Summer Internship Opportunity!

Full Position Description (pdf)
Application (pdf)

Application (word)

Background:Dorothy Boyle
Dorothy Rowe Boyle, of Concord and East Orleans passed away on May 27, 2014. Dorothy, known to close friends as Dottie, adored being outside and all things related to nature. Active in many outdoor activities, Dorothy enjoyed walking, running and biking through the conservation areas of Orleans.

At the time of her passing the family decided that in lieu of flowers, Memorial donations should be made to the Orleans Conservation Trust (OCT).  During that same time period her husband, Kevin Boyle, expressed interest in seeing those funds put towards an educational program or initiative. It was decided that the funds received in Memory of Dorothy would be used to create the Dorothy Rowe Boyle Internship Fund.

It is our hope that the creation of this internship program will bring in new entrants into the conservation field who have enthusiasm, diverse talents, and a willingness to take on unfamiliar challenges.

Position Description:
The intern will work directly with staff to advance the mission of OCT through a variety of land management and stewardship activities. He/she will be asked to assist with land management needs and requests, reporting directly to the OCT Director. He/she can expect to be involved with property inspections and maintenance, long and short-term land management planning, land management grant research, property boundary investigating, educational outreach, and volunteer engagement.

Responsibilities Overview:

  • Participate in OCT land management work days
  • Assist with property monitoring and reporting
  • Assist with volunteer engagement
  • Assist with land acquisitions and other projects as needed

Training Provided:

  • Invasive plant identification and removal techniques
  • Education relating to the reading and understanding of deeds and plan of lands
  • Use of land management tools (e.g., brushcutter, hand saws, etc.)
  • Basic map making
  • Conservation Restriction monitoring and reporting

Expectations:

  • This position will be approximately 80% field work, 20% office work.
  • Hours: Approximately 30 hours a week for 10 weeks
    • The internship start/end dates are flexible beginning in May/June and running through August; weekdays typically 9 am- 4 pm, with some weekend work possible.
  • Oversight: Report directly to OCT Director on a daily basis. Brief meetings will be conducted each day to ensure he/she understands what is being asked of him/her and that he/she is comfortable moving ahead with the work.

Candidate Qualifications:

  • Organizational and communication skills
  • Individuals with a background in environmental studies, botany, natural resource management, recreational science, or related field preferred.
  • Applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, including land management activities, including use and maintenance of power and hand tools, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Strong interpersonal skills; flexibility; self-motivation; able to communicate well with others
  • Helpful if he/she is comfortable using a variety of tools and gas-powered machines.
  • Be comfortable working independently as well as part of the OCT team.
  • Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions.
  • Candidate must have own vehicle in order to drive to conservation properties.

Benefits:

  • Introduction to non-profit dynamics, conservation property monitoring, and land trust policy.
  • Opportunity to collaborate with State, Town, and local government.
  • Fulfillment of working directly with a local conservation organization.
  • $1,500 a month for 3 months; gas mileage reimbursement for vehicle use during work hours

Housing is not provided for this internship.

To apply please fill out the Orleans Conservation Trust Job Application below, and email to emigliore@orleansconservationtrust.org, or mail to P.O. Box 1078, East Orleans, MA 02643.  All applications are due by April 29th, 2015.