Internships

Education/Outreach Intern
Location: Dartmouth, MA

The Education/Outreach Intern will work closely (May-August) with Sanctuary staff and volunteers on several Environmental Education programs based at both Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary and Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary in Wareham, MA. At these two locations in southeastern Massachusetts, Mass Audubon protects over 1000 acres and habitats that include barrier beach, coastal salt pond, and forested uplands. The internship will consist largely of program planning and teaching with opportunities for participation in the Sanctuary’s ecological projects. Primary responsibilities include: planning and facilitating hands-on, innovative environmental programming for children and teens on a variety of natural history topics, developing interactive visitor displays, serving as a teen mentor and presenting displays at several public events throughout the summer (including weekends). Intern also will have the opportunity to work with other summer interns and staff as needed on ecological management initiatives and on-the-ground wildlife monitoring. As a member of a team, some office support, custodial, and animal care tasks will be shared. Students seeking experience in education and/or working for a nonprofit conservation organization are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications: Individuals with a background in environmental studies, youth education or related field preferred. Applicants must be outgoing and have strong communication (including electronic) skills. Requirements include strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, creativity, self-motivation, sense of humor, and willingness to learn. Interns should be comfortable working independently as well as part of the Sanctuary team. Certification in CPR/First Aid desired. Experience in teaching and/or working with children and teens is helpful. The internship start/end dates are flexible beginning in May/June and running steadily into August; commitment of approximately 2-5 days/week including some weekends is required.

Benefits: This is an unpaid internship. Opportunities may be available to receive school credit. No housing provided but some assistance given to locate affordable options.

To inquire about this position:
Send cover letter, resume, and names of three references (email strongly preferred) to:
Jen Costa, Volunteer & Outreach Programs Administrator
jcosta@massaudubon.org
Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary
1280 Horseneck Road
Westport, MA 02790

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Land and Trails Intern
Location: Dartmouth, MA

The Land and Trails Intern will work closely (May-August) with Sanctuary staff and volunteers at the 695 acre Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary encompasses a barrier beach, a large coastal salt pond, and forested uplands at a rural location in southeastern Massachusetts. This is a unique opportunity to serve as an ambassador for a large property that provides important habitat for wildlife and recreational/educational opportunities for visitors, while also gaining experience in property and habitat management. Responsibilities include maintaining 5+ miles of hiking trails, assisting property staff on construction and landscaping projects, leading volunteer groups, mentoring youth crews, and assisting with our year end event. Intern will be responsible for the care and use of various tools, equipment and gas-powered machinery. Intern also will have the opportunity to work with other summer interns and staff as needed on ecological management initiatives and on-the-ground wildlife monitoring. As a member of a team, some office support, custodial, and animal care tasks will be shared. Students seeking an opportunity to develop an independent project and/or seeking experience in landscaping and resource management are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications: Individuals with background in environmental studies, natural resource management, recreational science or related field preferred. Applicants must be in good physical condition and communicate well with others. Requirements include: strong interpersonal skills; flexibility; self-motivation; and ability to move materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, walk long distances over rough terrain, and spend long days in the field while maintaining a positive attitude towards visitors and co-workers. He/she must be comfortable using a variety of tools and gas-powered machines. Intern should be comfortable working independently as well as part of the Sanctuary team. Start date and work hours are negotiable with expectation of an agreed-upon commitment that may include some weekends.

Benefits: This is an unpaid internship. Opportunities may be available to receive school credit. No housing provided but assistance given to locate affordable options.

To inquire about this position:
Send cover letter, resume, and names of three references (email strongly preferred) to:
Lauren Miller-Donnelly
laurenmiller@massaudubon.org
Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary
1280 Horseneck Road
Westport, MA 02790

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Special Events Intern
Location: Dartmouth, MA

Mass Audubon’s Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary is seeking a Special Events Intern to work alongside staff and volunteers to help plan, prepare and execute our largest fundraiser, the Duck Derby. The Sanctuary protects over 1000 acres that encompass a barrier beach, a large coastal salt pond, and forested uplands at a rural location in southeastern Massachusetts. The internship will consist largely of event planning, advance sales, and execution of the 2-day event. Responsibilities include sales of duck “adoptions” at various locations throughout the community, submitting social media and public relations updates, supporting volunteer sub-committees, and assisting with components of the event including the silent auction, tent festival, 5k road race and kid’s obstacle course. Intern will have the opportunity to learn from other summer interns and staff about ecological management initiatives and on-the-ground wildlife monitoring. As a member of a team, some office support, custodial, and animal care tasks will be shared. Students seeking experience working for a nonprofit conservation organization and/or event planning are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications: Individuals with a background in event planning, sales and/or marketing or related field(s) preferred. Applicants must be outgoing, have strong written and verbal communication skills, and be comfortable in a sales environment. Requirements include strong interpersonal skills, strong computer skills, flexibility, creativity, self-motivation, a sense of humor and willingness to learn. Intern should be comfortable working independently as well as part of the Sanctuary team. Certification in CPR/first aid desired. The internship start/end dates are flexible beginning in May/June and running steadily through August; a commitment of approximately 2-5 days/week including some weekends is required.

