Lake Erie Islands Environmental Steward Intern

The Lake Erie Islands Environmental Steward Intern position at Appalachian Conservation Corps involves summer conservation work on South Bass Island, Ohio. Interns will engage in educational programming, volunteer coordination, fieldwork, and outreach for local conservation efforts. Applicants should be 21-30 years old, US citizens, preferably local to the area, and must have a valid driver’s license. The role offers hands-on experience in environmental stewardship.
Appalachian Conservation Corps:

Our Individual Placement program works to connect young people to conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, DC, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation organizations.

Individual Placements gain hands-on experience at their placement site, and ACC supports them through their term, as well as provides a variety of benefits to help them succeed in achieving their career goals. ACC welcomes national applicants, but also emphasizes the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve.

Position Details

Spend your Summer advocating for and preserving the scenic and natural areas at a unique Island area in Put-In-Bay, Ohio on South Bass Island.

Appalachian Conservation Corps in partnership with the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy (LEIC), Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center (LEINWC) and Put-In-Bay Township Park District are seeking an intern to split their time between the organizations, serving in a variety of functions in and out of the field to educate the public about the unique natural history of the Lake Erie Islands and to foster appreciation and protection through conservation of these resources.

During their internship, the Environmental Steward Intern will assist with the following:
• Developing and presenting educational programming to the public including Nature Camp, Wild Tuesday or Center tours.
• Coordinate monthly volunteer events to engage community members.
• Fieldwork including the removal of invasive plant species, habitat restoration, trail maintenance, wildlife surveys.
• Outreach for both Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center and Lake Erie Islands Conservancy.

This intern will receive a range of experiences that will give them a glimpse into operations and communications of a non profit, park district, and nature center open to the public. During the term, this intern will gain experience with creating and running an educational program, handling live animals, invasive species control, social media, publishing educational and marketing content, nest box monitoring, and grant writing depending on the skill set and interests of the intern.

Put-in-Bay is located on a rural island in northern Ohio. A ferry is required to access the island and housing can be difficult to acquire, so applicants already local to the area or with housing connections will be preferred.

General Qualifications:

To qualify, you must be between the ages of 21 and 30, and a US citizen that has received a high school diploma or GED. All offers of employment are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and federal criminal background check. Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award.
• Possess a valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:
• Current undergraduate or graduate college student
• Comfortable working in a field and office environment
• Studies in Environmental field
• Local applicants preferred
• Interest in land stewardship

Benefits:
• $550/week living stipend, paid bi-weekly
• $1,565.08 AmeriCorps Segal Education Award upon successful completion of 300-hour service term (award amount varies based on length of commitment and can be used for paying off federal student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college)
• Student loan forbearance during term
• Member Assistance Program – 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist
• Uniform shirts and other necessary safety equipment is provided
• On-the-job training
• Additional subject-specific certifications and trainings may be offered
• Depending upon the academic institution and program, this position may fulfill internship requirements
• Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, alumni listserv, etc.) and exposure to natural resource career paths

How to Apply:

In addition to your resume, please submit a one page cover letter highlighting why you are interested in this position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position. Applications will be accepted until March 31st.