Overview

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in partnership with conservation organizations offers paid field-based positions providing experience working on in-demand forestry subjects and conservation and includes job shadowing opportunities with mentors within the fields of consulting forestry, service forestry, forest health and environmental advocacy. 

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in partnership with the East Quabbin Land Trust (EQLT) seeks a motivated, self-reliant individual with a strong interest in forest ecology and management.  This paid ($20/hour) field-based position will allow the intern to gain experience working on in-demand forestry subjects and includes job shadowing opportunities with mentors within the fields of consulting forestry, service forestry, and forest health. The successful applicant will have the chance to help craft management recommendations in a unique and changing ecosystem, build their professional resume, and network with natural resource professionals. 

Intern Responsibilities

• Read and interpret maps
• Identify various tree and shrub species, catalog invasive species
• Identify and mark property boundaries
• Interact with and support landowners and visitors
• Interact with service forester, consultant forester and landowner
• Collect, manage, and analyze forest data
• Conduct forest inventories
• Recommend management practices based as part of a team
• Operate independently in a safe, professional manner
• Utilize GIS and mapping software as needed
• Self-direction with blending remote work and field work
• Complete additional stewardship practices, possibly trail design and building or invasive plant controls
• Conduct annual preserve monitoring and baseline documentation reporting

Preferred Qualifications

Working toward a B.S. or B.A. in any natural resource field, with basic experience in forestry-focused subjects. Strong observational, critical thinking, and organizational skills. Individuals must be able to work both independently and as a member of a team. Experience with data collection and management is a plus. The successful candidate will be comfortable working alone as well as in teams to accomplish tasks and be a good communicator with a positive attitude.

Hours Per Week

30-40

Desired Outcomes

This is a full-time, temporary position beginning in early-June and ending in mid-August; exact dates are somewhat flexible. The intern will be expected to work five days a week, an average of eight hours per day, with a total number of weekly hours not to exceed 40. Some additional weekend and evening work may be required, and supervisor will provide the intern proper notice in advance should this be needed.

Application Link:

Summer 2026 EQLT / MA DCR Paid Internship Application – Fill out form

Compensation

$20/hour