Environmental Training Intern

Description

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation’s premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do.

We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non‑profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website,(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Salary/Hourly Rate: $16/hr

Hours per week: approx. 20 hours

Job Classification: Nonexempt, Seasonal

Job Type: Onsite

Duration: 6‑weeks (June 29 – August
7)

Location:

• Cape Poge, Wasque Reservation, Long Point Wildlife Refuge, Menemsha Hills, The Brickyard Reservation, Mytoi Garden, FARM Institute
• Edgartown, MA
• West Tisbury, MA
• Chilmark, MA

Internship program field trips:

• Aquinnah Cultural Center
• Biodiversity Works
• Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation
• Great Pond Foundation
• Polly Hill Arboretum
• Island Grown Initiative
• MV Museum

Your Impact:

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, up to 20 hours a week (July & August). The goal of this program is to provide you with the opportunity to explore future career options in the fields of environmental science and conservation & resource management.

Through this program, you will not only work with The Trustees, but also attend field trip days to other non‑profit island organizations. This rare opportunity will provide you with an in‑depth understanding of non‑profit environmental work on Martha’s Vineyard.

As an Environmental Training Intern, you will gain practical experience in the following areas:

• Environmental
  
  Education:
  
  Work closely with our place‑based education program to advance knowledge across the Island on climate change impacts, sustainability, and threats and adaptation opportunities for the delicate ecological systems on Martha’s Vineyard.
• Stewardship Management: Assist the Trustees Stewards and Rangers as “rangers‑in‑training” with the systems and mechanics required to provide special care, stewardship, and maintenance to the properties.
• Shorebird Management: Participate in field work as an ecological scientist, helping with rare species habitat delineation, protection of shorebird habitat from adverse impacts, and rare species population monitoring and data collection.
• Horticulture: Work at the Trustees Japanese‑inspired Mytoi fine garden to help with the intricate care, history, and documentation of plantings that make Mytoi a beloved garden to the community.
• Public Interpretation: Learn alongside tour staff how to lead a guided group through the landforms and rare environments on Martha’s Vineyard.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Visit The FARM Institute to learn about farm operations and educational programming within a teaching farm.

Additionally, interns will participate in a weekly field trip to other non‑profit island organizations. Each field trip day will include hands‑on learning with these partner organizations:

• Aquinnah Cultural Center – Providing cultural education and tribal engagement.
• Biodiversity Works – Promote conservation of biodiversity through wildlife research and monitoring while providing opportunities for people to engage in hands‑on nature study.
• Great Pond Foundation – Leader in estuary science and restoration, using data generated by our programs for informed pond management.
• Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation – Conserve the natural,…