The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) is a non-profit land conservation organization that has protected more than 32,000 acres of undeveloped lakeshore, gorges, forests, meadows, and farmland, and owns and manages a network of nature preserves that are open to the public. The organization focuses on protecting wildlife habitat, water quality, connected conservation lands, scenic areas, outdoor recreation assets, and prime farmland. The FLLT has 18 dedicated staff members and more than 200 active volunteers.
Position Summary
The FLLT is seeking two college-level students for a 32 hr/week paid summer internship, applications from underrepresented minorities are particularly encouraged. This ten-week opportunity is intended for undergraduate or graduate students from diverse backgrounds or cultures to explore options in the field of conservation.
FLLT recognizes that all people should benefit from land and water conservation efforts. We also recognize the need to do more to engage diverse communities that are under-represented within the conservation field. As part of a broader effort to ensure that conservation benefits everyone, the FLLT is offering these two paid summer internships designed to bring diverse voices to the table and to foster a more inclusive work environment. Learn more about the FLLT’s commitment to diversity here.
The ten-week internship will focus on the FLLT’s Land Stewardship program, while also providing an introduction to all aspects of the FLLT’s operations. Approximately 2/3 of the interns’ time will be spent with FLLT Stewardship staff and volunteers working on a variety of projects including the development of hiking trails and public access improvements, and the control of non-native invasive plant species. The remaining 1/3 of the interns’ time will involve experiential learning within FLLT’s other departments to introduce conservation real estate transactions, fundraising, and non-profit administration. The internship provides an hourly wage of $18.45. The FLLT will provide transportation to any out-of-office work sites.
Eligibility
- Interest in pursuing a career in an environmental field.
- Minimum of one year of college completed.
- Capable of completing tasks that involve physical labor: working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, and comfort traveling on foot in the woods, across steep terrain, and on large rural properties.
- Ability to use a variety of power tools, or be willing to learn how.
- Ability to understand and read maps and orient oneself.
- Strong communication skills.
- Commitment to work for ten weeks out of the FLLT’s downtown office located in Ithaca, NY.
Additional Information
The Finger Lakes Land Trust is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other legally protected characteristics.
To Apply
Please send the application information and documentation below via email to meghannwhitaker@fllt.org with Summer Internship in the subject line.
• Two references: one personal and one who can speak to either work or academic success.
• Personal statement of no more than one page in length which includes the following:
– What interests you about land conservation and stewardship?
– What makes you the best candidate for this opportunity?
– Why is bringing more diversity and inclusion to conservation important to you?
• Please provide one of the following: a narrative of your work experience, a CV (curriculum vitae), or a resume.
Or mail to:
Finger Lakes Land Trust
ATTN: Summer Internship
202 East Court Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
You can also find this opportunity on https://app.joinhandshake.com.
Any questions? Please call us at (607) 275-9487 and ask for Meghann.
Applications received before March 15th will be prioritized.
