Environmental Internship Opportunities

Description of Environmental Team Duties:

Become part of team that works to increase biodiversity and restore valuable habitat for the uncommon Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly in a 1500 acre preserve. You will gain valuable experience monitoring project sites, collecting and analyzing data, identifying plants and pollinators, using iNaturalist and working with volunteers. Opportunities to attend job related conferences and/or visit other sites are possible.

Main Responsibilities:

• Participating in a NYSDEC habitat restoration grant on a 4-acre site. *Physical removal of invasives is part of this project.
• Collecting and interpreting data relating to the grant.
• Writing quarterly grant reports based on field notes.
• Maintaining native pollinator gardens.
• Photographing and downloading photos of native pollinators onto iNaturalist site.
• Conducting vegetation transect surveys.
• Censusing Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly adult population.
• Supervise and educate volunteers.

*Removal will include but not be limited to operating a weed whacker, small tractor, using a variety of hand tools, installing tarps for solarization, and cutting Phragmites australis on land and water.

Qualifications:

We are looking for two highly motivated recent college graduate or current student in Environmental Sciences, Biology, or a related field with an interest in habitat restoration with an emphasis on invasive plant management. This person should be able to work independently and be physically capable of performing manual labor during hot and humid weather. The individual should have good communication skills and work well with team members and volunteers. The most important qualifications are a strong work ethic, positive attitude to problem solving and desire to learn. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license.