmental resilience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Tribal Community Engagement Strategy Development

• Conduct outreach and listening sessions to gather insights from past, present and future relationship-building opportunities.
• Research various models and case studies that highlight successful approaches to partnerships with tribes and conservation organizations, including land management agencies within California.
• Consult with subject matter experts, including park partners, scholars and tribal leaders to better understand current issues and opportunities.
• Draft and coordinate the review and finalization of a tribal community engagement strategy that outlines recommendations for how Parks California engages and works with tribal communities and supports park partners in developing meaningful and sustainable tribal relationships.

Support Relationship Building and Collaboration

• Support Parks California in existing and emerging tribal partnerships and community engagement opportunities.
• When requested, provide logistical support to facilitate celebration and relationship building between California Native American Tribes and land management partners.
• Help to invite and coordinate tribal participation in land stewardship opportunities, including fire-related training that fosters culturally informed approaches to land stewardship through cultural burns and promote forest and wildfire resilience.

Administrative and Reporting Duties

• Track project progress, maintain detailed records and ensure timely reporting on activities and outcomes.
• Support the administration of grants and stipends that advance mutually beneficial work between tribes and California State Parks and other partners that advance collaboration and meaningful outcomes.

What We’re Looking For 

• Must have experience working with or engaging Native American tribes or communities.
• Understanding of Indigenous sovereignty, governance, knowledge, history and traditions.
• Strong communication skills, including active listening, facilitation and writing.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, coordinate meetings and collaborate across diverse teams.
• Commitment to advancing equity, cultural respect and inclusive partnerships.
• Preference for candidates with:
  • Degree or education in Native American studies, conservation, environmental science or related fields of study.
  • Knowledge and experience in environmental stewardship, park or forest management and wildfire resilience practices.

FELLOWSHIP DETAILS

• This is a limited one-year (12 months) fellowship term position and will be part-time (an average of 20 hours per week regularly, and up to 29 hours as availability and work allows).
• Remote work from home and up to 10% travel within California as needed for meetings, training, conferences and site visits. Approved expenses will be covered.   
• Must be a resident of California.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS  

• Hourly rate between $35-$38 per hour, commensurate to experience.
• Laptop provided
• $75 per month reimbursement for Internet and phone
• Sick and vacation time off
• 401K plan with employer match up to 5% and no waiting period 
• Training and development resources
• Employment Assistance Program
• California Annual Park Pass