Town of York - Mount Agamenticus Outreach Internship Program

The Town of York is seeking candidates for the Mount Agamenticus Outreach Internship Program (seasonal).

This Internship Program is a work/learning experience for students interested in environmental education, natural resource protection, stewardship, and parks & recreation management. We hope that our internship can serve as an exciting introduction for students pursuing conservation career opportunities.

The Mount Agamenticus region has become an increasingly popular destination for a myriad of outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy year round access to many miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, ATV riding, bird watching and picnicking among others. Hundreds of visitors come to Mount Agamenticus every weekend in the spring, summer and fall and include summer camps, school groups, scouts, clubs, families, tourists, and individual trail users. This refuge within heavily developed Southern Maine provides our interns with exceptional outreach and educational opportunities focusing on conservation issues and needs, ecology, history, geology, low impact recreation, water quality and wildlife.

In return for providing this experience, we expect to work with respectful, enthusiastic, mature, hard-working, dependable, creative, and motivated individuals. Interns able to grasp the importance of positive public interaction and education in the big picture will gain the greatest satisfaction. Successful interns will understand how to transform their experience and passion into inspiring and empowering the public to become environmental stewards.

Summary of Position: Mount Agamenticus supports a diverse, undeveloped coastal forest, containing the highest concentration of vernal pools in Maine. The Outreach Intern will work on land owned by conservation partners in the area who are committed to protecting the natural resources of the region while maintaining sustainable recreational access. Seven landowners are working together to balance the needs of wildlife, water quality, and recreation on more then 9,000 acres of land.

Outreach Interns will have the opportunity to perform conservation and environmental education at the summit of Mount A. Interns will develop and present displays and hands-on materials, activities, and educational programs that teach the public about wildlife, habitats, and the natural resources found within the greater Mt. Agamenticus region.

Specific tasks include: The student selected will work closely with and assist the Park Outreach Specialist. Interns will be encouraged to participate in all aspects of our outreach programs and activities.

Typical duties will include:

• Developing new educational programs, materials and displays
• Leading/Assisting guided programs and scheduled nature walks
• Updating existing interpretive material in kiosks, trail boxes and on the website
• Staffing the new Learning Lodge, greeting visitors, recommending trails and explaining conservation efforts
• Constructing and painting onsite educational facilities and signage
• Participating in habitat restoration work (invasive plant removal) and some trail maintenance
• Assisting in general maintenance tasks such as litter pick-up, garden work, sign repair, cleaning, etc.
• Assisting in administrative work; data entry and analysis, record-keeping, mailings, filing, etc.
• Attending events and assisting in kid’s activities, merchandise sales, representing and promoting Mount A
• Attending committee meetings and assisting in promotion and marketing events and programs

Depending on skills, interest, and ability, intern may have the opportunity to develop an independent project. Examples of project topics include: rare turtle species/vernal pool productivity; rare plants and wildlife; invasive plants and insects; soil compaction and erosion; expanding the volunteer network; and low impact recreational activities.

Entrance Requirements:

• A friendly, professional, articulate and outgoing personality, especially with the public
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule that will include weekends and possibly late evenings
• Willingness to learn local ecology and natural resource management principles
• Ability to work independently, with little direct supervision
• Ability to practice good, direct communication and work well as a member of the education team
• Ability to explain our work to a variety of people including outdoor enthusiasts, tourists, neighbors and school groups
• Ability to take direction easily and manage/ take initiative with assigned projects
• Ability to be creative and resourceful in creating displays
• Ability to perform tasks requiring some physical exertion, and to work in difficult terrain and weather conditions
• Knowledge of basic carpentry and painting skills, including use and maintenance of hand and power tools
• Ability to work outside at least 60% of your workday
• Ability to tolerate ticks, black flies, mosquitoes, wasps, dirt and sweat with a smile on your face
• Ability to provide your own transportation to and from Mount A
• Demonstrated previous outdoor work and people skills a plus

Dates and Hours per Week: approx. June 3rd – Aug. 11th and/or Aug. 5th - October 13th (1 position for 19-weeks or 2 positions for 10-weeks each). The position is 20-32 hours per week, and weekends and some evenings are a must. Exact starting and ending dates and hours per week will be decided on an individual basis for each intern, based on Mount A’s needs and the intern’s circumstances.

This is a volunteer internship. Affordable housing may be negotiated pending funding and availability.

To Apply: Please send your cover letter, resume, and 3 references (including the phone number, e-mail address, and mailing address for each) to:
Robin Kerr
York Parks and Recreation Dept.
186 York Street
York, Maine 03909-1314
ATTN: Mount Agamenticus Outreach Internship

OR: You may email ALL of the requested information in ONE Word or PDF document with YOUR NAME as the file name.

Contact: Robin Kerr, Conservation Coordinator at 207.361.1102 or robin@agamenticus.org

Resumes requested by April 20th and June 22nd. Positions are open until filled.