Landscape Architecture-Bedford Hills, New York
Organization: Weschester Land Trust
Position Title: Landscape Architecture
Location: Bedford Hills, New York
Hours and Compensation: $3,200
Application Deadline: Not listed
Overview:
About the sponsoring organization: Founded in 1988 by dedicated residents, Westchester Land Trust (WLT) works together with public and private partners to preserve land in perpetuity, and to protect and enhance the natural resources in our communities. The Land Trust has preserved approximately 7,500 acres through accepting the donations of conservation easements, or by accepting the donation of parcels of land by the transfer of ownership. WLT’s conservation efforts impact the long-term health of the cities, towns and villages of Westchester and Eastern Putnam Counties through protection of watersheds, wildlife, air and water quality, and local food supply.
Project background: Westchester Land Trust is headquartered in Bedford Hills, New York at Sugar Hill Farm. As the regional leader in land conservation, WLT sees the need for the transformation of Sugar Hill Farm’s residential four acres into a venue where environmentally sound and resilient land-management practices can be demonstrated. In addition, WLT owns and maintains 24 preserves, 10 of which have trails and are open to the public for hiking, nature study, and other forms of passive recreation that bring people into contact with the natural world. WLT sees the need to enhance the visitor experience at two of its most visited preserves by expanding parking and making the main entries more inviting.
Intern responsibilities: Working under the direction of WLTs Director of Stewardship the intern will undertake three projects—1) Develop a Sugar Hill Farm landscape design plan, with budget and implementation schedule, that provides for the remediation of the impacts of invasive plants and storm water runoff, enhances wildlife habitat, promotes the use of native plants grown from locally collected seeds, and includes educational materials for distribution to homeowners; 2) Develop a plan and budget for expanded parking and enhanced entry at the Westchester Wilderness Walk/Zofnass Family Preserve in Pound Ridge including the determination of local permitting requirements; and 3) Develop a plan and budget to provide parking and enhanced entry at the Frederick P. Rose & Rock Shelter Preserves in Lewisboro including the determination of local permitting requirements..
Local Landscape Architect and site planner Glenn Ticehurst, Benedek & Ticehurst, will provide guidance and technical support.
Recognizing that the best lessons in sustainable design are learned from studying meadows and other wild areas, the final plan for Sugar Hill Farm will incorporate the patterns or habits of natural areas to yield a vibrant landscape with depth and relevancy. Finally, intern will produce a set of deliverables to be presented at a public presentation in late August (date TBD) and implemented by WLT’s stewardship department.
Please note: A portfolio of 3 samples of recent (and relevant) design work must accompany the application.
*** The intern is required to be equipped with the computer hardware and software noted below ***
Position Summary
Dates: June – August (start & end dates are flexible)
Time commitment: 30 – 35 hours per week, 8 – 10 weeks, 260 hours minimum.
Stipend: $3,200
Education: Undergraduate-degree or graduate-degree candidates in Landscape Design or Landscape Architecture with a strong and demonstrable interest in horticulture, naturalized landscapes, habitat management, or a related field.
Pertinent experience/skills: Required – Excellent drafting and graphic-communication skills; willingness to work independently; willingness to work outdoors and in adverse weather conditions; and industry-specific computer skills.
Lodging: Intern must secure own housing for the duration of the internship.
Primary office location: Sugar Hill Farm, Bedford Hills, NY
Primary field location: Sugar Hill Farm, Bedford Hills, NY and WLT Preserves in Pound Ridge and Lewisboro.
Transportation: Must have personal vehicle to use for WLT business, a valid driver’s license and personal auto insurance. Travel expenses/mileage are not reimbursed.
For application forms and complete submission details visit: westchesterlandtrust.org/internships.
Landscape Architecture Intern MUST have personal laptop computer with the following software – Microsoft Office or Open Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk Auto Cad Civil 3D; and ESRI ArcGIS. Alternative software will be considered in fulfillment of this requirement if accepted by the Landscape Architecture/Environmental Design Department of the candidate’s college or university.
Please direct any questions you might have regarding this internship to: David Emerson, Director of Stewardship
