Position Announcement – Black Rock Forest Internship Program
JOIN BLACK ROCK FOREST!
Black Rock Forest (BRF; www.blackrockforest.org) is a growing environmental non-profit organization with programs in environmental research, education, and conservation. The organization’s facilities, including offices, labs, classrooms, and a lodge, are in the 3,920-acre Forest of the same name in Cornwall, NY. BRF has a staff of 10 and functions as a biological field station with 26 miles of hiking trails and another 17 miles of gated forest roads.
Position summary:
BRF is seeking interns to support our programs in forest stewardship & conservation, education, and research. Internships are in-person at Black Rock Forest with a minimum of 100 hours and maximum of 200 hours. These are volunteer positions, but interns will be granted an equipment and travel stipend ($500 – $1000, depending on length of service). Interns will be provided with opportunities to learn or interact with all aspects of the organization including non-profit administration, fundraising, education programming, public outreach, land conservation and stewardship, and research.
Competitive applicants will:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Enjoy and have experience working outside in forest settings, off-trail, in varied weather, and with limited communications.
- Be independent, motivated, detail-orientated, and willing to work with a team on projects, as assigned.
- Must be willing and able to hike ~ 5 miles per day carrying up to 30 pounds.
Additional information:
At Black Rock Forest we value diversity, in our ecosystems and in our organization. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace and in our science, education, and conservation. We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented group members as we seek to diversify and strengthen our organization, science, and society.
Application materials for each position:
- Cover letter with a brief personal introduction (limited to 1 page, 12-point font)
- Resume
- Names and contact information of up to three professional references
To Apply: Combine your cover letter, resume, and list of references into a single document and upload this document to the internship position you are applying for. If you are interested in more than one internship you must apply for each one separately.
Conservation Internship (Forest Stewardship)
This spring and summer position would be looking to assist in creating and maintaining forest use and access. Working with hand tools, it would involve clearing debris, rocks, branches and sticks from roads and trails. These efforts maintain the design of the paths through the forest allowing for sustainable research, education, and recreation use. Along those paths we will focus on promoting native plants and mechanically removing invasives plant species when applicable.
Please direct questions to mbrady@blackrockforest.org
Conservation Internship (Forest Infrastructure)
This summer and fall position will be active to maintain the forest infrastructure. From repairs to stone steps, installation of drainage culverts, repairs to plant fencing, to upkeep on seasonal outdoor structures this position will be working with hand tools and alongside staff throughout the forest on a strategic maintenance plan.
Please direct questions to mbrady@blackrockforest.org
Conservation Internship (Invasive Plant Species Management)
This work would target locating, treating and removing invasive species in Black Rock Forest according to the forest management plan. Working with hand tools the position will require working on a variety of landscapes. The candidate will work solo and along side staff to identify plants and monitor its progress and effectiveness. Position will run April-July.
Please direct questions to mbrady@blackrockforest.org
Research Internship (Forest Ecology)
Support our forest monitoring and research efforts, including assisting with forest inventories and establishing new forest monitoring plots. This is primarily in the field, requiring interns to enjoy working off-trail, hiking, and carrying gear. Opportunities for office work, including data entry and mapping will arise. Start date in June or July possible, but weekday mornings a must.
Please direct questions to slapoint@blackrockforest.org
Education Internship (Environmental Education)
Join Black Rock Forest as a Summer Education Intern from July 6 to August 14 and gain invaluable hands-on experience in our Forest “living laboratory.” This position, which includes a $500 stipend, focuses on mentoring students (primarily ages 8–14) from local community organizations and Consortium member schools. As an integral part of our education team, you will work across both classroom and field settings, learning field science and fostering outdoor exploration while building a professional portfolio in environmental education and stewardship.
Please direct questions to aculotta@blackrockforest.org