HCT Land Stewardship Internship 2013

Organizational Overview:

The Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) is a leader in creating public-private land conservation partnerships that sustain Harwich as a livable, vibrant community for current and future generations. Harwich’s sandy beaches, windswept marshes, quiet woods, and sun-dappled waters create a fragile place that is home to residents and a destination for tourists. Over-development erodes the environmental qualities that shape our sense of place. HCT seeks to preserve Harwich’s quality of life by protecting priority lands because it is the smart, practical, necessary thing to do for ourselves, our families, our town, our region.  HCT is pleased to offer four residential positions for the 2013 summer. Two of these positions are land stewardship internships. Successful candidates will have a passion for the environment, a wiliness to learn and assist a small non-profit land trust to further the goals of the trust to preserve and protect open space in Harwich.

Position Description:

The Land Stewardship Intern will assist staff with land conservation and management objectives.   Candidate will report to HCT Outreach & Stewardship Coordinator and the Executive Director.   Activities may include, land management projects, volunteer coordination, possible GIS work and other projects that reflect candidate’s interests and HCT’s needs.

Responsibilities:

• 4 day commitment to HCT
• Perform trail and sign maintenance where applicable and as directed.
• Work independently and in a group to complete stewardship objectives.
• Assist staff with coordination of volunteer events
• Participation in HCT special events or projects such as property clean-ups, invasive plant species removal
• Assist with land acquisition, fundraising, and other stewardship projects as needed
• Coordinate HCT stewardship volunteers

Candidate Qualifications:

• Interest in working outdoors and a commitment to conservation.
• Willingness and enthusiasm to perform indoor and outdoor tasks.
• Basic knowledge of GIS and GPS desired, but will train.
• General knowledge of local flora and fauna is helpful, but not required.

Training Provided:

• Basic invasive plant identification and removal techniques.
• Depending on candidate’s strengths, training will be provided for required tasks.
• Individual orientation to introduce the volunteer to his/her associated responsibilities.

Commitment:  Summer 2013, four, 8-10 hour days a week

Benefits:

• Housing provided
• Satisfaction of directly participating in local conservation and preservation efforts.
• Introduction to principles of property stewardship, plant identification, and invasive plant species removal, GIS, GPS, boundary delineation, and property assessment.

How to apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume by February 27, 2013 via email to Ryan Mann at hctryan@cape.com.