2020 Internships: A Summer of Inspiration

Thank you for your interest. We are no longer accepting applications for the 2020 season. Please check back in 2021.

Are you a high school or college student who wants to gain experience in gardening, conservation, or non-profit administration? Build your resume and gain real-world skills by applying for one of Steep Rock Association’s 2020 summer internship programs: Judea Garden Internship, Van Sinderen Conservation Internship, or Administrative Internship.

Judea Garden Internship

“I am so glad I decided to apply for the internship this summer; I have learned more about gardening, food, and organic practices than I ever hoped to”
– Willow Galusha, 2019 Judea Garden Intern

The Judea Garden, a Steep Rock Association community project, is offering two paid summer internship positions from June 29 through August 22, 2020. Now in its twelfth season, the Judea Garden has grown, harvested, and distributed over 36,000 pounds of fresh produce to members of our community with limited financial resources through local food banks, senior centers, and social service agents.
This is an excellent opportunity for a high school or college student to gain a deeper understanding of sustainable agriculture and current food issues. Interns will identify and control insects and diseases, identify weeds and their properties, use succession harvesting through planting for fall crops, harvest and distribute foods, and participate in an assortment of other garden tasks. At the end of the summer season, interns will present or share what they have learned to the local community as part of our Open Garden Day on August 22.

Applicants must be either high school students (16 years old by end of summer) or college students (including class of 2020) and be available to work 20 hours/week in a food bank garden located in Washington, Connecticut. Compensation is $11.00 per hour. For more information, please contact Denise Arturi at denise.arturi@steeprockassoc.org or by phone at (860) 868-9131. Interested applicants may apply by filling out this Application.

2019 Judea Garden Interns, Willow Galusha and Elizabeth Grimaldi, planting seedlings for fall harvest.

Photo Credit: Denise Arturi, Steep Rock Association

Van Sinderen Conservation Internship

“Every day felt rewarding in some way or another, whether it was electrofishing in Kirby Brook or using a flamethrower to burn invasive rose…No matter what we were doing, I always felt that I was helping to make the preserves just a little bit better.”
-Calvin Palmer, 2019 Van Sinderen Conservation Intern

Steep Rock Association is offering two college-level, paid Van Sinderen Conservation Internship positions for the 2020 summer season.
Conservation Interns will spend most of their time in the field, working both independently and with SRA staff to complete a wide variety of projects across SRA’s 2,500 acres of preserved land and 40 miles of trails. Projects include: wildlife habitat improvement, stream surveys, invasive species removal, biodiversity studies, trail maintenance and construction, pruning, blazing, campsite prep and more. In addition, the Conservation Interns will jointly oversee and complete a capstone conservation project. At the end of the summer season, the Interns will share their experience via a short article or photographic document. This is a tremendous opportunity to experience all aspects of working in a small non-profit land trust. To get a better sense of the day-to-day, check out this article from 2019 Van Sinderen Conservation Intern Jack Roush.

Applicants must be college students (including class of 2020). Start and end dates are flexible to accommodate school schedules. Interns must be able to work 20 hours/week and have a valid Driver’s License with access to their own vehicle. Please click on the link for a more detailed Job Description and overview of expectations and responsibilities. Compensation is $11.00 per hour, plus mileage reimbursement.

Please direct any questions to Mike Giapponi, either via e-mail at mike@steeprockassoc.org or by calling (860) 868-9131. Interested applicants may apply by filling out this Application.

2019 Van Sinderen Conservation Interns, Jack Roush and Calvin Palmer, inventorying fish species in Steep Rock Preserve.

Photo Credit: Rory Larson, Steep Rock Association

Administrative Internship

“I had a great time working for Steep Rock this summer, but more than anything else I enjoyed working on a design for volunteer thank-yous– it allowed me to channel my creativity while working on a clear project, and also granted me some greater insight into the community service that supports non-profits like Steep Rock.”

– Macy Toppan, 2019 Administrative Intern

Steep Rock Association is offering one unpaid Administrative Internship position for the 2020 summer season.
Administrative Interns will spend most of their time in the SRA office, completing a wide variety of administrative and marketing projects. Projects may include: researching and archiving land records, fielding public inquiries and camping requests, editing SRA’s website, and designing flyers, newsletters, and other marketing materials. If you are considering a career in non-profit administration or management, this is a phenomenal opportunity to explore the inner workings of a non-profit office and develop practical marketing, organization, and communication skills.

Applicants must be college students (including class of 2020) or have one year of related work experience. Start and end dates are flexible to accommodate school schedules. Interns must be able to work 20 hours/week. For a more detailed job description and overview of responsibilities and expectations, click here. This position is unpaid and housing is not available at this time.

Please direct any questions to Kelly Sarandrea, either via e-mail at kellys@steeprockassoc.org or by calling (860) 868-9131. To apply, please fill out this Application Form.