Summary

Do you like being outside and exploring new places? Do you like engaging with the public and connecting people to the amazing natural world around them? Midcoast Conservancy is currently looking for a Conservation Intern from approximately June 9-August 14 2026 to help maintain trails, monitor properties, and engage in public education and outreach programming.  Midcoast Conservancy is a regional land trust based in Waldoboro, ME with over 16,000 acres conserved and 95 miles of public trails. Come work, learn, and play in a beautiful environment while getting hands-on experience in the conservation and natural resource management field! To learn more about the organization, visit https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/.

This an UNPAID internship with FREE HOUSING available in a 1 bedroom apartment located in Alna, ME.  We encourage students to apply to their college’s summer internship funding program or other grant opportunities if available.

Position Overview

1. Work with stewardship staff and volunteers to maintain the 95 miles of trail throughout our service area (40%)

• Provide support for weekly volunteer trail work days (organizing tools/materials, helping clear trails, build bridges, coordinate volunteers, etc)
• Scout trail sections to determine maintenance needs
• Perform regular maintenance such as lopping, weedwhacking, blazing, installing signage, etc independently and with staff and/or volunteers

2. Monitor conserved lands and assist with other land management activities (45%)

• Conduct annual monitoring visits to conserved lands which entails hiking around a property looking for any potential issues (timber trespass, trash dumping, etc)
• Assist with recordkeeping for conserved lands
• Help manage conserved lands through boundary clarification, invasive plant management, and habitat/vegetation surveys 

3. Support other Midcoast Conservancy staff as needed with events and field work including but not limited to water quality monitoring, invasive aquatic plant monitoring, rapid stream assessments, hut checks, educational and outreach events, etc. (15%)

Desired Qualifications

• Passionate about the outdoors and connecting people to place in meaningful ways
• Has personal vehicle or ability to travel throughout the Midcoast
• Comfortable with basic hand tools and power tools, or willingness to learn
• Knowledgeable about trail building and design 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage with the public and volunteers
• Detail oriented and organized
• A willingness to work collaboratively with others in an outdoor setting
• A focus in outdoor education, environmental science, or other related degrees
• First Aid Training