Job Details

Internship

Description

About The Organization:

The Trustees is an organization with a fascinating past and an exciting future. Our places are open to all and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in what we do. Founded in 1891, by a group of visionary volunteers, we preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts and work to protect special places across the state. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 25,000+ acres on more than 100 reservations that are all open to the public. We are a nonprofit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 40,000 members.

Position Summary:

The Trustees of Reservations is seeking high school applicants to participate in the Environmental Training Summer Internship through the Claire Saltonstall Education Program. This internship offers in-depth learning and leadership opportunities for high school students interested in outdoor environmental work. This Environmental Training Internship is a 6-week commitment, 16 hours a week (July & August). The goal of this program is to provide students with the opportunity to explore future career options in the fields of environmental science and conservation & resource management.

Pay Rate: $1600 stipend

In This Role You Will:

Under the supervision of the Islands Education Manager, interns will:
Attend Environmental Training Program Orientation.
Work 2 days/week for 6 weeks starting the week of July 1 and ending the week of August 5 (additional remote work hours in final week to complete final project).
Have transportation to a designated meeting site (including Chappaquiddick Island). All ferry costs to/from Chappaquiddick properties will be reimbursed.
Willingly assist with hands-on tasks that include education and presentation to the public, participation in water activities, raking and property clean-up, trail maintenance and brush clearing, and be willing to travel by over-sand vehicles, kayak, utility vehicle, or by foot.
Assist in outreach activities such as delivering presentations to community groups and staffing informational tables at public events.
Complete a cumulative project based on the internship experience and present this project to Trustees staff and/or the public.
Complete an end-of-internship evaluation and be available to provide feedback for the organization in future years.
Maintain all Trustees safety procedures and follow official rules and regulations of each property.

Essential Functions:

Chosen candidates will work alongside Trustees staff and will gain practical experience with:

Environmental Education: Interns will work closely with our place-based education program and help instruct on environmental issues and topics to a variety of audiences.

Stewardship Management: Interns will understand the background and daily tasks involved with keeping conservation properties safe and open to the public.

Shorebird Management: By working with The Trustees’ ecologist and shorebird technicians, interns will experience the protocols within the management of rare species on our coastal properties.

Horticulture: Interns will work with our Mytoi horticulturist and staff to learn the daily maintenance and history of a Japanese-inspired garden.

Public Interpretation: Interns will work alongside tour staff to interpret Trustees properties for the public.

Sustainable Agriculture: Interns will learn about sustainable agriculture within a teaching farm.

The internship will involve work on Trustees properties on Martha’s Vineyard, which include: Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, Wasque Reservation, Long Point Wildlife Refuge, Menemsha Hills/The Brickyard Reservation, Mytoi Garden, and The FARM Institute.

Interns will be expected to work and/or attend programs for 2 days/week for 6 weeks starting the week of July 1 and ending the week of August 5. Interns will be required to work outdoors and in all weather conditions.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

A successful applicant must:
Be in grades 9-12, or a 2024 high school graduate.
Have a strong interest in outdoor environmental careers.
Demonstrate maturity, dependability, leadership potential, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Have good interpersonal and oral communication skills.
Be willing to work outdoors, in many situations.

Other Requirements:

Residents of Martha’s Vineyard are highly encouraged to apply.
Bilingual skills (English/Portuguese) are a plus!
A satisfactory criminal background check is required.
Interns under the age of 18 will need to secure a work permit.

The Trustees offers competitive compensation and the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across the Commonwealth who love the outdoors, who love the distinctive charms of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever.

In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trustees of Reservations aim to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of our team. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts who are at the core of our mission.

The Trustees Of Reservations jobs

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