Seasonal Conservation Research and Stewardship Internship

The Linda Loring Nature Foundation (www.llnf.org) seeks a motivated, self-reliant individual with an interest in research, stewardship, and conservation. This is primarily a field-based position working on a variety of projects spanning conservation research, stewardship, and related outreach with training and mentorship from senior staff. The intern will have the opportunity to gain experience in rare species conservation (including plants and animals), science communication, climate change-related research, land stewardship, and applied ecological monitoring – working on a variety of projects.

Responsibilities:

• Phenological data collection (primarily plants) for multiple projects;
• Inventory state-listed plant species;
• Assist in avian monitoring projects;
• Assist with Nature Rambles on the property for visitors and/or offsite bird walks;
• Science communication via writing for the general public including blog posts, newsletter articles, and some social media posts;
• Inventory, monitoring, and management of non-native invasive plant species;
• Data entry, quality control, and proof-reading;
• Assist with some property management and stewardship;
• Assist with and learn proper wildlife tracking/handling/trapping/banding techniques including, but not limited to, turtles and birds;
• Assist with water quality monitoring using YSI and weekly Harmful Algal Bloom reports;
• Record and submit data to nationwide networks, such as National Phenology Network and CoCoRaHs.

Training and guidance will be given for all tasks. There also may be opportunities for independent projects.

Desired Qualifications: B.S. or B.A. (or working towards such a degree) in any field. Strong observational, critical thinking, and organizational skills. The ability to accurately collect data and record field notes. The intern must be able to work both independently and as a member of a team. A familiarity with or a willingness to learn basic botanical and wildlife monitoring and use of GPS units in the field. Interest in community science and communicating science to a broad audience. Knowledge of Nantucket’s unique ecosystems is helpful, but not required.

Dates/Hours: This is a full-time, temporary position beginning in mid-May and ending in late August/September; exact dates are somewhat flexible. Hours are generally Monday through Friday, averaging seven-eight hours per day. Weekends or occasional evenings may be necessary for specific projects/programs.