Reports to: Stewardship Coordinator
Hours: 10-15 hours per week (150-200 hours total), Non-Exempt
Term: June-August 2026 (Start and end dates flexible)
Compensation: $20 per hour
Location: Flemington, NJ (office) and preserves throughout Hunterdon County

About Hunterdon Land Trust

The Hunterdon Land Trust (HLT) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission of fostering healthy ecosystems and communities in the Hunterdon County region through permanent preservation of open space and farmland, stewardship of natural resources, and cultivation of the Dvoor Farm as a center for inspiration, education, and connection.

Internship Summary and Goals

Learning Objectives: The Conservation Internship engages with multiple facets of land preservation, from
conservation easement monitoring to ecological stewardship, to create a well-rounded perspective on the
strategies and practices of conservation in New Jersey.

• To become familiar with the many career tracts in land conservation and stewardship.
• To learn about the variety of types of preserved land and get hands-on experience with conservation
  and agricultural easement monitoring.
• To engage in land stewardship guided by local ecological research to increase the biodiversity and
  resilience of forests, meadows, and riparian areas of Hunterdon County.

Responsibilities, Duties, and Projects

Complete weekly conservation easement research & monitoring visits (40%)

• Read conservation easements and conduct guided monitoring visits for land protected in perpetuity, including properties preserved for conservation, open space, and agriculture.
• Use ArcGIS software to map monitoring visits and write reports; training in ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, and OnX Hunt will be regularly provided.

Engage in monthly stewardship projects (40%)

• Learn about a different issue in land stewardship each month and execute a hands-on project that addresses that issue at one of HLT’s 8 preserves (deer browse, Beech Leaf Disease, invasive species, etc.).
• Complete assigned reading of 1-2 research papers that guide that month’s project.
• Assist with volunteer communication and coordination for monthly volunteer events, and work with the Stewardship Coordinator to plan for and teach at the workdays.
• Execute hands-on stewardship work within these projects across all preserves, such as tree planting maintenance, invasive species management, bluebird box monitoring, and trail creation and improvement.
• Work with regional experts in ecology and build a network across many conservation organizations throughout New Jersey.

Participate in occasional environmental education opportunities (20%)

• Help lead a stewardship program for our environmental education partners who teach at our preserves.
• Learn how to engage young budding conservationists through natural history interpretation and building lasting connections to nature.
• Participate in public guided educational nature walks across preserves, with the opportunity to develop and lead a program

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Must be a current undergraduate or graduate student at a NJ institution of higher education; a
  recent (May 2025-present) graduate of a NJ institution of higher education; or a permanent NJ
  resident attending a college out of state.
• Must be able to lift heavy equipment (minimum 50 lbs. for 100 yards) and stewardship materials over rough terrain and steep slopes, and work in all kinds of weather conditions.
• Must hold a valid driver's license.
• Must be able to work independently with flexible hours, including some weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree or major in biology, environmental science, or related fields.
• Demonstrated interest in conservation.
• Experience with and enthusiasm for working outdoors.
• Knowledge of local flora and fauna, including invasive species (training will be provided).
• Experience with ArcGIS programs (training will be provided).