Interns: Emily Silver and Eva Weyers
Regional Conservation Program
Initiatives | Eligibility | How to Apply | Working at Highstead | Compensation
Regional Conservation Internship Program Description
Interns will participate in Highstead's conservation initiative-based projects (see bulleted list below) as research assistants with the Regional Conservationist for a twelve-week period from September 26 to December 16, 2011.
Highstead's Regional Conservation Program is engaged in advancing a deeper understanding of cutting edge land conservation strategies in New England. Highstead works with over eighty conservation, planning, academic, philanthropic, and forestry organizations in the Northeast fostering collaborations across political, geographical, and professional boundaries. Many of these groups are members of the Wildlands and Woodlands Partnership, currently coordinated by Highstead's Regional Conservationist.
Interns will be responsible for managing two to three projects each that serve to build the capacity of regional conservation partnerships or other collaborative initiatives. Interns will have the opportunity to work on projects alone, together with another intern, and with the Regional Conservationist.
We will be filling two intern positions each with its own focus: 1) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data development, manipulation and analysis and 2) Partnership events and case study research. Both positions will include Internet research, writing, interaction with conservationists, use of multi-media, developing web content, data entry, and analysis.
In addition, interns may interact with conservation, forestry, forest ecologist, and planning professionals from the Northeast as well as with researchers from Harvard Forest, Harvard University. Students are encouraged to attend seminars and guided tours held at Highstead given by nationally and internationally regarded scientists and conservationists.
Regional Conservation Program Initiatives
Work with Highstead staff to advance the pace of conservation in New England by bringing your energy, enthusiasm, and writing, researching, and/or computer mapping skills to three or more of the following initiatives and projects:
- Assist in organizing and logistics planning for the fall 2011 Wildlands and Woodlands Partnership meeting, the Regional Partnership Gathering 2011, and a real estate and tax attorney workshop on land conservation. Learn to facilitate meetings in-person and on-line concurrently using Adobe Connect Pro.
- Develop the first ever score card for measuring and tracking conservation success for all of New England by working with data generated by partners including The Nature Conservancy and the Land Trust Alliance.
- Map a conservation vision and develop a threats assessment for the Fairfield County Regional Conservation Partnership.
- Provide support to a federal policy process and coalition intent on increasing resources for forest conservation across New England.
- Explore and assess the capacity of the Borderlands region of CT/RI to support an ongoing regional conservation partnership(s).
- Help coordinate training programs in support of the US Forest Service-funded Northeast Family Forest Owner Outreach Initiative, an element of a grant being led by Highstead staff.
Eligibility
We seek current college students or recent graduates with a demonstrated interest and enthusiasm for the development and implementation of real world strategies for the following areas: landscape ecology, land conservation, forestry, and smart growth-based regional planning. Experience with Geographic Information Systems is a plus. Candidates must have access to a car/truck for travel within and in some cases outside of Connecticut.
How To Apply
All application materials must be received at the address below by September 1, 2011. Candidates will be notified by September 15, 2011.
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Cover letter describing your related environmental science, planning, natural resource conservation background and interests (including relevant courses, employment, or experiences), your expectations for a successful experience, and your educational and career objectives. (300 words maximum)
Please send all materials to
Bill Labich, Regional Conservationist
Highstead
PO Box 1097
Redding Center, CT 06875
Working at Highstead
Located approximately halfway between Hartford, CT and New York City, Highstead is 150 acres of woodland, wetland, and meadow secluded in the quiet town of Redding, CT, located some 50 miles southwest of Hartford, CT and 50 miles northeast of New York City. Highstead's staff is small, so interns become important members of the Highstead community during their stay. Facilities include office space, reception/presentation room with art gallery, library and reading room, laboratory and greenhouse space, herbarium, and maintenance garage. The nearest town with grocery store and other amenities is Bethel, CT, about a 10 minute drive to the north, and a commuter rail line to NYC is located in West Redding.
Nearby Attractions: Redding has a large number of nature preserves, state parks, and hiking trails and is situated in the most undeveloped part of Fairfield County. The Nature Conservancy's, 1800- acre Devil's Den Preserve is located several miles south as is the Saugatuck Reservoir, offering striking watershed views and miles of hiking trails. The Connecticut Coast is about a 30 minute drive south, while the rural highlands of northwestern, CT are about 45 minutes north.
Compensation
Student compensation includes the following:
- Stipend of $5,000 for the 12-week session
- Free furnished housing
