“The skills I acquired this summer are indispensable and will aid me as I continue working towards gaining the academic credentials to work in the conservation biology sphere. Thank you, Steep Rock, for providing one of the most influential and enriching experiences.” (2024 Van Sinderen Conservation Intern)
Overview: Two paid, part-time Van Sinderen Conservation Internships (VSI) are available for college students to gain hands-on, real-world experience performing biological studies, ecological monitoring, recreational management, invasive species management, and outreach activities. VSIs spend most of their time in the field, working independently and with other SRA staff to complete a variety of stewardship duties. Interns jointly complete a capstone project and report on results at the conclusion of the appointment.
Expectations:
- Keep a positive attitude, have an eagerness to learn, and a willingness to do one’s best
- Ability to work both independently and as a member of a small team
- Maintain accountability, responsibility, and respectfulness in one’s work, including daily tasks and logistics
- Develop learning goals and provide a reflection of experience and knowledge gained through the position
- Follow all safety guidelines and protocols
Specific tasks may include:
- Perform land and water stewardship projects, including habitat management, biologic and hydrologic studies, species monitoring, invasive species management, etc.
- Contribute to forest management planning, stream assessments, invertebrate surveys, cavity-nesting bird and bat monitoring
- Conceptualize and carry out a research-based capstone
- Assist with recreational stewardship activities, including trail building/maintenance
- Serve as an outreach trail ambassador to visitors/hikers to facilitate a positive trail experience
- Assist with outreach programming, events, and visitor surveys as needed
- Conduct project-related administrative work, such as tabulating data, organizing files, etc., as needed
- Maintain various tools and equipment
- Other tasks & projects as determined
Qualifications:
- Interest in protecting and improving the environment for all
- Capacity to work outdoors in harsh conditions (precipitation, temperature extremes, insects, etc.)
- Must be able to regularly lift/carry 50 lbs.
- Minimum of one (1) year of college (environmental science, forestry, natural resources management, outdoor recreation, or related major preferred) OR one year of related outdoor work experience
- Valid driver’s license and use of personal vehicle for transportation amongst preserves. Experience with trucks, trailers, and utility vehicles preferred. Mileage is reimbursed at federal rate ($0.70/mile).
- Experience in conservation, field and laboratory work a plus
- Enthusiasm for SRA’s conservation mission
- Good interpersonal & communication skills
- Ability to work evenings and some weekends, as needed
Working with Steep Rock Association: This is a paid internship. Compensation is $16.50/hour, 20 hours per week for ten weeks. Start and end times are flexible to accommodate school dates. SRA has a collegial and team-oriented work environment. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and act in accordance with laws applicable to employment practices. For more information on SRA, please visit www.steeprockassoc.org.
To Apply: Submit cover letter expressing interest in position and resume/cv to info@steeprockassoc.org. Please put “VSI Intern” in the Subject line.
