Internships

Lake Programs Field Intern
May – August 2024 (Internship could start in April if applicant is available.)

Introduction and Job Description

Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) is looking for curious and driven individuals to intern during our busy Summer 2024 Field Season.

Lake Stewards of Maine is a nonprofit organization which promotes lake stewardship through widespread citizen participation in the gathering and dissemination of credible scientific information pertaining to lake health.

Each Year, LSM engages over 1000 volunteers to monitor and collect data on over 500 lakes across the State. For nearly 30 years, LSM has worked closely with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to ensure the standardization and validity of volunteer data.

The Lake Programs Field Intern will assist the operations of both the Water Quality (WQ) and Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) teams. Tasks include but are not limited to: training of volunteers, preparation of volunteer documentation, operation of watercraft, assisting in the operation and maintenance of water quality monitoring equipment (including water quality meters, Secchi discs, and water core tubes), assisting with native and invasive aquatic plant identification, photo-documenting volunteer trainings, preparing data visualizations and guidance documents for outreach activities. The intern will be based at LSM’s main office in Auburn, ME, and also travel with the LSM staff all over Maine to assist with WQ and AIS Programs.

This is a full-time position which requires in-person work, and necessary travel with some weekend and overnight availability.  

Interested Candidates Should Possess:

• An interest in lakes and lake science
• An interest in nonprofit organizations
• Comfort in being on the water in small craft
• Interest in working with community (citizen) science volunteers across a wide spectrum of age groups and backgrounds
• Knowledge of and interest in environmental sciences, biology, or chemistry
• Experience working with scientific data
• A passion for educating others
• The ability to interpret complex systems/scientific information to non-technical audiences
• Strong interpersonal skills, including communication skills, and working with others
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions

From this experience interns can expect to gain:

• Improved understanding of lakes and lake science
• Learning the role of nonprofit organizations in advancing social and environmental benefit
• Knowledge of the inner-workings of a state-wide nonprofit organization
• Public speaking, teaching, and written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in on-water activities, including kayaking, motorboating, plant identification, and water quality monitoring
• Meet a wide range of environmental stakeholders across Maine, including individuals from partnering NGOs, State government offices, and volunteer scientists
• Understanding of the importance of water quality on local ecosystems and economies
• Understanding of the threat of aquatic invasive species to Maine’s lakes

Pay, Hours, Benefits, and Certification:

•  This is an unpaid internship; however, LSM will assist students in securing funding through their colleges or universities.
•  This is a full-time, 40-hour/week position, with hours typically from Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm.  Please note that some schedule flexibility will be needed to accommodate travel to distant workshops, etc.
• LSM Aquatic Invasive Species certification.
• LSM Water Quality certification.
• Boater safety training
• Opportunities to travel to lakes across Maine

Lake Stewards of Maine is based in Auburn, Maine, USA.  https://www.lakestewardsofmaine.org/

To Apply: Please send a resume and letter of interest in PDF format to stewards@lakestewardsme.org with subject “Re: [your name] Lake Programs Intern”

Applications will be accepted through March 17, 2024.
Selected candidates will be contacted with time slots for virtual interviews.

Lake Stewards of Maine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity and equity in all facets of the organization’s work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other protected class.