The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) is seeking two college-level students for a 32 hour/week paid summer internship. Applicants from underrepresented communities and/or without previous conservation experience are particularly encouraged. This ten-week opportunity is intended for undergraduate or graduate students to explore options in the field of conservation.

FLLT recognizes that all people should benefit from land and water conservation efforts. As part of a broader effort to ensure that conservation benefits everyone, the FLLT is offering these two paid summer internships designed to bring new voices to the table and to foster an understanding of conservation and non-profit operations. Learn more about the FLLT’s commitment to access and engagement.

The ten-week internship will focus on the FLLT’s Land Stewardship program, while also introducing all aspects of the FLLT’s operations.  Approximately half 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 half of the interns’ time will involve experiential learning within the FLLT’s other departments and will introduce conservation real estate transactions, fundraising, and non-profit administration.

The internship provides an hourly wage with a range of $18.00 – $18.45. The FLLT will provide transportation to any out-of-office work sites.

Eligibility

• Interest in pursuing a career in an environmental or non-profit management field.
• Minimum of one year of college completed.
• Capable of completing tasks that involve physical labor including: 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.
• Current driver’s license preferred.
• Strong communication skills.
• Commitment to work for a ten-week period out of the FLLT’s downtown office located in Ithaca, NY.

About the Finger Lakes Land Trust

The Finger Lakes Land Trust is a non-profit conservation organization that works cooperatively with landowners and local communities to conserve those lands and waters that are vital to the future of the 12-county region. To date, the FLLT has secured more than 35,000 acres of the region’s undeveloped shoreline, rugged gorges, majestic forests, and scenic farmland.  The work of the FLLT is carried out by 21 paid staff and an extensive network of volunteers.

The Finger Lakes Land Trust is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

To Apply

Please send the following information and documentation:

• Two references: one personal and one who can speak to either work or academic success.
• Personal statement (no more than one page in length) including the following information:
  • What interests you about this internship?
  • What makes you the best candidate for this opportunity?
  • Why is conservation work important to you?

• Please provide one of the following: a narrative of your work experience, a CV (curriculum vitae) or a resume.

Via email to mollycorley@fllt.org with Summer Internship in the subject line.

or by mail to:

Finger Lakes Land Trust
ATTN: Summer Internship
202 East Court Street
Ithaca, NY 14850

Questions? Call (607) 275-9487 and ask for Molly Corley.

Applications received prior to February 23, 2026 will be prioritized.