Conservation Intern, Highstead Foundation – Connecticut

Organization: Highstead Foundation

Position Title: Conservation Intern

Location: Redding, Connecticut

Dates and compensation: Twelve-week period from September 28, 2015 to December 18, 2015; $5,000 and free furnished housing

Application Deadline: July 10, 2015

Description: The Conservation Interns act as research assistants in Highstead’s Conservation Program for a twelve-week period from September 28, 2015 to December 18, 2015.

Highstead’s Conservation Program is engaged in building the capacity of partners to achieve large landscape conservation strategies in New England in support of the Wildlands & Woodlands (W&W) Initiative. Highstead works with more than eighty organizations in the Northeast to advance the pace and practice of large landscape forest conservation, and fosters collaboration across political, geographical, and professional boundaries. Highstead coordinates the rapidly growing Wildlands & Woodlands Initiative in conjunction with Harvard University’s Harvard Forest.

Responsibilities: 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 Forest Policy Agenda: Provide support to a federal policy process and a New England-wide coalition intent on increasing resources for forest conservation across New England.
• New England Conservation Finance Roundtable: Assist in organizing and administering this first-ever event to identify innovative and effective strategies for doubling the pace of conservation through increases in financial capital.
• New England Regional Conservation Partnership Network Gathering and Training: Assist Highstead staff in organizing, administering, and supporting a full-day conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nashua, New Hampshire.
• Fairfield County Regional Conservation Partnership (FCRCP) Strategic Conservation Plan Mapping and Action Plan Implementation: Work with the Regional Conservationist and FCRCP Coordinator to complete the county-wide conservation map. Assist FCRCP Steering Committee with work planning for and implementation of priority projects contained within their five-year strategic action plan.
• Hudson to Housatonic Conservation Initiative: Assist Highstead staff and FCRCP Coordinator with organizing workshops for landowners interested in conserving and managing their land for climate resilient habitat and drinking water quality.
• Signature Landscape Program: Assist Highstead staff in researching, quantifying, mapping, or otherwise illustrating the geographical extent of a larger signature landscape that includes Highstead and surrounding fields, farms, and forests.
• W&WI and RCP Network Communication: Work with the communications staff and the conservation staff to develop e-newsletters and website content in support of W&WI and 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 Bachelors or Masters 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 (GIS) is a plus in some instances. Candidates must have access to a car for travel within, and in some cases outside of, Connecticut.

How to Apply: Please send the following materials to Jody Cologgi, [email protected] and reference “Conservation Intern Application” as the email subject. Candidates will be notified by Aug. 7, 2015.

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)
Resume
Two letters of recommendation (please make sure to have your references send their letters by email to [email protected])
Short writing sample