2024 Seasonal Field Assistant Internship
Environmental Research and Wildlife Sanctuary Operations
The Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary, a non-profit conservation and education organization located in Somesville, Maine, is seeking an upper level college student or graduate in wildlife/environmental studies who could perform a twelve-week seasonal position assisting sanctuary staff with wildlife research, environmental monitoring, land management, and education projects for the Sanctuary.
The following activities will be performed by the Field Assistant throughout the season:
- MDI Loon Monitoring Project: regular surveys for territorial behavior, nesting efforts, chick survival with thorough documentation of observations; assist with volunteer and partner coordination; assist with educational outreach; assist with management activities (information and closure signing, nest raft mgt.); organizing and preparing information for reports.
- Somes Pond-Long Pond Watershed Alewife Restoration Project: assist with data collection, public education, volunteer coordination, and stream passage maintenance.
- Courtesy Boat Inspections: help educate boaters about the threats posed by aquatic invasive species and the role that boats moving from lake to lake play; inspect boats, trailers, and equipment with boater’s permission; provide general lake, loon, & fishing information at Pond’s End boat launch, Long Pond.
- Other Sanctuary Operations: water quality sampling; public education/program presentations; trail monitoring and maintenance; invasive plant control, general building/property maintenance; project documentation; and other operations & projects.
The Field Assistant must be able to work diligently with a minimum of supervision, demonstrate a high level of responsibility and social poise representing the Sanctuary, have reliable transportation to get to various lakes on MDI, and be available during daylight hours (occasional evening work may occur). The candidate should be a strong swimmer and be comfortable paddling a kayak on local lakes to conduct loon observations. Basic equipment needs will be provided. An hourly wage will be paid, # of hours/week flexible (minimum of 25, max of 40). The Position is 12 weeks +/- depending on candidate availability; beginning mid/late May (at least part-time).
The Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary (SMWS) is a non-profit organization established in 1985 that conducts environmental research, conservation, and education programs related to our local environment. The Sanctuary owns and protects 250 acres of forests and wetlands in the Somes Pond-Long Pond watershed. We provide a variety of year-round science, natural history, and conservation programs for local residents, visitors, and schools, as well as opportunities for engagement in research and conservation projects. The Sanctuary has a long history of working with a wide range of partner organizations and volunteers to help ensure better health and resilience of our land, water, wildlife, and people. The Partner Organization of the Year Award was bestowed upon SMWS by Acadia National Park in 2020.
To apply, send a cover letter that outlines your experience and interest, a resume, and three reference contacts to:
Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary
P.O. Box 171, Mt. Desert, ME 04660
(Or send electronically to the e-mail address below)
For more information, please contact:
Billy Helprin at (207) 460-9390 or e-mail at somesmeynell@gmail.com
2023 Seasonal Field Assistant (typically a summertime position)
Environmental Research and Wildlife Sanctuary Operations
The Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary, a non-profit conservation and education organization located in Somesville, Maine, is seeking an upper level college student or graduate in wildlife/environmental studies who could perform a twelve-week seasonal position assisting sanctuary staff in a variety of environmental management duties and related projects for the sanctuary.
The following activities will be performed by the Field Assistant throughout the season:
- MDI Loon Monitoring Project: weekly territory and nesting surveys with thorough documentation of observations; assist with volunteer and organizational coordination; assist with educational outreach; assist with management activities (information and closure signing); organizing and preparing information for reports.
- Somesville Fishway Restoration Project: assist with data collection, public education, volunteer coordination, and stream passage maintenance.
- Other Sanctuary Operations: courtesy boat inspections for aquatic invasive plants; water quality sampling; public education/program presentations; trail monitoring and maintenance; visitor information, general building maintenance; office/clerical work; other operations & projects as assigned.
The field assistant must be able to work diligently with a minimum of supervision, demonstrate a high level of responsibility and social poise, have reliable transportation to get to various lakes on MDI, and be available during daylight hours (occasional evening work will be required). In addition, she/he should be a strong swimmer, and be very comfortable paddling a kayak on local lakes to complete data surveys. Basic equipment needs will be provided and an hourly wage will be paid dependent on experience. Training will be provided for multiple activities and projects. Single occupancy housing may also be available at the Sanctuary Headquarters on MDI. Position is 12 weeks or longer depending on availability; beginning mid/late May (at least part-time).
To apply, send a cover letter that outlines your experience and interest, a resume, and three reference contacts to:
Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary
P.O. Box 171, Mt. Desert, ME 04660
(Or send electronically to the e-mail address below)
For more information, please contact:
Billy Helprin at (207) 460-9390 or e-mail at somesmeynell@gmail.com