Resilient Forestry Intern

Who we are:

The Forest Stewards Guild, a national organization of foresters and allied natural resource professionals, is dedicated to practicing and promoting responsible forestry as a means of sustaining the integrity of forest ecosystems and the people dependent upon them. The Guild has 700 members, over half of whom are professionals who manage over 42 million acres of forestland in the United States and Canada. The Guild has programs and staff offices throughout the United States. 

Position Description

The Forest Stewards Guild seeks three seasonal Resilient Forestry Interns to support forest resiliency work in partnership with National Park Service staff at the following northeastern cultural parks:

• Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park
• Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
• Valley Forge National Historical Park and Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

Technicians will work directly with each park’s natural resource team to assist with the planning and implementation of forest resiliency projects under the Resilient Forest Initiative (RFI). This work will provide hands-on experience in applied forest management within culturally significant landscapes, while supporting long-term ecosystem health. This opportunity is made possible through the Resilient Forests Initiative, a collaborative partnership between the Guild, NPS, and additional partners dedicated to restoring eastern forests that are iconic to the national park experience.

This position is designed to provide meaningful professional development through mentorship, exposure to NPS operations, and experience working in the field. Any necessary training will be provided.

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park

Intern responsibilities may include: Navigating difficult terrain to access sites of invasive species outbreaks and perform mechanical removal of invasive plants; Collecting and entering field data into a geospatial database to monitor and track invasive species occurrences and management efforts; Maintaining and troubleshooting field equipment and digital data recording devices to ensure accurate and efficient operation; Assisting in the development and delivery of educational programming focused on invasive species awareness and management practices and conservation in general; Supporting creation of digital media content to promote public engagement and outreach on natural resource conservation initiatives.
Housing is not provided by the park. The intern will receive a housing stipend of up to $700.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

The intern’s responsibilities will include: Hemlock condition and hemlock wooly adelgid surveys; Beech stand inventory and health assessments; Field validating rare plant records; Mechanical and chemical invasive species management; Meadow and grassland assessments; Mile-a-minute biocontrol surveys; Assisting the inventory and monitoring team in long-term monitoring.
Park housing is available for the duration of the internship.

Valley Forge National Historical Park and Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

The intern’s responsibilities will include: Mechanical and chemical invasive species management; Monitoring emerald ash-borer parasitoid traps and sorting insects; Tree protection installation and maintenance; Assisting with field data collection, Site assessments, monitoring, and documentation; Supporting project implementation activities; Participating in coordination with park staff and partners; Tool maintenance; Greenhouse maintenance.
Other duties may include: Support for park Freedom 250 activities; Training and leading volunteers in invasive plant control; Mapping beech trees for beech leaf disease applications; Applying pesticides to treat for emerald ash borer and beech leaf disease; Collection of native seeds or propagules; Interpretive and social media activities promoting the Resilient Forests Initiative.
Park housing is available for the duration of the internship.

Minium Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent is required
• Must Possess a valid driver’s license and safe driving record
• Must pass a federal government background check
• Demonstrated outdoor field work experience in forestry, forest ecology, or other natural resources field
• Strong work ethic with the ability to pay attention to details and remain flexible
• Ability to identify trees, shrubs, and invasive plants common to the Northeastern U.S.
• Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work effectively both in a team and independently to accomplish tasks
• Ability to hike long distances carrying a 30lb pack
• Ability to work in adverse conditions and remote sites

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting forest resiliency activities such as invasive species control, tree planting, and riparian buffer restoration
• Ability to navigate with a compass and GPS
• Experience with ArcGIS

Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a B.S. degree in Natural Resources Field (e.g. Conservation Biology, Forestry, Wildlife Management)

Compensation and Benefits

• $20.00 per hour
• Workers’ compensation
• Paid Leave: Holiday, sick time, paid time off
• Compassionate leave beginning on the first day of employment
• Employer-sponsored comprehensive health and dental care coverage is available after 30 days of employment.
• Short and long-term disability policies paid by the Guild after 60 days of employment.
• Life insurance provided by the Guild after 60 days.

The Guild is dedicated to providing an open, transparent, and just organization and workplace. We strive for clear, open, and kind communication and are committed to recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and supporting staff from underrepresented communities. We are dedicated to building a work culture that recognizes the inherent value of our employees, supports a healthy work-life balance, and provides an environment that supports career and personal growth.