Introduction and Job Description

Title: Aquatic Invasive Species Programming Intern
Internship Status: Full-time
Location: Auburn, Maine

LSM Overview – LSM promotes lake stewardship through widespread citizen participation in the gathering and  dissemination of credible scientific information pertaining to lake health. LSM trains, certifies, and provides  technical support to hundreds of volunteers who monitor a wide range of indicators of water quality, assess  watershed health and function, and screen lakes for aquatic invasive plants and animals (AIS) and more. In addition  to being the primary source of lake data in the State of Maine, LSM volunteers benefit their local lakes by  playing key stewardship and leadership roles in their communities.

Invasive Species Programming – LSM’s Invasive Plant Patrol (IPP) program promotes prevention, early detection and rapid response at the local level by providing a wide range of training and educational resources, as well as technical support to groups and individuals across the State of Maine. To date over 4,000 individuals (mostly volunteers, but also state agency personnel, professionals, teachers, students and others) have participated in one or more IPP workshops. LSM also works in close collaboration with Maine DEP and regional partners to coordinate effective community-based rapid responses to new aquatic invasive plant (AIP) infestations; provides aquatic invasive species identification services; hosts weekly online technical support sessions; curates the Field Guide to Aquatic Phenomena app and website; participates in a host of invasive species and lake-oriented events; and manages data from hundreds of IPP volunteers.  This internship will provide opportunities to play a vital role in all of the program elements described above. 

Intern Responsibilities

• Participate and assist with Invasive Plant Patrol workshops and plant identification sessions both in person (throughout the state) and online
• Help provide technical assistance to volunteers and members of the public, as appropriate 
• Help update and disseminate published and online materials and resources, as appropriate
• Participate and assist with AIP rapid response projects
• Participate and assist with other special projects, conferences, presentations, etc., as needed 
• Assist in the continued development of the Field Guide to Aquatic Phenomena content development, crowd-sourcing and public engagement
• Assist with data entry 
• Provide general assistance to LSM staff as needed

What we are looking for in a candidate: 

• Ability to work and communicate well with others; able to work independently, as well as part of a team 
• Strong communication skills, including writing skills 
• Passion for lake/water conservation and preservation 
• Willingness to spend time on the water in boats (kayaks and motorized boats) 
• Critical attention to detail and accuracy 
• Eagerness to learn
• Means of transportation and a valid driver’s license (work related mileage will be reimbursed by LSM) 
• Competency as a swimmer
• Willingness to work a somewhat flexible work schedule (field work is weather dependent; some  workshops and events take place on weekends) 
• Familiarity with educating, mentoring and/or engaging others in a learning experience 

Beneficial but not required: 

• Botany skills and/or familiarity with dichotomous keys 
• Training related to outdoor emergency care, first-aid or similar 

What you will gain from the experience: 

• Increased knowledge, skills, and abilities 
• First-hand experience and understanding of the key role nonprofits and Tribal governments play in advancing social and environmental benefit 
• Valuable practical experience in the field of water resource protection, especially as related to aquatic invasive species and climate impacts.
• Outdoor experience and adventure on and among some of Maine’s most beautiful lakes

 Pay, hours, benefits, and certifications

• Full time internship 

• Access to a kayak, paddle, and PFD for the summer (when not in programmatic use) 
• Opportunity to participate in networking and social events through the Maine Career Catalyst  program 
• Travel across various parts of the state of Maine (mileage reimbursement by LSM) 
• Opportunities to meet and network with experienced professionals in State government and  partnering NGOs 
• Opportunities to meet and work with some of Maine’s most capable and dedicated volunteers 
• Aquatic Invasive Plant Identification Certification 
• Water Quality Certification 
• This is an unpaid internship, but we encourage the applicant to apply for funding through their institution. (We can offer resources if need be)

APPLICATIONS DUE FRIDAY, MARCH 17th

APPLICATIONS WILL BE EVALUATED ON A ROLLING BASIS

How to Apply: Please send along a PDF including your resume and letter of interest to  stewards@lakestewardsme.org with the subject [last name] Invasive Species Intern. We will follow up with time slots for interviews and if you have any questions, please direct them to stewards@lakestewardsme.org.

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.