Land Conservation Intern

Land Conservation Internship
For Earthplace, Westport CT

Background:

Earthplace is a donor-supported, non-profit organization committed to building passion and respect for the natural world and promoting sustainable actions that protect our environment. We guide visitors and students through an educational journey using our unique assets: 84-acre nature sanctuary, live animal exhibits, ecosystem exhibits, and nature & environmental-based science programs.

Earthplace’s Department of Nature Education and Conservation maintains 87 total acres of land with ongoing conservation projects to increase biodiversity and support forest health, among other duties of environmental education, animal care, and visitor services.

Internship Assignment:

Learn to assess and apply conservation tactics to different areas of a New England forest. Additional assignments include native plant propagation and management of teaching gardens.

Purpose:

The Department of Nature Education and Conservation identifies areas of concern and implements methods to remove invasive plants and encourage native plant growth. We use mechanical means such as pulling, cutting, and growth suppression with the use of tarps and fast-growing native plants. We also identify areas for shrubland cultivation to support bird populations and the eastern box turtle, a species of special concern.

The Land Conservation Intern helps naturalists to remove invasive plants, cultivate native plants, and maintain deer exclosures while acquiring skills and knowledge in habitat conservation.

Roles of the Intern:

• Learn to identify invasive plants and their impacts on the local ecosystem;
• Collect seeds and propagate native plants;
• Learn methods of habitat restoration;
• Maintain deer exclosures;
• Maintain teaching gardens;
• Train in invasive plant removal techniques.
• Additionally, there is always the potential to expand the role to personal interests.

Candidate Background:

The candidate must be studying in a field related to environmental education (e.g., biology, wildlife biology, forestry, marine science, etc.), or acquiring a Master Gardener certification, or something equivalent.

The candidate must be motivated, diligent, and able to lift 25 pounds

Earthplace is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize that applicants may face barriers such as transportation challenges or family and work obligations, and we encourage you to apply regardless of your circumstances..  

Compensation:

This internship is 90 hours with a stipend of $800.00 with potential to extend the internship for an additional stipend.

Earthplace does not supply room and board.