Benefits: This is an unpaid internship. Opportunities may be available to receive school credit. No housing provided but some assistance given to locate affordable options.

To inquire about this position:
Send cover letter, resume, and names of three references (email strongly preferred) to:
Jen Costa, Volunteer & Outreach Programs Administrator
jcosta@massaudubon.org
Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary
1280 Horseneck Road
Westport, MA 02790

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Wildlife Intern
Location: Dartmouth, MA

The Wildlife Intern will work closely (May-August) with Sanctuary staff and volunteers on several ecological projects in Dartmouth, MA and nearby locations. The 695 acre Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a barrier beach, a large coastal salt pond, and forested uplands at a rural location in southeastern Massachusetts. The internship will consist largely of ornithological field work and data management with opportunities for participation in other wildlife monitoring and outreach projects. Responsibilities include conducting breeding bird counts, surveying nesting sites for breeding coastal waterbirds, erecting and maintaining protective fencing on the beach, conducting Bluebird nest box monitoring, assisting with Osprey monitoring program, entering field data, talking with Sanctuary visitors about endangered species conservation, and preparing and displaying educational materials at public events (including weekends). Intern also will have the opportunity to work with other summer interns and staff as needed on outreach programs and stewardship projects. As a member of a team, some office support, custodial, and animal care tasks will be shared. Students seeking an opportunity to develop an independent project are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications: Individuals with background in environmental studies, wildlife biology, ornithology or related field preferred. Applicants must be in good physical condition and communicate well with others. Requirements include strong interpersonal skills; flexibility; self-motivation; and ability to move materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, walk long distances over rough terrain, and spend long days in the field regardless of weather conditions. Intern should be comfortable working independently as well as part of the Sanctuary team. Start date and work hours are negotiable with expectation of an agreed-upon commitment that may include some weekends.

Benefits: This is an unpaid internship. No housing provided but assistance given to locate affordable options.

To inquire about this position:
Send cover letter, resume, and names of three references (email strongly preferred) to:
Lauren Miller-Donnelly, Property Manager
laurenmiller@massaudubon.org
Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary
1280 Horseneck Road
Westport, MA 02790

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Part-time

Live-in Caretaker
Location: South Dartmouth, MA

Massachusetts Audubon Society’s Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary seeks a self-motivated and detail oriented individual with property maintenance experience to serve as Caretaker on a part-time basis. Under the direction of the Property Manager, the Caretaker will work closely with the director, other staff, and volunteers year-round to perform a variety of security, custodial, and maintenance duties for properties and buildings.

Responsibilities include maintaining an active presence on sanctuary; addressing building maintenance needs that include tasks relating to carpentry, roofing, painting, cleaning, plumbing, and electricity; responding to weather-related issues by removing fallen trees, snow, and/or basement water; maintaining machines, equipment, vehicle(s), and organized storage areas; mowing designated areas; providing support for ecological management, education, and stewardship projects and the staff, interns, or volunteers involved in them; removing and disposing of trash and vegetative debris; maintaining trails, visitor structures, and signage; and greeting, informing, and interacting with public. As a member of the Sanctuary team, the Caretaker will play an important role in delivering our annual Duck Derby event in August as well as other public events.

Qualifications: High school diploma required; proficiency in carpentry or other related trade preferred, plus 3 years of relevant experience. Advanced maintenance/grounds skills desired, including knowledge of building systems, landscaping, and use of power tools and machinery. Individuals with demonstrated initiative and prior experience as a janitor or carpenter, especially maintaining and repairing older buildings will be considered. Success in this position requires strong attention to detail, excellent verbal and written/ electronic communication skills, and an affinity for organization. Applicants must be able to identify maintenance problems and their solutions, be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and recurring projects, be able to focus on maintenance tasks despite frequent interruptions, be able to multi-task and work independently, enjoy working with the public, be a team player, communicate well with other staff and volunteers, be in good physical condition, and have their own vehicle. Requirements include a valid driver’s license, strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, self-motivation, ability to walk/run on grounds, and ability to move materials and equipment weighing over 50 pounds. Certification in First Aid/CPR desirable. Flexible schedule needed. Must live and sleep on-site. This position requires working 8 hours a week throughout the year on a flexible schedule.

To inquire about this position:
Send resume and cover letter to:
Gina Purtell, Sanctuary Director
gpurtell@massaudubon.org
Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary
1280 Horseneck Road
Westport, MA 02790

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Part-time Office Assistant/ Bookkeeper
Location: Dartmouth, MA

The Massachusetts Audubon Society’s Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary seeks a self-motivated, organized, and detail oriented individual with office administration experience to serve as Office Assistant on a part-time basis. Under the direction of the Sanctuary Director, the successful candidate will perform a variety of administrative duties, including some which may be complex or confidential in nature, and assist in various additional projects related to the work of the sanctuary.

