Call for Summer 2027 Intern Host Organizations

Learn more info about the program by reviewing our webpage 

Maine Coast Heritage Trust is pleased to announce the 2027 Richard G. Rockefeller Conservation Internship Program and request applications from potential host organizations. Applications are due by November 9, 2026. A Zoom info session will be offered on October 7 at 11 am. Click here to register for the info session.

Program Purpose 

To engage Maine college-aged people in the land conservation world and develop their skills and knowledge of land conservation in Maine (especially stewardship of the land). The interns will also help the participating land trusts with their workload. 

Program Description 

The Richard G. Rockefeller Conservation Internship Program is a statewide summer internship program that places college students with land trusts across Maine for hands-on, paid conservation experiences. 

Since 2016, the program has introduced students to careers in conservation while helping land trusts advance stewardship, education, outreach, and organizational projects. Interns gain practical experience, professional mentorship, and valuable connections within Maine’s conservation community. The program is administered by Maine Coast Heritage Trust in partnership with Maine’s land trust community. 

MCHT works with various Maine colleges to identify, and recruit interested students, and with Maine land conservation organizations who are prepared to host these students. Each student will be placed with a Maine land conservation organization for nine weeks, following one week of training at the beginning of the program, starting June 1st. The host organizations will be prepared to meet basic requirements regarding the work and educational experience provided to the students. Throughout the nine weeks, the program manager will be in contact with both host and student and provide support if needed. The program is intended to be mutually beneficial; the interns receive an education in conservation work and the hosting organizations receive assistance with their stewardship work. 

In 2027 we hope to place 11 interns with 11 conservation organizations. We recognize that things may be subject to change or deeply impacted by unforeseen circumstances such as a global pandemic. However, we will make every effort to find an intern for all participating host organizations. Each intern will work 40 hours per week, for 10 weeks (including the training week).  Participating organizations are required to contribute $1,000 of the $7,000 intern payment and provide housing if the intern does not live in the area of placement and requires it. 

 

Learn how to apply here.