Invasive Species Summer Intern

Position Summary

This internship provides an immersive, field-based opportunity for a student or emerging environmental professional to gain real-world experience in invasive species management while making a meaningful environmental impact. By supporting prevention, early detection, and control efforts throughout Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island, the intern will help protect native habitats, strengthen regional partnerships, and build foundational skills for a career in conservation, ecology, or environmental management. This internship provides networking opportunities with environmental groups, municipalities, and agencies to help advance career opportunities.

Background

The Long Island Native Plant Initiative Inc. (LINPI) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to conserve the genetic diversity of Long Island’s native plants. The organization emphasizes the production and use of local ecotypes. Its activities include seed collection, propagation, and sale of native plant materials, as well as education of horticulture professionals and the general public on the importance of conserving the genetics of native plant species.

LINPI administers the Long Island Invasive Species Management Area (LIISMA), one of eight Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISMs) directed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). LIISMA protects the region’s native species and ecosystems through the prevention, early detection, and management of invasive species and the restoration of local ecosystems. The area covers Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. Funding for LIISMA is provided by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund, as administered by NYSDEC.

Essential Functions

• Monitor and survey high-priority invasive species (Tiers 1 and 2) across the LIISMA region using iMapInvasives, iNaturalist, and other resources.
• Monitor and survey for Tiers 1, 2, and 3 terrestrial and aquatic invasive species in Priority Conservation Areas (PCAs), such as Invasive Species Prevention Zones (ISPZs) and Natural Heritage Sites.
• Identify, research, and monitor pathways of invasion.
• Manage invasive plant species via manual and mechanical methods, including hand-pulling, cutting, digging, weed wacking, and similar means.
• Follow-up with the monitoring and management of invasive species projects in progress.
• Assist LIISMA partners with surveying and management projects.
• Log data in iMapInvasives, ArcGIS, and related applications.
• Participate in education and outreach programs, including social media and events.

Requirements

• Positive attitude and strong communication skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with various people, including professional resource managers, volunteers, landowners, and the general public.
• Education or experience with invasive species, ecology, horticulture, natural science, conservation, a related field, or a willingness to learn. A bachelor’s or associate’s degree in a natural resource field or working towards a degree is a plus.
• Interest in invasive species, habitat restoration, botany, ecology, horticulture, or a related field.
• Terrestrial and/or aquatic plant identification skills, ability to use field guides, or willingness to learn.
• Ability to use landscaping power equipment and lift 25 lbs; ability and willingness to perform manual labor in field conditions, including working from a kayak.
• Expect to spend time working outdoors and in remote locations. Expect inclement weather and other challenging field conditions, including high temperatures, humidity, insects, ticks, poison ivy, walking long distances, and kayaking in rivers, ponds, and bays.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Opportunities

• Gain valuable ecological and natural resource experience.
• Make connections with partners across diverse government agencies and non-profit organizations within LIISMA.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Option to take responsibility for a small research, field, or mapping project on a topic of interest related to invasive or native species.
• Career mentorship from LIISMA staff.

Work Schedule: This internship requires up to 30 hours weekly from approximately May 11, to August 17, 2026. Work will occur during regular business hours with occasional weekends. The position is based in Brentwood, New York, with a mix of remote, office, and fieldwork opportunities.

Compensation: $20 to $25 per hour