Westport Land Conservation Trust seeks two individuals to learn and apply conservation land management with WLCT’s Land Stewardship and Outreach Manager in stewarding over 1800 acres of land currently held by WLCT. The Stewardship and Outreach Interns will be responsible for assisting with property maintenance, working with the volunteer trail team and helping with events. Each intern will be responsible for researching and presenting a relevant project at the end of their internship.

Purpose of Position:
To work closely with the Westport Land Conservation Trust’s Land Stewardship and Outreach Manager in learning about the maintenance and management of our preserved properties throughout Westport and gain experience at a leading land conservation organization.

Work Location:
Westport Land Conservation Trust, 573 Adamsville Road, Westport MA  02790 and various properties across Westport.

Reports to:
The Stewardship and Outreach Interns report to WLCT’s Land Stewardship and Outreach Manager, Nate McCullin.

Benefits to Intern:
The opportunity to gain an experiential knowledge of conservation land stewardship and the maintenance to properly care for the varied habitats that make Westport a unique natural area.

Primary Position Responsibilities:

Stewardship:

• Provide weekly maintenance at public access properties using hand tools, small motorized equipment, and ride-on mower/tractor
• Assist staff with the creation of the new hiking trails at Westport Woods Conservation Park and at Snell Creek, our newest public access property. This will include installing wayfinding signs and bog bridging to create trails that are safe and accessible
• Assist staff with the implementation of farm plans at Snell Creek’s agricultural field. This will include soil preparation and planting various perennial food crops
• Water and weed to maintain native plant gardens at Westport Woods
• Coordinate volunteers for stewardship projects (e.g. trail clearing, invasives removal)

Community Outreach:

• Support the Tuesday Trail Team volunteers and lead as needed
• Assist with events and summer programs
• Present completed project to the community

Qualifications:

• Commitment to the conservation mission of Westport Land Conservation Trust
• Enthusiasm for working with the public and working outdoors
• Willingness to work as part of a team, as well as the ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks
• Physically able to perform duties of the position
• Valid driver’s license (preferred but not required)
• Experience with landscaping equipment is required
• Familiarity with Westport and the South Coast of Massachusetts is a plus

Hours, Salary & Benefits:

The Stewardship and Outreach Summer Internships are 24 hours per week for this 10-week-long position. Typically, the workweek for this position will be Tuesday through Thursday depending upon weather conditions. Some work on weekends and evenings will be required for special events.

In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, the Westport Land Conservation Trust aims to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of our team. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the community of Westport, Massachusetts--which is at the core of our mission.