December 28, 2024
WE ARE HIRING!
JOIN OUR TEAM THIS SUMMER!
Richard G. Rockefeller Conservation Internship
in partnership with Maine Coast Heritage Trust & Pierce Pond Watershed Trust
2023 Rockefeller Intern and 2024 Parkman Hill Farm Intern Ayden Grimm, left, and 2024 Rockefeller Intern Sam Foye, right
Somerset Woods Trustees will again host a Rockefeller Conservation Intern in Summer 2025!
Join us and participate in a variety of projects that combine land conservation, trails management, and community engagement. This internship offers a unique experience, with 60% of the intern’s time dedicated to supporting Somerset Woods’ programs in a more urban environment and 40% focused on stewarding the remote and rural Pierce Pond Watershed.
This position is ideal for students passionate about conservation and eager to gain hands-on experience in land stewardship. An optional part of this internship includes identifying and pursuing an independent project aligned with the intern’s interests and the needs of Somerset Woods. Although an independent project is encouraged, it is not required.
Primary Tasks:
• Assist with 2 major trail relocation projects, to ensure trails are sustainable and usable by beginner and family hikers. The intern will work with a team to build new trails and install infrastructure such as signage, benches, and bridges. Upon completion of these relocations, the intern will help organize a community block party to celebrate the changes and engage the community.
• Basic maintenance (brushing, tread widening, blazing) on other properties in support of designated site stewards and volunteer group needs. At Pierce Pond, the intern will assist with the annual volunteer trails day in addition to blowdown removal. Most trails within the watershed must be accessed by boat, which the intern would learn to operate.
• Participate in bi-weekly water quality monitoring and data collection at Pierce Pond, focusing on protecting aquatic habitats and assessing environmental health. As part of this effort, the intern will be expected to spend time building relationships with the local community on behalf of the Trust to raise awareness about the local impacts of climate change, and the importance of supplemental water quality data with respect to long-term stewardship.
• Play a key role in improving infrastructure at the Kennebec Banks Rest Area, a well-loved picnic area being developed into a conservation demonstration site. This includes organizing and supporting volunteer “paint party” days to enhance facilities. The area will serve as a hub for future workshops on invasive species and aquatic ecosystem health.
• Install and maintain property signage to ensure clear communication and accessibility for visitors across Somerset Woods properties. This may include painting, installing, assembling, or maintaining signs.
Internship Period:
June 2 - August 8, 2025
Benefits Include:
Hourly wage $16, training, and work mileage reimbursement
Free shared housing with laundry facilities provided at Parkman Hill Farm in Solon, Somerset Woods’ seasonal headquarters
Application Deadline:
Friday, February 14, 2025
More Information & Application Form:
Review program information at MCHT’s Web site: https://www.mcht.org/get-involved-now/internship-program/prospective-interns/
When ready to apply, use the online application form here
Questions?
For general internship program questions, contact the MCHT internship program manager at interns@mcht.org.
For questions about the internship at SWT, contact Rachel at 207-612-1606 or via email at rachel@somersetwoodstrustees.org.