Responsibilities include: processing routine financial matters of the South Coast Sanctuaries (Allens Pond and Great Neck) management units including accounts receivable and payable and financial record keeping; accounting for all income and expenses associated with fundraising events; maintaining files and office supplies; ordering gift shop inventory and handling sales; greeting visitors and members and providing excellent customer service; answering phone calls and responding to or routing inquiries; examining and routing mail; supervising office volunteers; participating in staff and Mass Audubon Administrative Team meetings; and assisting with other aspects of sanctuary operations as needed. As a member of the Sanctuary team, the Administrative Assistant will play an important role in delivering our annual Duck Derby event in August as well as other public events.

Qualifications: High school diploma required, plus 3 years of relevant office management and accounting experience; Bachelor’s degree in business administration or other related field preferred. Applicant must enjoy working with the public; be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and recurring projects; be able to focus on administrative tasks despite frequent interruptions; and be able to work productively with others in a shared office environment. Candidate must have strong computer skills and experience using a variety of software products including MS Office, Quickbooks, and Adobe programs; applicants should specify which programs they have used and in what capacity. Success in this position requires excellent communication skills, flexibility, the ability to maintain an organized office, and the ability to work well with staff and volunteers. Must possess a valid driver’s license. Team players with a demonstrated commitment to the environment, a good sense of humor and a flexible attitude will be given first priority.

This position requires working 10-20 hours a week throughout the year on a flexible schedule, potential for up to 40 hours during some weeks of July and August, occasionally during weekends and evenings.

To inquire about this position:
Send resume and cover letter to:
Gina Purtell, Sanctuary Director
gpurtell@massaudubon.org
Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary
1280 Horseneck Road
Westport, MA 02790

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Volunteering with Mass Audubon
Allens Pond offers a variety of exciting volunteer opportunities and internships for people of all interests and experience levels. Volunteers are valued members of the Mass Audubon team and provide an important link to our local communities. Whether you have a lifetime interest in nature or are just getting started, Allens Pond has a place for you.

Volunteer

Duck Derby Volunteer
Location: Dartmouth, MA

Join in the fun! The Duck Derby is our largest fundraiser, held in August at the Sanctuary. Duck Derby volunteers are instrumental in the event’s success and provide a myriad of support, from selling ducks pre-Derby, gathering items for the silent auction, staffing the Derby Festival, distributing event information, assisting with the actual race and more! These volunteers are busiest from May to August.

To inquire about this position:
Please contact:
Jennifer Costa, Volunteer and Outreach Programs Administrator
jcosta@massaudubon.org
(508) 636-2437

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Outreach Volunteer
Location: Dartmouth, MA

The Outreach volunteer will work closely with the Volunteer Coordinator to represent the Sanctuary at local events and to assist in educational program development and execution. We are looking for motivated, self-starters with the confidence to speak and present to the public and who also exhibit a thirst for knowledge and sharing that knowledge with others. Examples of Outreach volunteer duties include staffing a table at an outreach event, assisting a Teacher Naturalist in delivering a program to groups of all ages on or off of the Sanctuary and researching/developing program ideas for special events.

Qualifications: Individuals should be able to travel to local destinations and should be comfortable on their feet. Experience teaching environmental science(s) is helpful but not necessary.

To inquire about this position:
Please contact:
Jennifer Costa, Volunteer and Outreach Programs Administrator
jcosta@massaudubon.org
(508) 636-2437

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Publicity Volunteer
Location: Dartmouth, MA

The Publicity volunteer will work closely with the Volunteer Coordinator to promote Sanctuary events throughout the year, including the Allens Pond Duck Derby fundraiser which occurs in mid-August. We are looking for creative individuals with an interest in communicating about the Sanctuary and reaching a broad audience through varied media such as newspaper, TV, radio and internet. The Publicity volunteer will assist in promoting Sanctuary events by posting them to online calendars, emailing to media lists and distributing to local businesses and non-profits in person.

Qualifications: Individuals should have good writing and communication skills. Experience writing press releases is helpful but not necessary.

To inquire about this position:
Please contact:
Jennifer Costa, Volunteer and Outreach Programs Administrator
jcosta@massaudubon.org
(508) 636-2437

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Shrubland Restoration Volunteer
Location: Westport/Dartmouth, MA

Shrubland Restoration Volunteers are needed at Allens Pond to help restore native plant species on sanctuary grounds. The main goal of this ongoing project is to eradicate invasive plant species, namely Multiflora Rose and Asiatic Bittersweet. The lands that have been invaded by these species are important winter habitat for bird species such as the Brown Thrasher and the Eastern Towhee. Northern Harriers also use this habitat. Upon the removal of invasive species, Allens Pond also needs assistance with planting native species. The presence of native flora will facilitate the use of this habitat by native bird and other animal species as well. Work may be, at times, physically demanding, but rewarding and instrumental in preserving the ecological integrity of areas in and around the sanctuary.

To inquire about this position:
Please contact:
Jennifer Costa, Volunteer and Outreach Programs Administrator
jcosta@massaudubon.org
(508) 636-2437

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Weekend Docent
Location: Dartmouth, MA

The Weekend Docent will staff the field station during weekend days and will be available to greet visitors, provide information about the Sanctuary and assist in weekend program registrations.

To inquire about this position:
Please contact:
Jennifer Costa, Volunteer and Outreach Programs Administrator
jcosta@massaudubon.org
(508) 636-2437

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