Conservation Internship

College Internship Opportunity
Westmoreland Sanctuary
Location: 260 Chestnut Ridge Road, Mount Kisco, NY 10549

Overview
Westmoreland Sanctuary is seeking motivated college interns for immersive field-based internships lasting from one to eight weeks, with the possibility of extending beyond eight weeks. These internships offer hands-on ecological and conservation experience and may qualify for academic credits. Internships are tailored to the season and adjusted to match each student’s background, interests, and strengths.

Position Description
Interns will participate in a wide range of environmental collection of field data, ecological restoration, wildlife monitoring, and conservation communication activities. Under the guidance of experienced staff, interns will gain field competencies while contributing to ongoing sanctuary projects.

Compensation
Compensation varies based on internship duration, weekly hours, work performed, and prior experience.

Salary ranges from approximately $500 for shorter commitments to $8,000 or more for internships spanning 6–8 weeks or a full semester. Final compensation will be determined according to the scope of responsibilities and the candidate’s qualifications.

Primary Responsibilities

You will be responsible for all tasks listed below. You may have additional tasks:

• Wildlife Identification
• Learning to identify native and non-native wildlife species found in Westchester County.
• Assisting with surveys and wildlife observation records.
• Habitat Restoration & Invasive Species Management
• Removing invasive plant species.
• Supporting native habitat restoration efforts, such as fencing portions critical habitat
• Turtle Monitoring and Tracking
• Identifying and tracking native turtle species, including wood, eastern box, snapping, and painted turtles.
• Assisting with population monitoring and habitat assessments.
• Endangered American Elm Restoration Project
• Participating in efforts to re-establish populations of the endangered American elm.
• Assisting with planting, monitoring, propagation and data documentation.
• Vernal Pool & Invertebrate Studies
• Studying vernal pools and analyzing macroinvertebrate and macroinvertebrate communities.
• Collecting, identifying, and recording biological samples.
• Grant Writing & Marketing Support
• Assisting with grant proposals and outreach materials.
• Turning field research and observations into communication or educational content for public engagement or grant opportunities
• Grantor Reports

Additional Responsibilities
Other duties may be assigned based on project needs, seasonal changes, reports and the intern’s academic or professional goals.

Organizational Mission
Westmoreland Sanctuary’s mission is to acquire and enrich land for the free use, enjoyment, and education of the public.