Sustainable Forestry Intern
The NorthWoods Stewardship Center is hiring three Sustainable Forestry Interns for an 11-week fall season. Interns will gain experience while working with Forest Stewardship staff on forestry, conservation, habitat management, and landowner outreach projects.
NorthWoods is a non-profit conservation organization serving the communities of northern Vermont and New Hampshire through our Education, Conservation Corps, Conservation Science, and Forest Stewardship programs. Our Charleston, Vermont campus and 1,450 acre demonstration forest are a destination for outdoor recreation, as well as a hub for youth and adult education, sustainable land management, and ecological conservation.
Projects during the 2023 Sustainable Forestry Internship will include:
- Invasive plant control (under supervision of a Vermont Commercial Pesticide Applicator)
- Pre-commercial thinning, low-impact timber harvesting and trail work in the NorthWoods Demonstration Forest
- Landscape-level ecological assessments
- Wildlife habitat enhancement projects
- Tree planting for riparian restoration, upland reforestation and climate resilience
- Forest inventory and consulting (working with a Vermont Licensed Forester)
- Firewood processing, and supporting various NorthWoods programs and facilities
- Participation in professional development events/training
Emphasis will be placed on gaining knowledge and understanding while completing boots-on-the-ground projects, with reading and discussions about silviculture, management goals/decisions, and forest dynamics. Current forest health priorities will be addressed, with a focus on landscape-level forest integrity, sustainable forestry practices, and invasive species management.
Qualified applicants should have basic knowledge of ecology and/or forestry, ability to identify local tree species, and chainsaw training (Game of Logging, US Forest Service or equivalent. For those without chainsaw training, Game of Logging will be offered at a reduced cost during the internship. Preferred qualifications include a bachelor’s degree or equivalent knowledge of forestry/ environmental science, Wilderness First Aid/First Responder training, and/or forest management experience.
This position is very physically demanding and requires extensive outdoor work in varied weather. Applicants must be comfortable with this work environment and able to navigate in the woods with a map/compass and GPS unit. A positive attitude, strong work ethic, physical fitness, and interest in forest ecology, management and education are essential!
Working during COVID-19: NorthWoods has implemented health and safety guidelines for all staff and visitors in line with CDC guidelines. Vaccination against COVID-19 is required for all staff members. Our workplace procedures will continue to evolve based on information from the State of Vermont and health experts to keep our community safe.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: People of every race, color, gender, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, belief system and background are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation will be made for applicants with disabilities. NorthWoods believes that diversity in our workplace is essential to building vibrant human and natural communities, and strives to provide opportunities for everyone without discrimination.
Employment Period: August 14 , 2023 – October 27, 2023 (11 weeks). 40 hrs/week. Start/end dates may be flexible for qualified applicants with scheduling conflicts. Occasional weekend work will be required
Compensation: $15.50/hr. Discounted housing may be available; inquire for details. Free/discounted participation in NorthWoods events and free equipment rentals (canoes, camping gear, woodshop, etc.)
How to Apply: E-mail a single PDF document containing a cover letter and resume to forestry@northwoodscenter.org
Application review will begin in February and interviews will be conducted in March. Positions open until filled.
Contact: Sam Perron, Director of Forest Stewardship sam@northwoodscenter.org
Devan Pensinger, Forestry Outreach Coordinator devan@northwoodscenter.org
(802)723-6551 extension 302
PO Box 220, East Charleston, VT 05833
For more information on the Forest Stewardship Institute at NorthWoods, please visit http://www.northwoodscenter.org/wordpress/forest-stewardship-institute-fsi/