Invasive Species Summer Intern

The Long Island Native Plant Initiative (LINPI) and Long Island Invasive Species Management Area (LIISMA) seek an Invasive Species Summer Intern to assist with invasive species prevention, early detection, and management during the summer 2025 field season. The intern will assist with monitoring invasive species and pathways of invasion, education and outreach, surveying for invasive species, and manually controlling priority invasive species across the LIISMA region. The intern will work with various governmental and non-governmental LIISMA partners.

 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.

Work Schedule

This internship requires up to 30 hours weekly from approximately June 2, 2025, to August 22, 2025. Work will occur during regular business hours with occasional weekends. The position is based in Brentwood, New York, with potential remote and fieldwork opportunities.