Land Stewardship Interns
The Southeastern New England Educational and Charitable Foundation (SNEC) has again generously funded Avalonia’s summer-long internship program. This will be an opportunity for students, enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs in natural sciences, environmental studies, land conservation, or related field, to gain experience in both the theoretical and practical aspects of land stewardship. Partnering with SNEC to develop this experiential learning opportunity continues to be an exciting new direction for Avalonia. To view a full description of the internship including application instructions, see below. Interested applicants should pay special attention to application criteria.
Position Details
Summary
Avalonia Land Conservancy is seeking Land Stewardship Interns to join our team for June – August 2026. Designed to provide 2 students with an introduction to a range of land conservation practices, this internship will be under the direction of the Director of Stewardship and serves to assist Avalonia Land Conservancy in the overall care and management of its preserves and conservation easements.
- Approximate dates: 11 weeks, June 1 – August 14, 2026 (may be adjusted depending upon availability)
- Part time: three (3) days per week (7.5 hours per day)
- $5,600 stipend (based on 250 hours)
- Schedule flexible, to be coordinated with the position supervisor
- Occasional weekend requirements
- Combination of fieldwork (80%) and office work (20%)
Responsibilities
The intern will work independently, with the Director of Stewardship, other interns, staff, and volunteers to assist in stewarding preserves. Activities may include:
- Trail and infrastructure design and maintenance to accommodate public access/use
- Implementing land management plans
- Restoring plant and wildlife habitat; managing invasive plant species
- Assisting in flora and fauna surveys
- Helping to organize and implement outreach activities and events
- Documenting activities using Landscape land conservation software
Qualifications
- Strong interpersonal skills; flexibility; self-motivation
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Willingness to perform physical labor outdoors including with possible exposure to poison ivy and ticks, sun, heat, and inclement weather.
- Valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and reliable transportation
- Demonstrated interest or experience in environmental conservation
- Field experience in landscaping, horticulture, or conservation stewardship a plus
General Criteria and Application Details
Applicants must meet EITHER of the following criteria:
- Be matriculated in a college with a physical presence within the SNEC Geographic Area
- The SNEC Geographic Area is the State of Rhode Island and New London County, Connecticut (The University of Connecticut with its Avery Point Campus is considered within the SNEC Geographic Area)
OR
- Have their permanent residence within the SNEC Geographic Area
- The SNEC Geographic Area is the State of Rhode Island and New London County, Connecticut
Additionally, applicants MUST meet ALL of the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of the United States of America
- Be enrolled in a college at the sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate level
- Be declared in a major relevant to the internship as described in the application
- Have an overall GPA above 3.0
- Have a recommendation from a professor in their major area of study
The following will be considered among qualified candidates:
- Is the applicant a veteran or child of a veteran?
- Quality of statement of experience and interest
- Quality of relevant experience
Application Deadline: 5:00pm EST on Friday March 7, 2026
Award Notification Date: Friday April 10, 2026
Anticipated Internship Term: June 1 – August 14, 2026 (flexible start and end dates)
Application must include faculty recommendation.
Applicants must demonstrate interest or experience in Environmental Conservation.
The applicant for the internship must submit the following application materials in PDF or MS Word format:
- Applicable Avalonia Internship Application Form.
- Key Points:
- If major of study is not one of the choices that is listed, please describe in detail.
- Re: Professor’s Assessment of Performance in Major Area. May attach letter or email from professor.
- Student’s Statement of Experience and Interest: describe your activities and studies in the general area of Environmental Conservation. Include specific experiences that may relate to the specific internship.
- Applicant’s resume
- Key Points:
NOTE: Recipients must be prepared to complete a concise but comprehensive report to the SNEC Foundation at the completion of the project as well as a brief mid-project progress report. Invitations for the Foundation representatives to observe relevant project milestones are required and encouraged.
The applications should be sent first to the SNEC Foundation. Applications that meet the Foundation’s criteria will be forwarded to Avalonia by SNEC.
NOTE: Applications received after the deadline will NOT be considered nor will incomplete applications.
NOTE: Questions about the specifics of the internship may be directed to either Dr. Stephen L Jackson, Vice President, Programs and Operations, SNEC, (860)235-8245, sljackson@snecfoundation.org or Tobias Glaza, Director of Stewardship, Avalonia Land Conservancy, (860)389-3905, tglaza@avalonialc.org.
After review and approval by your university’s staff and faculty please submit your completed application and any supporting documents to: sljackson@snecfoundation.org.
ALC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.