About the Trust: The Orleans Conservation Trust is a non-profit land trust with a mission to preserve and enhance natural areas and resources in the Town of Orleans for the use and benefit of the community, to ensure the survival of native plants and animals, and to promote public appreciation and responsibility for the environment through education. Since its founding in 1970, OCT has preserved over 640 acres in Orleans through deeded gifts, conservation restrictions, and purchases. OCT has over 1,100 members annually supporting our work. OCT recognizes that preserving and protecting Orleans’ natural resources takes more than a single generation. It takes young professionals becoming actively engaged—young people who will be inspired to be the environmental stewards of the future. Our interns work side-by-side with staff and community leaders on land stewardship initiatives. OCT interns gain valuable professional experience and develop a passion to save open spaces. Position Description: This is a dynamic position, and the intern will work directly with staff to advance the mission of OCT. They will be asked to assist with land management needs which may include property monitoring, trail maintenance, and various other land stewardship projects. This summer, a critical component of the position will be researching and compiling information on OCT land’s historical, cultural, and ecological values to improve the educational experience for visitors. The intern will report directly to the Land Stewardship Coordinator and will work closely with the Executive Director. The intern will also have the opportunity to participate in various committee meetings with staff and board members.
Responsibilities Overview:
• Research historical, cultural, ecological, and natural features of OCT properties to develop content for trails and kiosks
• Assist with property monitoring and reporting
• Boundary finding and demarcation
• Assist with trail maintenance and land management projects
• Other duties as needed
Expectations
• This position requires both field and office work, and the intern is expected to provide
their own vehicle for transportation (mileage reimbursement provided).
• Start and end date: The ideal candidate will be able to start in late May or early June and
work steadily (total 10-12 weeks).
• Hours: 32 hours a week, Tuesday-Friday with days running from 8:30-4:30
• Oversight: Report directly to the Land Stewardship Coordinator daily. The Executive
Director and the Land Stewardship coordinator will meet with the intern regularly to
ensure the intern understands their role and the prioritization of projects underway.
The intern can expect to work both independently and directly with OCT staff.
Candidate Qualifications:
• Organization, communication, and writing skills
• Individuals with a background in environmental studies, biology, botany, natural
resource management, or related field preferred
• A competitive applicant will have graphic design experience
• Ability to research and interpret historical information gathered from local individuals
and other nontraditional sources
• Applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the job including land
management activities which may be strenuous
• Experience with or the ability to learn proper use and maintenance of power and hand
tools such as hedge-trimmers, brush-cutters, and weed-whackers
• Experience driving a pickup truck with a trailer preferred
• Strong interpersonal skills; flexibility; self-motivation; able to communicate with others
• Must be comfortable working independently as well as part of the OCT team
• Ability to work outdoors with hazards that include possible contact with poison ivy and
ticks, sun exposure, and inclement weather
Compensation:
$15/hour, plus gas mileage reimbursement
Benefits:
• Introduction to non-profit dynamics, land management practices on Cape Cod, and land
trust operations
• Opportunity to work directly with Town government and local land trusts
• Fulfillment of working directly with a local conservation organization with 50 years of
demonstrated success
Applicants should send a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references
to [email protected] with the subject “Summer Internship”.
This position will be open until March 19, 2021 or until filled. Thank you for your interest!
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