Conservation Intern

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 June-August 2025 to help maintain trails, work with volunteers, and engage in public education and outreach programming at our Hidden Valley Nature Center. There will also be opportunities to assist our stewardship team with habitat surveys, management plans, and monitoring of conservation lands throughout our service area. Midcoast Conservancy is a regional land trust based in Edgecomb, ME with over 15,000 acres conserved and 95 miles of public trails. We engage 500 people every year in a diverse array of educational programs for adults and children. Our offices are located in Edgecomb, Waldoboro, and Jefferson and our service area encompassess three watersheds stretching from Wiscasset to Waldoboro and north to Montville. Come work, learn, and play in a beautiful environment while getting hands-on experience in the conservation field! To learn more about the organization, visit https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/ 

• The position can be tailored to an individual’s strengths and interests
• Much of the position will be based in the field, with 1-2 office days a week
• Start/end dates are flexible, some weekend and evening work required
• This is an unpaid position, students are encouraged to apply to their college’s summer internship funding program if available!

Position Overview

Work with the Director of Hidden Valley Nature Center, Nature Based Program Manager, and volunteers to maintain the 25 mile trail network and cabins at Hidden Valley Nature Center

• Provide support for trail work days (organizing tools/materials, helping clear trails, build bridges, etc)
• Scout trail sections regularly to determine maintenance needs
• Coordinate and recruit volunteers to help with trail maintenance
• Help develop single track mountain biking trails
• Assist with regular hut checks and maintenance

Help the Nature Based Program Manager organize and lead education and outreach events- including but not limited to naturalist hikes, canoe paddles, mountain bike rides, etc

• Coordinate with volunteers, community partners, and events staff to schedule events
• Facilitate programming with adults and children
• Assist Stewardship Director with habitat surveys, management planning, and annual monitoring
• Conduct habitat/vegetation surveys to be used in management plans and baseline documentation reports for newly conserved lands
• Assist in the writing of property management plans and baseline documentation reports
• Help manage conserved lands through boundary clarification, invasive plant removal, and annual monitoring.

Desired Qualifications

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