Downeast Coastal Conservancy – Summer Internship
Downeast Coastal Conservancy (DCC) is a nationally-accredited land trust based in Machias, ME. DCC conserves essential ecological habitats, engages the local community, and fosters an environment where wildlife and people thrive in coastal Washington County, Maine. DCC is responsible for the stewardship and protection of 7,000 acres and more than 70 miles of shoreline in Downeast Maine.
We are now hiring for a Summer Internship Position. This position will assist existing land management and stewardship programs under the direction of the Stewardship Director. For more information visit: https://downeastcoastalconservancy.org/about/jobs/
Position Type: 400-hour (10 weeks) Seasonal Position
Dates: June – August (with flexible start and end dates)
Report to: Stewardship Director
Location: Machias, Maine (with travel within Washington County)
Compensation: $300/week living allowance stipend; Some evening and weekend work may be required. If applicable, qualifying intern will be eligible to receive University of Maine – Machias course credit.
Position Description
The Summer Intern reports to the Stewardship Director. This position is seasonal (40 hours/week for 10 weeks) and includes some required weekend work. The employee works under the direction of the Stewardship Director in order to effectively assist with the management of DCC’s conservation lands.
In completing assignments, the Summer Intern may work independently, with the Stewardship Director, other DCC staff, or with volunteers to: monitor easements and fee lands, assist with habitat conservation, carry out invasive species management projects, seasonal property maintenance including trail maintenance, assist the Stewardship Director with the creation of management plans, and perform community outreach tasks as requested to support the mission of DCC.
Field work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions and requires climbing, walking, bending, crouching, lifting, reaching, and other physical abilities. Some work is required to be completed in the office, such as filing monitoring reports. The Summer Intern may be required to use a personal vehicle to access various DCC properties.
Applicants must have a desire to learn about conservation, outdoor recreation, land management, and/or community outreach work. The intern will gain valuable, in-depth, and practical work experience for a non-profit land trust. The Summer Intern will be a team player who is an effective communicator and can manage multiple tasks.
Basic Responsibilities
- Assist the Stewardship Director and Land Steward with conducting conservation related tasks on DCC properties, such as:
- Monitor easements and preserves
- Write and file monitoring reports following DCC protocol
- Carry out trail maintenance and trail building
- Report any violations noted while in the field to the Stewardship Director
- Become familiar with all DCC’s properties and how they are managed
- Utilize hand tools and some power tools safely and efficiently
- Carry out basic carpentry tasks, such as building bog bridging
- Assist with leading some volunteer projects
- Carry out basic administrative tasks
- Assist with DCC education and outreach programs when requested
Qualifications – Required
- Experience (work or school) within a conservation-related field
- A passionate interest in conservation, recreation, land management, or a related field
- Basic experience with hand tools
- Ability to effectively respond to and carry out conservation-based tasks as assigned
- Understanding of how to use a map, compass, and GPS
- Ability to hike over rough terrain carrying up to 40 pounds of gear and equipment
- Valid driver’s license (personal insured vehicle preferred)
- Ability to work with DCC volunteers
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
Qualifications – Desired
- Experience with trail maintenance
- Experience with ArcGIS software
- Knowledge and ability to perform basic carpentry and construction
- Familiarity with the region and its communities, both on land and water, as well as knowledge of the region’s geography, culture, flora and fauna.
To Apply
Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to info@downeastcoastalconservancy.org. Deadline to apply is March 22, 2024.