Friends of Rye Nature Center (FRNC) Internship Program seeks passionate and curious individuals to join us for an internship in land stewardship and conservation. FRNC’s internships are service-learning and project-oriented by design. The goal of the internship is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire hands-on experience in land stewardship and knowledge about the environment and ecology of Rye. Throughout the duration of the program, interns will help support the overall function of the nature preserve and act as ambassadors of FRNC’s mission. Interns will also complete a term project on a topic of interest and value to FRNC.

Land stewarship and conservation

Land Stewardship & Conservation: Conservation interns will work with the Conservation Director, Land Stewards, and other staff members across the 47-acre forest preserve to complete a variety of land stewardship projects. We encourage individuals who are curious and passionate about nature, like being outside, and enjoy tactile projects to apply. Areas of focus will include:

  • Invasive plant identification and management

  • Native plant and tree identification

  • Tree planting for ecological restoration

  • Trail work and beautification

  • Citizen science projects and ecological assessments

qualifications

  • Curious and interested in nature, conservation, biology, ecology, wildlife studies, environmental education, non-profit management, or related topics.

  • Comfortable taking instruction, identifying gaps in understanding when they occur, and asking questions when needed.

  • Able to work effectively both individually and as part of a team.

  • Comfortable working outdoors for several hours at a time in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain, and in proximity to poison ivy and insects.

  • Energetic and able to lift up to 50 pounds, walk on uneven surfaces, and perform movements such as bending, pulling, and pushing.

How to apply

Applicants are asked to submit a resume and a letter of interest to Jaxson Mack at jax@ryenaturecenter.org.

In your letter of interest, please tell us:

  • Why do you wish to intern with FRNC?

  • Are you interested in an internship working on land stewardship & conservation, environmental education, or both?

  • Do you have any past experiences or coursework that you think could help you succeed in this internship?

  • If your school has a required start date, duration, and/or hours per week for senior internships, please include those details.

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