TITLE: Conservation Associate – Field Position
POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 1
TIMING: Four month seasonal internship, beginning in spring or summer of 2022
POSITION SUMMARY:
In accordance with the mission of the Willistown Conservation Trust (WCT), the Foundations in Conservation Internship program aims to inspire and educate future conservation and environmental leaders from diverse backgrounds. This program provides a platform for traditionally underrepresented college students and graduates in the conservation field - including, but not limited to individuals who identify as Asian, Black, Latinx, Indigenous, or multiracial - to engage in and help shape WCT's conservation work. Conservation Associates will participate in a four-month paid internship, gaining real-world, hands-on experience, receiving professional mentorship, and participating in networking opportunities designed to equip students with a strong foundation for successful careers in conservation and beyond.
The Conservation Associate will have the opportunity to participate in each of the Trust's program areas - Land Stewardship, Land Protection, Watershed Protection, Bird Conservation, and Community Farm - while developing an understanding of nonprofit organizations and land trusts.
RESPONSIBILTIES:
The following are examples of the types of activities that Conservation Associates can expect. Actual activities may differ depending on organizational needs and the Conservation Associate’s skill set and interests. WCT is a conservation organization and much of our work takes place outdoors in all types of conditions. Physical labor, described below, will be part of the internship.
- Work with the Preserve Manager to maintain WCT’s three nature preserves for public enjoyment, accessibility and safety. This includes trail construction and maintenance, invasive species plant removal, native plant restorations and habitat improvements.
- Assist the Director of Stewardship with the implementation of the Rushton Woods Master Plan.
- Work alongside and engage with volunteers in the preserves.
- Participate in educational and outreach events like preserve walks.
- Work with the Watershed Team to assist with field work throughout the headwaters of Ridley, Crum and Darby Creek including scheduled monthly water sampling and macroinvertebrate analysis of ten sites throughout the program area.
- Assist with Riparian Tree plantings at Ashbridge Preserve. Activities will include moving planting supplies, planting trees and shrubs in a riparian zone and volunteer management as well as ongoing maintenance of the planting area throughout the internship period.
- Work with community farm volunteers on Wednesdays and assist with field work on the 6-acre, organic Rushton Farm, which provides food for a 125 family CSA membership as well as dedicated crops for a donation garden for the West Chester Food Cupboard .
- Observe activities in the Bird Conservation program such as spring migration banding.
- Assist the Education Programs Manager with Rushton Nature Keepers events, a nature education program for youth ages 7-11.
Capstone Project:
- Conduct an independent research project that supports the Trust’s mission and focuses on one or more of the Trust’s program areas.
- Set goals and objectives to ensure successful completion of the project.
- Present the project either orally or in writing via the Trust’s blog and/or newsletters.
Qualifications:
- A recent college graduate, graduate student or those in pursuit of a college degree in landscape architecture, natural resource management, ecology, biology, geography, arboriculture, environmental sciences, nonprofit management or other related field.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a close-knit team as needed.
- Ability to communicate positively and effectively with a full range of professionals, landowners, WCT constituents and contractors.
- Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Enthusiasm and passion for the mission of WCT.
Compensation:
A four-month stipend of $8,000. A public transportation and gear stipend may be available based on need. Please note, WCT and its preserves are located in Newtown Square, Willistown Township, PA. There is limited access to public transportation.
Willistown Conservation Trust is a non-smoking, dog-friendly work environment. As a small non-profit organization, staff are expected to work collaboratively across all departments. Duties may occasionally require manual labor. The Trust is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Send Cover Letter, Resume, and 3 References to:
Kate Etherington, Executive Director - kwe@wctrust.org
In your Cover Letter, please include how you exemplify the criteria of the Foundations in Conservation Internship program, which "provides a platform for traditionally underrepresented college students and graduates in the conservation field - including, but not limited to individuals who identify as Asian, Black, Latinx, Indigenous, or multiracial."
This Internship Program is generously funded by the McIssac Family.
