Conservation Intern – Redding, CT
Organization: Highstead
Position Title: Conservation Intern
Location: Redding, CT
Hours & Compensation: 12-week period from September 23 to December 13, 2013. Stipend of $5,000 for the 12-week session, Free furnished housing
Application Deadline: August 15, 2013
Organization Overview:
Highstead’s Conservation Program is engaged in advancing a deeper understanding of land conservation strategies in New England and advancing the Wildlands & Woodlands Initiative. Highstead works with more than 80 organizations in the Northeast to accelerate the pace and scale of forest conservation, and fosters collaboration across political, geographical, and professional boundaries. Highstead coordinates the rapidly growing Wildlands & Woodlands Initiative in conjunction with the Harvard Forest.
Description:
The Conservation Interns act as research assistants in Highstead’s Conservation Program for a 12-week period from September 23 to December 13, 2013.
Interns will work with Highstead’s Conservation Director and Regional Conservationist to implement research and policy projects that advance priority conservation initiatives, including the New England Forest Policy Group and the Regional Conservation Partnership (RCP) Network, and our work with the Fairfield County Regional Conservation Partnership. Interns will prepare and present a 15-minute presentation of their work at the conclusion of their internship.
Responsibilities:
2013 Regional Conservation Program Initiatives
Interns will advance conservation in New England by bringing their energy and enthusiasm, and writing, researching, and/or computer-mapping skills to three or more of the following initiatives:
- New England Policy Agenda: FY15 Priorities Process and Agenda Production. Provide support to a federal policy process and a New England-wide coalition intent on increasing resources for forest conservation across New England. Assist in the development of the FY15 Agenda for Conserving New England’s Forests.
- New England Regional Conservation Partnership Network Gathering and Training: Help organize, administer, and support a full-day conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nashua, New Hampshire.
- Fairfield County Regional Conservation Partnership (FCRCP) Focus Area Research, Woodland Owner Forum, and Strategic Action Plan: Work with the Regional Conservationist and FCRCP partners to develop a database of family forest owners in three to six subregions. Organize and produce a family-forest-owner educational forum with Highstead staff and FCRCP members. Assist FCRCP Steering Committee with the development of their 5-Year Strategic Action Plan.
- Mass-Conn Sustainable Forest Partnership: Assist the Coordinator with the production of their strategic action plan.
- W&WI Communication: Work with the communications staff and the conservation staff to develop e-newsletters and website content in support of the RCP Network.
- Conservation Event Planning, Administration and Coordination: Interns may assist with events, meetings and workshops serving a variety of conservation professionals.
Qualifications:
We seek recent graduates of Bachelor’s or Master’s level programs with a demonstrated interest and enthusiasm for the development and implementation of real-world strategies for the following areas: landscape ecology, land conservation, and forest policy. Candidates must have good writing, research, and organizational skills. They must be comfortable working in a group setting and also taking individual initiative, as they will have considerable responsibility for advancing one or more projects. Experience with Geographic Information Systems is a plus in some instances. Candidates must have access to a car for travel within and, in some cases, outside of Connecticut.
Intern compensation includes the following:
• Stipend of $5,000 for the 12-week session
• Free furnished housing
How to Apply:
Please send:
1. Cover letter describing your relevant conservation background and interests (including coursework, employment, or experience), your expectations for a successful experience, and your educational and career objectives. (300 words maximum)
2. Resume
3. Two letters of recommendation
4. Short writing sample
Please reference Conservation Intern Application as the email subject by August 15, 2013. Candidates will be notified by Sept. 6, 2013.
Contact Information:
