The Forest Stewards Guild, a national organization of foresters and allied natural resource professionals, is dedicated to practicing and promoting responsible forestry as a means of sustaining the integrity of forest ecosystems and the people dependent upon them. The Guild has 700 members, over half of whom are professionals who manage over 42 million acres of forestland in the United States and Canada. The Guild has programs and staff offices throughout the United States. 

The Forest Stewards Guild seeks a seasonal Resilient Forestry Intern to support forest resiliency work in partnership with National Park Service staff at Minute Man National Historical Park in Concord Massachusetts.

The Intern will work directly with this park’s natural resource team to assist with the planning and implementation of forest resiliency projects and related park needs. This work will provide hands-on experience in applied forest management within culturally significant landscapes, while supporting long-term ecosystem health. This opportunity is made possible through the Resilient Forests Initiative, a collaborative partnership between the Guild, NPS, and additional partners dedicated to restoring eastern forests that are iconic to the national park experience.

The intern’s responsibilities may include:

• Working with invasive plant management team outdoors to manage ecological health of native plant communities within a historical park, including via chemical and manual methods.
• Leading effort to develop replanting strategies for dying ash-dominated forest stands within the park.
• Developing science communication products (i.e. articles, newsletters) for Park and Friends websites relating to forest resilience and ecosystem management.
• With NPS staff and Forest Stewards Guild support- reviewing and monitoring contracted work on resilient forest management projects for accuracy and completeness.
• Working with natural resources team on other projects as assigned, including volunteer management support for field work, care for cultural landscapes like gardens and orchards, wetlands improvement projects, and more.

This position is designed to provide meaningful professional development through mentorship, exposure to NPS operations, and experience working in the field. Any necessary training will be provided. Housing will be provided at no cost for the duration of the internship.

Minium Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent is required
• Must Possess a valid driver's license and safe driving record
• Must pass a federal government background check
• Must be a US citizen
• Demonstrated outdoor field work experience in forestry, forest ecology, or other natural resources field
• Strong work ethic with the ability to pay attention to details and remain flexible
• Ability to identify trees, shrubs, and invasive plants common to the Northeastern U.S.
• Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work effectively both in a team and independently to accomplish tasks
• Ability to hike long distances carrying a 30lb pack
• Ability to work in adverse conditions and remote sites

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting forest resiliency activities such as invasive species control, tree planting, and riparian buffer restoration
• Ability to navigate with a compass and GPS
• Experience with ArcGIS

Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a B.S. degree in Natural Resources Field (e.g. Conservation Biology, Forestry, Wildlife Management)

The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, from April 6th-early October. There is some flexibility for the start and end date. 

Compensation and Benefits

• $20.00 per hour
• Workers’ compensation
• Paid Leave: Holiday, sick time, paid time off
• Compassionate leave beginning on the first day of employment
• Housing at Minute Man National Historical Park is available at no cost to the intern if needed
• Employer-sponsored comprehensive health and dental care coverage is available after 30 days of employment.   
• Short and long-term disability policies paid by the Guild after 60 days of employment.  
• Life insurance provided by the Guild after 60 days.   

The Guild is dedicated to providing an open, transparent, and just organization and workplace. We strive for clear, open, and kind communication and are committed to recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and supporting staff from underrepresented communities. We are dedicated to building a work culture that recognizes the inherent value of our employees, supports a healthy work-life balance, and provides an environment that supports career and personal growth.  

To apply:

Interested applicants should visit the Smart Recruiters posting here: link, and click “I’m Interested” to submit a one-page cover letter, resume, and three professional references. Applications must be submitted by March 8th in order to be considered.

NOTE: After clicking “Next” on the initial application page, you will have an opportunity to upload the cover letter and reference documents.