**Preserve Steward Internship**

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* Vol & Intern

* Pound Ridge, New York, USA

* Posted 2 days ago

* Closes: Apr 12, 2022

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**Overview**

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 PRLCs 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.

****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 PRLCs 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 PRLCs 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 drivers license and/or reliable transportation.