We are no longer accepting Field Intern applications for the 2020 season.
Overview:
The GMC Field Internship is a great opportunity for those looking to begin a journey in conservation work. Designed to give a well-rounded experience in trail management, our internship is perfect for folks who want to learn how to construct and maintain trails and to learn about the outreach and education involved in protecting alpine areas. The GMC typically hires 4 – 5 interns for the summer season.
All field interns begin their season by participating in the Backcountry Caretaker and Long Trail Patrol training weeks. The bulk of their summer is spent rotating through caretaking shifts on Mansfield and LTP crews (including the construction crew), giving interns a chance to try both trail crew work and alpine caretaking. Frequently throughout the season, interns accompany Field Assistants on special assignments, and occasionally they help with administrative projects at the GMC headquarters.
Interns work Monday through Friday, camping Monday through Thursday nights. Housing is provided free of charge at the GMC “Back Forty” in Waterbury Center on days off.
During weeks on an LTP crew, the GMC provides personal protective equipment, tools, and some group equipment (stove, cook-ware, first-aid supplies). Transportation to and from the work site is in a GMC LTP vehicle. Interns are responsible for their own camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc) and food, although group dinners may occasionally be provided. The GMC has a limited number of tents and sleeping pads to loan if needed.
During caretaking weeks, the GMC provides personal protective equipment, tools, and some group equipment (stove, cook-ware, first-aid supplies). Transportation to and from Mansfield is in personal vehicles or through carpooling. Interns are responsible for their own food and camping equipment (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc), but do not need a tent as camping is in shelters or cabins. The GMC has a limited number of sleeping pads to loan if needed.
2020 Position Dates: May 28th – mid-August
Schedule: Monday – Friday, camping at work site Monday – Thursday nights
Stipend: $350/week, plus housing for days off.
Supervisor: Crew Leader or Lead Caretaker while on work shift; Field Assistants; Field Supervisor
Field Staff Intern Responsibilities
- Participate in Caretaker and LTP orientations
- Responsible for following season schedule as assigned by Field Supervisor. This schedule is given at start of season and outlines which weeks will be spent on which assignments.
- Participate fully as member of LTP crew during weeks assigned to LTP. This includes hiking tools to work site, participating in trail construction projects, and assisting with camp chores as assigned. Nights are spent at LTP group campsite.
- Participate fully as member of LTP construction crew during weeks assigned to construction crew. This includes hiking tools to work site, participating in backcountry construction projects (including carpentry), and assisting with camp chores as assigned. Nights are spent at GMC staff housing or camping at work site.
- Participate in caretaker duties on Mansfield during weeks assigned to Caretaking. This includes completing trail maintenance, helping educate visitors at Mansfield visitor center, and helping educate hikers on summit. Nights are typically spent at private GMC cabin on mountain.
- Assist with Monday morning group cleaning of Back Forty.
Field Staff Intern Qualifications:
- Backpacking and outdoor experience
- Ability to live independently and work in a remote area with little supervision
- Comfort spending multiple days outdoors in sometimes adverse weather conditions
- Comfort with basic hand tools
- Ability to perform difficult manual labor and to carry heavy loads as a regular part of the workday
- Public speaking experience preferred
- Experience working in small groups on focused projects
- Wilderness First Aid certification (class available free-of-charge during orientation)
We are no longer accepting Field Intern applications for the 2020 season.
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