Information for Prospective Interns
Start Your Conservation Journey
The Richard G. Rockefeller Conservation Internship Program offers paid summer internships with land trusts and conservation organizations throughout Maine. Designed for students and early-career individuals interested in conservation, the program combines hands-on field experience, professional training, mentorship, and career exploration.
Whether you're pursuing environmental studies, natural resources, communications, nonprofit management, outdoor recreation, education, or simply enjoy working outdoors, this internship provides an opportunity to build skills while contributing to the stewardship of Maine's natural landscapes.
Why Apply?
As a Richard G. Rockefeller Conservation Intern, you'll gain more than just a summer job. You'll become part of a statewide cohort of interns learning from conservation professionals and exploring careers in land conservation.
What Interns Do
No previous conservation experience is required. Interns learn by doing and work closely with staff at their host organizations. Responsibilities vary by site but may include:
- Trail construction and maintenance
- Land stewardship projects
- Habitat restoration and invasive species management
- Conservation easement monitoring
- Property monitoring and field inspections
- GIS, mapping, and data collection
- Volunteer coordination
- Environmental education and outreach
- Community engagement projects
- Supporting day-to-day land trust operations
Each host organization offers a unique experience, allowing interns to explore different aspects of conservation work.
What You'll Gain
- Paid summer employment ($18/hour)
- Hands-on conservation and stewardship experience
- Professional mentorship from conservation practitioners
- Exposure to careers in environmental and conservation fields
- Leadership, teamwork, and communication skills
- Statewide networking opportunities with conservation professionals
- A cohort experience with fellow interns from across Maine
- Training and professional development opportunities
Program Structure
Program Length: 10 weeks
Approximate Dates: June 1st, 2027 to August 6th, 2027
Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Placement: One intern is placed with each participating conservation organization
After training week, interns spend the remainder of the summer working directly with their assigned host organization.
How to Apply
Application Process
- Preview application questions
- Review host sites and job descriptions (linked below)
- Submit the online application
- MCHT will match applicants with host organizations and provide hosts with several applicants to consider
- Select applicants will be invited to interview by host organizations
- Internship offers are extended to selected applicants
Applications are submitted through the online application portal and are due by January 31. 2027.