Stewardship and Trails Intern

Position Description

BNRC is seeking a Stewardship and Trails Intern to join its Stewardship and High Road team. This full-time, seasonal position will assist with the implementation of BNRC’s High Road trail initiative, as well as coordinate the monitoring of and assist with the stewardship of BNRC’s conservation restrictions (CRs) and reserves. All work will occur with the supervision and support of BNRC’s Stewardship Coordinator and High Road Manager and at times, other BNRC staff. There is room for flexibility in schedule based on individual interests. 

This is an exciting opportunity to learn trail design skills, network with area land managers and community stakeholders, and work with our partner organizations such as Massachusetts Department of Fish and Wild, Mass Audubon. This role will also be able to attend industry conferences and gain first aid and CPR training. 

Download the job description

Specific responsibilities include: 

Conservation Restriction Stewardship

• Annual monitoring of CRs, including all applicable CR stewardship administrative duties
• Work with Stewardship Coordinator to respond to CR-related questions, and potential encroachment issues
• Learn to prepare baseline documentation reports for new CRs
• Learn to use Landscape Conservation software.

BNRC Reserve Stewardship

• Annual monitoring of BNRC properties
• Boundary maintenance and marking

High Road Support

• Assist High Road staff with field work, including conducting site visits, performing trail design work, collecting field data, etc.
• Learn about and support trail design work including scouting trail alignments, conducting slope assessments, creating trail inventories, and mapping trail alignments
• Represent and share information about BNRC at community tabling events as needed.
• Participate in the creation of public facing materials, including brochures, maps, etc.
• Maintaining a database of data collected from the field.
• Work alongside external stakeholders on High Road related initiatives

Qualifications

The successful candidate may not fulfill every aspect of a job description. If you have some, and/or demonstrably related experience, and believe that you can bring talent and passion to this role, please feel encouraged to apply. 

• Effective and collaborative communication skills. Ability to communicate with different personalities with tact and diplomacy;
• Enthusiastic, well-organized, detail-oriented, able to work independently;
• Physical ability to hike rough terrain, navigate in the field via GPS;
• Comfortable working alone in the field in all weather conditions;
• Ability to work collegially and effectively with colleagues and landowners;
• A valid driver’s license, personal transportation, and ability to travel extensively throughout Berkshire County (mileage will be reimbursed at IRS reimbursement rates).

Start Date

May 5 – November 7, but we’re anticipating some flexibility. Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.