Land Management Intern (Summer 2025)

The Fresh Air Fund

Beacon, NY 12508, USA

Published: 6/14/2022

Science

Full Time

Job Description

Land Management Intern

Sharpe Reservation and Hudson Highlands Land Trust Preserves

Since its founding in 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit youth development organization, has provided free life-changing summer experiences outdoors to more than 1.8 million children from New York City’s underserved communities. Young people also participate in year-round leadership, career exploration and educational programs. For more information, visit www.FreshAir.org.

The Hudson Highlands Land Trust is a community-based, nonprofit land conservation organization that protects and preserves the natural resources and scenic beauty of the Hudson Highlands region. For more information, visit www.hhlt.org.

Since 2019 The Fresh Air Fund (FAF) and Hudson Highlands Land Trust (HHLT) have collaborated on this jointly held internship program.

Position Summary

Land Management Interns focus on invasive species management and habitat restoration working at both Sharpe Reservation and Granite Mountain. Interns will perform invasive species inventories, assessment, monitoring, and control at The Sharpe Reservation and HHLT’s properties. Under the supervision of both the HHLT, Preserve Manager and Ecological Restoration Specialist and The Sharpe Reservation Program Coordinator, intern(s) will assist in managing the diverse natural systems on the properties, including: controlling and removing invasive plant species in target areas; monitoring wildlife populations of invasive pests of hemlocks and ash trees; completing assessments of specified areas; assistance in the creation of an Invasive Species Management Plan at The Sharpe Reservation; creation of educational outreach videos and materials. Interns will also help lead educational hikes and volunteer days, while also working remotely with a team of interns at the Vassar Ecological Preserve and the Louis Calder Center.

Interns will receive hands-on experience in natural areas management to further the development of the intern(s) toward their professional trajectory. This position is designed to ground the individual with professional skill sets related to ecological land management while improving ecosystem health in the Hudson Valley. 

This is an in-person residential position based at The Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill, NY. This role reports to the HHLT, Preserve Manager and Ecological Restoration Specialist and The Sharpe Reservation Program Coordinator.

Responsibilities

Implement the Invasive Species management plan for The Sharpe Reservation.

Survey, monitor, and manage invasive species, both terrestrial and aquatic.
Utilize GIS to map the current range and distribution of invasive species throughout Sharpe Reservation, as well as detect possible pathways of invasion.
Identify and remove invasive species (based on target species or geographies) at Sharpe Reservation and HHLT’s Preserves.
Monitor plots throughout the properties, such as ash plots, hemlock woody adelgid plots, spotted lantern fly plots, and beech leaf disease plots.
Lead volunteer groups on invasive species removal projects.
Lead public hikes focused on invasive species and the natural world.
Participate in trail work and the monitoring/management of invasive species along respective trails.
Create an interpretive brochure, signage, videos, and social media related to invasive species – their impact on habitat, management, and the like.
Update iMapInvasives entries for HHLT’s Preserves.
Other responsibilities and duties as assigned.

Desired Skills and Experience

At the Fresh Air Fund and Hudson Highland Land trust, our priority is finding the best candidate for the job. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the qualifications or have a less traditional background.

Earning or recently completed a degree in Natural Sciences, Biology, Botany, Environmental Studies, Sustainability, a related field, or similar work experience.
Basic knowledge of ecology.
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Desire to learn.
Ability to use technology (PCs and iPad) and MS Office suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
Working knowledge of ArcGIS is desirable but not required.
Ability to follow protocols, collect accurate data, and maintain data in an organized fashion.

Valid Driver’s License and personal transportation preferred for residential participants, commuting participants need reliable transportation to and from work.
Previous experience with invasive species management is desirable but not required.
Ability to use hand tools.
Ability to perform tasks requiring physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions, and on difficult terrain.
Ability to stand, stoop, bend and carry heavy loads.

Employment period: Begin June 2nd, 2025 and ends June 28th, 2025

Compensation: $16.00-$17.00 per hour based on experience. Onsite Housing as well as limited meals provided. Gas mileage reimbursement provided at the end of the employment period.

Application Instructions

To apply, please fill out a Land Management Intern application. We are hiring on a rolling basis and encourage interested applicants to apply as early as possible. No calls or recruiters, please.

The Fresh Air Fund is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring, and dedicated to diversity in its work and on its staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.