Dutchess Land Conservancy

Summer Stewardship Internship

Location: 4289 Route 82, Millbrook, NY

Duration:  3-4 months (May to September; start and end dates flexible)

Hours: Approximately 21-35 hours per week (7-hour workday).

Compensation: Paid internship position (Housing is not provided)

The Stewardship Intern will work closely with the Stewardship Team to support the monitoring and long-term protection of conservation easement-protected properties. This is an in-person internship, and the selected candidate will be expected to work out of the main office in Millbrook, NY.

Responsibilities include: (Training will be provided)

• Conduct extensive field work by monitoring conservation easement-protected properties on foot.
• Ability to hike off-trail across varied terrain to document property conditions through photographs and written reports. The selected intern will hike approximately 75 - 100 miles throughout the entirety of the internship.
• Observe and record changes to properties, including construction, tree clearing, wetland impacts, and natural disturbances.
• Use ArcGIS and Adobe Photoshop to produce monitoring maps, photo sheets, and reports.
• Assist with stewardship records management and data organization.
• Select from a set of staff-identified projects or propose an independent project to complete during the internship, in addition to the aforementioned responsibilities.
• Prepare and deliver a presentation at the conclusion of the internship summarizing work completed and skills gained.

Recommended Qualifications:

• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and GIS is a plus.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to navigate using maps, aerial imagery, and GPS.
• Coursework in environmental studies, biology, natural resources, or a related field.
• Physically able to hike several miles over uneven and rugged terrain in varying weather conditions.
• A valid driver's license is not required, but beneficial.

Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every listed qualification.