May – August 2024 (internship could start in April if applicant is available)
Introduction and Job Description
Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) is looking for curious and driven individuals
to intern during our busy Summer 2024 Field Season.
Lake Stewards of Maine is a nonprofit organization which promotes lake stewardship through
widespread citizen participation in the gathering and dissemination of credible scientific information
pertaining to lake health.
Each Year, LSM engages over 1000 volunteers to monitor and collect data on over 500 lakes across the
State. For nearly 30 years, LSM has worked closely with the Maine Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) to ensure the standardization and validity of volunteer data.
The Lake Programs Field Intern will assist the operations of both the Water Quality (WQ) and Aquatic
Invasive Species (AIS) teams. Tasks include but are not limited to: training of volunteers, preparation of
volunteer documentation, operation of watercraft, assisting in the operation and maintenance of water
quality monitoring equipment (including water quality meters, Secchi discs, and water core tubes),
assisting with native and invasive aquatic plant identification, photo-documenting volunteer trainings,
preparing data visualizations and guidance documents for outreach activities. The intern will be based at
LSM’s main office in Auburn, ME, and will also travel with LSM staff across the state of Maine to assist
with WQ and AIS Programs.
Interested Candidates Should Possess:
– An interest in lakes and lake science
– An interest in nonprofit organizations
– Comfort in being on the water in small craft
– Interest in working with community (citizen) science volunteers across a wide spectrum of age groups
and backgrounds
– Knowledge of and interest in environmental sciences, biology, or chemistry
– Experience working with scientific data
– A passion for educating others
– The ability to interpret complex systems/scientific information to non-technical audiences
– Strong interpersonal skills, including communication skills, and working with others
– A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
– Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
From this experience interns can expect to gain:
– Improved understanding of lakes and lake science
– Learning the role of nonprofit organizations in advancing social and environmental benefit
– Knowledge of the inner-workings of a state-wide nonprofit organization
– Public speaking, teaching, and written and verbal communication skills
– Experience in on-water activities, including kayaking, motorboating, plant identification, and water
quality monitoring
– Meet a wide range of environmental stakeholders across Maine, including individuals from partnering
NGOs, State government offices, and volunteer scientists
– Understanding of the importance of water quality on local ecosystems and economies
– Understanding of the threat of aquatic invasive species to Maine’s lakes
Pay, Certification, Benefits, and Hours:
– This is an unpaid internship; however, LSM will assist students in securing funding through their
colleges or universities.
– LSM Aquatic Invasive Species certification
– LSM Water Quality certification
– Boater safety training
– Opportunities to travel to lakes across Maine
This is a part-to-full-time position which requires in-person work, and necessary travel with some
weekend and overnight availability.
To Apply: Please send a resume and formal letter of interest in PDF format to
[email protected] with subject “Re: [your name] Lake Programs Intern”. File attachments
should include the applicant’s name in the file name.
Applications are due by Sunday, March 17, 2024.
Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis.
Selected candidates will be contacted with time slots for virtual interviews