Position Summary:

The Pound Ridge Land Conservancy (PRLC) currently seeks two Preserve Steward Interns for their 2021 summer season to assist in a variety of stewardship and management duties on PRLC preserves throughout Pound Ridge. The successful applicants will have a willingness to learn, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for protecting the natural environment. Under the supervision of PRLC’s Land Steward & Program Director, intern duties may include preserve monitoring, trail maintenance and construction, performing boundary, sign, and kiosk maintenance, invasive species control and ecological restoration, ecological monitoring and research, educational programming, and public outreach activities. Specific duties vary yearly based on the needs of the organization and interests of interns. The internship experience will culminate with a project which each intern will take the lead in planning and executing. Through this project, the successful applicant will be able to tailor this internship program to their specific interest or degree concentration, consistent with PRLC mission and goals. This is a 10-week part-time (20 hours/week) paid internship.

About Pound Ridge Land Conservancy (PRLC):

PRLC is a nonprofit land trust in Pound Ridge, New York that owns 19 preserves totaling 383 acres and assists in preserving and managing an additional 177 acres through conservation easements. Our preserves are home to thousands of plants and animals and are managed for the preservation of biodiversity, passive recreation, and educational programs. PRLC’s hub is located at the Armstrong Preserve and Education Center, 1361 Old Post Road in Pound Ridge, NY. This is a solar powered facility where interns and volunteers learn environmentally sustainable practices and assist in educating others. For more information, see our website, prlc.net.

Training:

Interns will receive broad training on land management practices, skills and equipment. In addition to this broad training, our 2021 program will focus on three key areas:

• Trail maintenance and construction – Interns will learn physical trail maintenance and construction techniques, visitor psychology, and how to manage a trail to meet the demands of visitor use while also protecting the natural resources.
• Ecological restoration – Interns will assist with invasive species management, native plant propagation and ecological monitoring plots.
• Intern interest or degree concentration – PRLC’s Land Steward will collaborate with each intern to determine a specific area of focus that coincides with their academic and career goals while also advancing PRLC’s mission. This part of the internship will include a project that the intern will take the lead on conducting.

Minimum Qualifications:  

• High school diploma and 6 months of related experience or course work.
• Experience with various field equipment (e.g., hand tools, GPS, camera, compass)
• Ability to use a computer (e.g., word, PowerPoint, email, etc.)
• Ability to perform physical work and hike in rough terrain and varying weather conditions.
• Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to conservation and community service and a desire for hands-on experience in scientific and land management projects.

Desired Qualifications:

• Completed at least 1 year of a college program in environmental sciences, outdoor recreation, forestry, or other natural-resource related program.
• Experience performing trail maintenance or construction.
• Knowledge of native and invasive species or desire to learn these species quickly.
• Experience with GIS and uploading GPS data.
• Experience in photography and/or video production.
• Experience collecting field data.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and/or reliable transportation.

Schedule: 

The internship runs for eight to ten weeks, 20 hours each week. PRLC offers flexibility in weekly scheduling and start/end dates. Generally, interns will start sometime in June and end sometime in August. Interns are expected to attend a public presentation of their work on the evening of August 18, 2021. Occasional work on Saturdays to help with volunteer work sessions or education events may be required.

Compensation:

A stipend of $1,000 to $1,250.00 will be provided (depending on length of time committed), to be paid in two payments (mid and final). Housing is not offered for this internship.

To apply:

Email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references in one document to Andrew Morgan at landsteward@prlc.net. Please label attachments with your name. Deadline to apply is April 12, 2021.

COVID-19 Adaptions:

PRLC successfully & safely hosted three interns in 2020 by focusing on outside work conducive to physically distancing or individual projects. It is likely that the 2021 season will require similar precautions. Hired interns will be provided with COVID-19 safety protocols adapted to current conditions prior to their start date.